1 Kings 9:17
New International Version
And Solomon rebuilt Gezer.) He built up Lower Beth Horon,

New Living Translation
So Solomon rebuilt the city of Gezer.) He also built up the towns of Lower Beth-horon,

English Standard Version
so Solomon rebuilt Gezer) and Lower Beth-horon

Berean Standard Bible
So Solomon rebuilt Gezer, Lower Beth-horon,

King James Bible
And Solomon built Gezer, and Bethhoron the nether,

New King James Version
And Solomon built Gezer, Lower Beth Horon,

New American Standard Bible
So Solomon rebuilt Gezer and the lower Beth-horon,

NASB 1995
So Solomon rebuilt Gezer and the lower Beth-horon

NASB 1977
So Solomon rebuilt Gezer and the lower Beth-horon

Legacy Standard Bible
So Solomon rebuilt Gezer and the lower Beth-horon

Amplified Bible
So Solomon rebuilt [and fortified] Gezer and Lower Beth-horon,

Christian Standard Bible
Then Solomon rebuilt Gezer, Lower Beth-horon,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Solomon rebuilt Gezer, Lower Beth-horon,

American Standard Version
And Solomon built Gezer, and Beth-horon the nether,

Contemporary English Version
So Solomon had the town rebuilt. Solomon ordered his workers to rebuild Lower Beth-Horon,

English Revised Version
Solomon built Gezer, and Beth-horon the nether,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Solomon rebuilt Gezer, Lower Beth Horon,

Good News Translation
and Solomon rebuilt it.) Using his forced labor, Solomon also rebuilt Lower Beth Horon,

International Standard Version
So Solomon rebuilt Gezer, lower Beth-horon,

Majority Standard Bible
So Solomon rebuilt Gezer, Lower Beth-horon,

NET Bible
Solomon built up Gezer, lower Beth Horon,

New Heart English Bible
Solomon built Gezer, and Lower Beth Horon,

Webster's Bible Translation
And Solomon built Gezer, and Beth-horon the nether,

World English Bible
Solomon built in the land Gezer, Beth Horon the lower,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Solomon builds Gezer, and the lower Beth-Horon,

Young's Literal Translation
And Solomon buildeth Gezer, and Beth-Horon the lower,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Solomon will build Gezer, and the house of the hollow below,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So Solomon built: Gazer, and Beth-horon the nether,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, Solomon built up Gezer, and lower Beth-horon,

New American Bible
Solomon then rebuilt Gezer), Lower Beth-horon,

New Revised Standard Version
so Solomon rebuilt Gezer), Lower Beth-horon,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Solomon built Gezer and Beth-hauran the lower

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Solomon built Gezer and Bayth Khuran the Lower
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Solomon built Gezer, and Beth-horon the nether,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Numerous Achievements
16Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire, killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and given it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon’s wife. 17So Solomon rebuilt Gezer, Lower Beth-horon, 18Baalath, and Tamar in the Wilderness of Judah,…

Cross References
2 Chronicles 8:5-6
He rebuilt Upper and Lower Beth-horon as fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars, / as well as Baalath, all the store cities that belonged to Solomon, and all the cities for his chariots and horses—whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout the land of his dominion.

1 Kings 3:1
Later, Solomon formed an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying his daughter. Solomon brought her to the City of David until he had finished building his palace and the house of the LORD, as well as the wall around Jerusalem.

1 Kings 7:13-14
Now King Solomon sent to bring Huram from Tyre. / He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Huram had great skill, understanding, and knowledge for every kind of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and carried out all his work.

1 Kings 11:27
and this is the account of his rebellion against the king. Solomon had built the supporting terraces and repaired the gap in the wall of the city of his father David.

2 Chronicles 1:14-17
Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. / The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills. / Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue. ...

2 Chronicles 9:25-28
Solomon had 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots, and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. / He reigned over all the kings from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. / The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills. ...

2 Chronicles 32:5
Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise up towers on it. He also built an outer wall and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David, and he produced an abundance of weapons and shields.

2 Chronicles 11:5-12
Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah. / He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, / Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam, ...

2 Samuel 5:9
So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces inward.

2 Samuel 12:26-31
Meanwhile, Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and captured the royal fortress. / Then Joab sent messengers to David to say, “I have fought against Rabbah and have captured the water supply of the city. / Now, therefore, assemble the rest of the troops, lay siege to the city, and capture it. Otherwise I will capture the city, and it will be named after me.” ...

1 Kings 4:26
Solomon had 4,000 stalls for his chariot horses and 12,000 horses.

1 Kings 10:26
Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem.

1 Kings 12:25
Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And from there he went out and built Penuel.

1 Kings 15:17-22
Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. / So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace. He entrusted it to his servants and sent them with this message to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: / “Let there be a treaty between me and you as there was between my father and your father. See, I have sent you a gift of silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.” ...

2 Chronicles 16:1-6
In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. / So Asa withdrew the silver and gold from the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he sent it with this message to Ben-hadad king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: / “Let there be a treaty between me and you as there was between my father and your father. See, I have sent you silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

And Solomon built Gezer, and Bethhoron the nether,

Beth-horon

Joshua 16:3
And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.

Joshua 19:44
And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath,

Joshua 21:22
And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs; four cities.

