Baalath, and Tamar in the Wilderness of Judah, BaalathThis word refers to a city that was part of Solomon's extensive building projects. The name "Baalath" is derived from the root "Baal," which means "lord" or "master" in Hebrew. This city, like others named after Baal, reflects the cultural and religious influences of the Canaanites, who worshiped Baal as a deity. Solomon's inclusion of Baalath in his building endeavors demonstrates his administrative reach and the integration of various cultural elements into his kingdom. It also serves as a reminder of the potential spiritual pitfalls of syncretism, where the worship of the true God could be compromised by the inclusion of pagan practices. Tamar
This location is often associated with a place of significance in the wilderness of Judah. The name "Tamar" means "palm tree" in Hebrew, symbolizing beauty and fruitfulness in an otherwise arid region. The mention of Tamar highlights Solomon's strategic and resourceful expansion into less hospitable areas, showcasing his wisdom in utilizing all available resources. It also serves as a metaphor for spiritual growth and prosperity in the midst of life's deserts, encouraging believers to trust in God's provision and guidance even in challenging circumstances. in the Wilderness of Judah
This phrase situates Tamar geographically and culturally within the broader context of Judah's territory. The "Wilderness of Judah" is a rugged, barren area, often associated with testing and solitude in biblical narratives. It is the same wilderness where David sought refuge from Saul, and where John the Baptist would later preach repentance. The wilderness represents a place of both physical desolation and spiritual preparation. Solomon's building efforts here reflect his desire to fortify and develop even the most remote parts of his kingdom, symbolizing the believer's call to cultivate faith and resilience in the face of adversity. This phrase invites reflection on the transformative power of God's presence in the wilderness seasons of life, where reliance on Him can lead to unexpected growth and strength. Persons / Places / Events 1. BaalathA city built by King Solomon, mentioned in the context of his extensive building projects. Its exact location is uncertain, but it is believed to be in the region of Dan or near Gezer. 2. TamarA location in the Wilderness of Judah. It is associated with Solomon's building activities and is thought to be a strategic site for trade or military purposes. 3. Wilderness of JudahA desert region in the southern part of the Kingdom of Judah. It is often associated with solitude and testing in biblical accounts. 4. King SolomonThe son of King David, known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. 5. Building ProjectsSolomon's reign was marked by significant construction efforts, which included cities, fortifications, and infrastructure to support his kingdom's prosperity and security. Teaching Points The Importance of Strategic PlanningSolomon's building of Baalath and Tamar demonstrates the importance of strategic planning in leadership. As believers, we are called to be wise stewards of our resources and opportunities. God's Provision in the WildernessThe mention of Tamar in the Wilderness of Judah reminds us that God provides for His people even in desolate places. We can trust Him to guide and sustain us through our own "wilderness" experiences. Legacy and InfluenceSolomon's extensive building projects left a lasting legacy. Our actions and decisions today can have a significant impact on future generations. We should strive to build a legacy that honors God. Balancing Material and Spiritual PrioritiesWhile Solomon's achievements were impressive, they also serve as a reminder to balance material pursuits with spiritual devotion. Our ultimate focus should be on building God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Solomon's strategic building of cities like Baalath and Tamar about planning and preparation in our own lives? 2. How does the Wilderness of Judah serve as a metaphor for spiritual testing and growth? Can you identify a "wilderness" experience in your life where you saw God's provision? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our legacy is one that honors God and positively influences future generations? 4. How do Solomon's building projects reflect both his wisdom and potential pitfalls? What lessons can we draw about balancing material success with spiritual priorities? 5. Can you think of other biblical figures who experienced significant events in the wilderness? How did those experiences shape their faith and relationship with God? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 9:15-19Provides a broader context of Solomon's building projects, including the construction of the Temple, his palace, and various cities. 2 Chronicles 8:6Offers a parallel account of Solomon's building activities, emphasizing his efforts to fortify cities and establish trade routes. Genesis 21:14The Wilderness of Judah is reminiscent of the wilderness experiences of biblical figures like Hagar and Ishmael, highlighting themes of testing and divine provision. People Amorites, Canaanites, David, Geber, Gibeon, Hiram, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Ophir, Perizzites, Pharaoh, Solomon, TamarPlaces Baalath, Beth-horon, Brook of Egypt, Cabul, Edom, Egypt, Eloth, Ezion-geber, Galilee, Gezer, Gibeon, Hazor, Jerusalem, Lebanon, Megiddo, Millo, Ophir, Red Sea, Tamar, TyreTopics Baalath, Ba'alath, Desert, Judah, Tadmor, Tamar, Waste, Wilderness, WithinDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 9:15-19 5119 Solomon, life of 1 Kings 9:17-19 5315 fortifications Library Promises and Threatenings
'And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do. 2. That the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as He had appeared unto him at Gibeon. 3. And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before Me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put My name there for ever; and Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureGadara
There was a double Gadara. One at the shore of the Mediterranean sea: that was first called Gezer, 1 Kings 9:15. In Josephus, "Simon destroyed the city Gazara, and Joppe, and Jamnia."--And in the Book of the Maccabees, "And he fortified Joppe, which is on the sea, and Gazara, which is on the borders of Azotus." At length, according to the idiom of the Syrian dialect, Zain passed into Daleth; and instead of Gazara, it was called Gadara. Hence Strabo, after the mention of Jamnia, saith, "and there …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Whether Solicitude Belongs to Prudence?
