Gezer is an ancient city of significant historical and biblical importance, located in the Shephelah region of ancient Israel. It is mentioned multiple times in the Bible and is notable for its strategic location on the route between Egypt and Mesopotamia, making it a key site for trade and military endeavors.

Biblical References and Historical Context

Gezer is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of the conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 10:33 , it is recorded that "Then Horam king of Gezer went up to help Lachish, but Joshua struck him down along with his people, leaving no survivors." This indicates that Gezer was initially a Canaanite city that resisted Israelite conquest.

Later, in the period of the Judges, Gezer remained under Canaanite control, as noted in Judges 1:29 : "Ephraim failed to drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer, so the Canaanites continued to dwell among them in Gezer."

Solomon's Fortification of Gezer

The most significant biblical reference to Gezer in the context of Solomon's reign is found in 1 Kings 9:15-17 , which states: "This is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon conscripted to build the house of the LORD, his own palace, the supporting terraces, the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer. Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire, killed the Canaanites who lived there, and given it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon’s wife. So Solomon rebuilt Gezer."

This passage highlights several key points about Gezer during Solomon's reign:

1. Strategic Importance: Gezer's location made it a critical site for defense and control over the region. By fortifying Gezer, Solomon secured a vital point along the trade and military routes.

2. Political Alliance: The city was given to Solomon as part of a dowry when he married Pharaoh's daughter, indicating a significant political alliance between Israel and Egypt. This alliance would have strengthened Solomon's position both politically and economically.

3. Construction and Fortification: Solomon's rebuilding of Gezer is part of his broader efforts to fortify key cities in his kingdom. This construction project is indicative of Solomon's wisdom and administrative capabilities, as he sought to secure his kingdom and enhance its infrastructure.

Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological excavations at Tel Gezer have uncovered substantial evidence of fortifications dating to the time of Solomon. These include massive stone walls and gates, which align with the biblical account of Solomon's building activities. The Solomonic gate complex discovered at Gezer is similar in design to those found at Hazor and Megiddo, further corroborating the biblical narrative of Solomon's extensive building projects.

Cultural and Theological Significance

Gezer's fortification under Solomon reflects the broader themes of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. The city's inclusion in Solomon's building projects underscores the prosperity and stability of Israel during his reign, a period often viewed as a high point in the nation's history. Solomon's ability to fortify and control such a strategic location is seen as a testament to the wisdom granted to him by God, as described in 1 Kings 3:12 : "Behold, I have done what you requested. I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been anyone like you before, nor will there ever be."

In summary, Gezer's fortification by Solomon is a significant event that highlights the city's strategic importance, the political alliances of the time, and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel through the wise and prosperous reign of Solomon.1 Kings 9:15-17
And this is the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.
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1 Kings 12:23
Speak to Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the remnant of the people, saying,
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How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ...
... CHAPTER 6. How Solomon Fortified The City Of Jerusalem, And Built Great Cities;
And How ... among the strongest, Hazor and Megiddo, and the third Gezer, which had ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how solomon fortified.htm

Results of Transgression
... Solomon sought to strengthen his position politically by building fortified cities
at the gateways of commerce. He rebuilt Gezer, near Joppa, lying along the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

The Israelites
... not captured till the reign of David, Gezer was the ... and was not only a strongly-
fortified fortress, but ... and regret to the glorious days of David and Solomon. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... him hard; the neighboring cities of Gezer, Lachish, and ... by Shishak, five years after
the death of Solomon. ... his royal city; the walls I fortified against him ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... judges"The Philistines and the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon, the defection ...
Beeroth, Kirjath-Jearim, Ajalon, Gezer, and the cities of the plain, for ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... campaign of his VIIIth year were fortified in this ... Lachish, Ajalon, Shocho, Adora,
Aphukin, Keilah, Gezer, and Ono ... attributed to the reign of Solomon, are the ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

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