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Beth Bethhoron Beth-Horon Beth-Hor'on Builder Buildeth Built Gezer Horon Lower Nether Rebuilt Solomon
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Beth Bethhoron Beth-Horon Beth-Hor'on Builder Buildeth Built Gezer Horon Lower Nether Rebuilt Solomon
1 Kings 9
1. God's covenant in a vision with Solomon
10. The mutual presents of Solomon and Hiran
15. In Solomon's works the Gentiles were his bondmen, the Israelites servants
24. Pharaoh's daughter removes to her house
25. Solomon's yearly solemn sacrifices
26. His navy fetches gold from Ophir














So Solomon rebuilt Gezer
Gezer was a significant Canaanite city-state located in the Shephelah region of ancient Israel. It was strategically positioned on the trade route between Egypt and Mesopotamia, making it a valuable asset for any ruler. The rebuilding of Gezer by Solomon indicates his efforts to fortify and secure his kingdom's borders. Historically, Gezer was given to Solomon as a dowry by Pharaoh, king of Egypt, after he captured and burned it (1 Kings 9:16). This act of rebuilding reflects Solomon's political alliances and his commitment to strengthening Israel's defenses. The archaeological excavations at Gezer have uncovered Solomonic gates, which align with the biblical account of Solomon's extensive building projects.

Lower Beth-horon
Lower Beth-horon, along with Upper Beth-horon, was part of a strategic pass that connected the coastal plain with the hill country of Ephraim and Jerusalem. This route was crucial for military and trade purposes. The rebuilding of Lower Beth-horon by Solomon was part of his broader strategy to fortify key locations throughout his kingdom. This area had historical significance, as it was the site of Joshua's victory over the Amorites (Joshua 10:10-11), where God intervened with hailstones and extended daylight. Solomon's construction efforts here demonstrate his wisdom in maintaining control over important military routes and ensuring the security of his kingdom. The fortification of Beth-horon also symbolizes the peace and prosperity during Solomon's reign, as he could focus on building rather than constant warfare.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by peace and prosperity in Israel.

2. Gezer
An ancient Canaanite city that was given to Solomon as a dowry when he married Pharaoh's daughter. It was strategically important and needed fortification.

3. Lower Beth-horon
A town located on the border of Ephraim and Benjamin, significant for its strategic military position on the route from the coastal plain to the hill country.

4. Rebuilding
This refers to Solomon's efforts to fortify and enhance these cities, ensuring the security and prosperity of his kingdom.
Teaching Points
Strategic Stewardship
Solomon's rebuilding of Gezer and Lower Beth-horon demonstrates the importance of strategic planning and stewardship in leadership. As Christians, we are called to wisely manage the resources and opportunities God provides.

Legacy of Peace
Solomon's efforts to fortify cities reflect his desire to maintain peace and security. In our lives, we should strive to build a legacy of peace, both spiritually and relationally, by fortifying our faith and relationships.

God's Provision and Promises
The acquisition and fortification of these cities remind us of God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises. We should trust in God's faithfulness to provide for our needs and fulfill His promises in our lives.

Wisdom in Action
Solomon's actions are a testament to applying God-given wisdom in practical ways. We are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in our decisions and actions, ensuring they align with His will.(17) Beth-horon the nether.--The name "Beth-horon" ("the house of caves,") was given to two small towns or villages (still called Beit--r), near Gezer, commanding the steep and rugged pass from the maritime plain, celebrated for three great victories of Israel--the great victory of Joshua (Joshua , 10), the victory of Judas Maccabaeus (1 Maccabees 3:13-24), and the last victory of the Jews over the Roman army of Cestius Gallus, before the fall of Jerusalem (Josephus, Wars of the Jews, ii. 19). The lower Beth-horon stands On a low eminence on the edge of the plain.

Verse 17. - And Solomon built Gezer [In the case of Gezer it was an actual rebuilding. But as applied to Beth-boron, etc., "built" probably means enlarged, strengthened] and Beth-horon the nether [mentioned in connexion with Gezer, Joshua 16:3 (cf. 10:10). It is deserving of mention that the two cities of Beth-horon still survive in the modern villages of Beitur el-tahta and el-fok," names which are "clearly corruptions of Beth-horon "the Nether" and "the Upper" (Stanley, S. and P., p. 208): One lies at the foot of the ravine, on an eminence, the other at the summit of the pass. Like Megiddo and Gezer, this town, too, lay on a high road, viz., that between Jerusalem and the sea coast. The selection of Beth-horon for fortification by Solomon is also justified by history - three decisive battles having been fought here (see Joshua 10:10; 1 Macc. 3:13-24, and Jos., Bell Jud. 2.19.8. The object of the king in fortifying this place was to protect the uplands of Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim against invasion from the Philistine plain. It is perhaps not unnoteworthy that, according to our author, it was Beth-horon the nether that Solomon "built," as this would naturally have suffered more than its loftier neighbour from war. According to 2 Chronicles 8:5, however, Solomon built Beth-horon the upper also.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Solomon
שְׁלֹמֹה֙ (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

rebuilt
וַיִּ֤בֶן (way·yi·ḇen)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1129: To build

Gezer,
גָּ֔זֶר (gā·zer)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1507: Gezer -- 'portion', a Levitical city on the border of Ephraim

Lower
תַּחְתּֽוֹן׃ (taḥ·tō·wn)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8481: Lower, lowest

Beth-horon,
חֹרֹ֖ן (ḥō·rōn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1032: Beth-horon -- 'place of a hollow', two adjoining cities in Palestine


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OT History: 1 Kings 9:17 Solomon built Gezer and Beth Horon (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 9:16
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