Objection 1: It would seem that solicitude does not belong to prudence. For solicitude implies disquiet, wherefore Isidore says (Etym. x) that "a solicitous man is a restless man." Now motion belongs chiefly to the appetitive power: wherefore solicitude does also. But prudence is not in the appetitive power, but in the reason, as stated above [2746](A[1]). Therefore solicitude does not belong to prudence. Objection 2: Further, the certainty of truth seems opposed to solicitude, wherefore it is related …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Prophecy Pertains to Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that prophecy does not pertain to knowledge. For it is written (Ecclus. 48:14) that after death the body of Eliseus prophesied, and further on (Ecclus. 49:18) it is said of Joseph that "his bones were visited, and after death they prophesied." Now no knowledge remains in the body or in the bones after death. Therefore prophecy does not pertain to knowledge. Objection 2: Further, it is written (1 Cor. 14:3): "He that prophesieth, speaketh to men unto edification." Now speech …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether it is Lawful to Give and Receive Money for Spiritual Actions?
Objection 1: It seems that it is lawful to give and receive money for spiritual actions. The use of prophecy is a spiritual action. But something used to be given of old for the use of prophecy, as appears from 1 Kings 9:7,8, and 3 Kings 14:3. Therefore it would seem that it is lawful to give and receive money for a spiritual action. Objection 2: Further, prayer, preaching, divine praise, are most spiritual actions. Now money is given to holy persons in order to obtain the assistance of their prayers, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Seven Seas According to the Talmudists, and the Four Rivers Compassing the Land.
"Seven seas (say they) and four rivers compass the land of Israel. I. The Great Sea, or the Mediterranean. II. The sea of Tiberias. III. The sea of Sodom. IV. The lake of Samocho... The three first named among the seven are sufficiently known, and there is no doubt of the fourth:--only the three names of it are not to be passed by. IV. 1. The Sibbichaean. The word seems to be derived from a bush. 2. ... 3. ... V. Perhaps the sandy sea. Which fits very well to the lake of Sirbon, joining the commentary …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica How to Split a Kingdom
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt); 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Greater Prophets.
1. We have already seen (Chap. 15, Nos. 11 and 12) that from Moses to Samuel the appearances of prophets were infrequent; that with Samuel and the prophetical school established by him there began a new era, in which the prophets were recognized as a distinct order of men in the Theocracy; and that the age of written prophecy did not begin till about the reign of Uzziah, some three centuries after Samuel. The Jewish division of the latter prophets--prophets in the more restricted sense of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Beginning at Jerusalem
The whole verse runs thus: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." The words were spoken by Christ, after he rose from the dead, and they are here rehearsed after an historical manner, but do contain in them a formal commission, with a special clause therein. The commission is, as you see, for the preaching of the gospel, and is very distinctly inserted in the holy record by Matthew and Mark. "Go teach all nations," …
John Bunyan—Jerusalem Sinner Saved The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
"If any one wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south." Such was the saying, by which Rabbinical pride distinguished between the material wealth of Galilee and the supremacy in traditional lore claimed for the academies of Judaea proper. Alas, it was not long before Judaea lost even this doubtful distinction, and its colleges wandered northwards, ending at last by the Lake of Gennesaret, and in that very city of Tiberias which at one time had been reputed unclean! …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
OR, GOOD NEWS FOR THE VILEST OF MEN; BEING A HELP FOR DESPAIRING SOULS, SHOWING THAT JESUS CHRIST WOULD HAVE MERCY IN THE FIRST PLACE OFFERED TO THE BIGGEST SINNERS. THE THIRD EDITION, IN WHICH IS ADDED, AN ANSWER TO THOSE GRAND OBJECTIONS THAT LIE IN THE WAY OF THE THEM THAT WOULD BELIEVE: FOR THE COMFORT OF THEM THAT FEAR THEY HAVE SINNED AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST. BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. London: Printed for Elizabeth Smith, at the Hand and Bible, on London Bridge, 1691. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to Christians to be Holy. By John Bunyan.
Holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever.'--[Psalm 93:5] London, by B. W., for Benj. Alsop, at the Angel and Bible, in the Poultrey. 1684. THE EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This is the most searching treatise that has ever fallen under our notice. It is an invaluable guide to those sincere Christians, who, under a sense of the infinite importance of the salvation of an immortal soul, and of the deceitfulness of their hearts, sigh and cry, "O Lord of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 9:18 NIV1 Kings 9:18 NLT1 Kings 9:18 ESV1 Kings 9:18 NASB1 Kings 9:18 KJV
1 Kings 9:18 Commentaries
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