The LORD’s Response to Solomon 1Now when Solomon had finished building the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and had achieved all that he had desired to do, 2the LORD appeared to him a second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon. 3And the LORD said to him: “I have heard your prayer and petition before Me. I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting My Name there forever; My eyes and My heart will be there for all time. 4And as for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, with a heart of integrity and uprightness, doing all I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and ordinances, 5then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised your father David when I said, ‘You will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’ 6But if indeed you or your sons turn away from following Me and do not keep the commandments and statutes I have set before you, and if you go off to serve and worship other gods, 7then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and I will banish from My presence this temple I have sanctified for My Name. Then Israel will become an object of scorn and ridicule among all peoples. 8And when this temple has become a heap of rubble,a all who pass by it will be appalled and will hiss and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ 9And others will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the LORD their God who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—because of this, the LORD has brought all this disaster upon them.’” Solomon’s Additional Achievements 10Now at the end of the twenty years during which Solomon built these two houses, the house of the LORD and the royal palace, 11King Solomon gave twenty towns in the land of Galilee to Hiram king of Tyre, who had supplied him with cedar and cypressb logs and gold for his every desire. 12So Hiram went out from Tyre to inspect the towns that Solomon had given him, but he was not pleased with them. 13“What are these towns you have given me, my brother?” asked Hiram, and he called them the Land of Cabul,c as they are called to this day. 14And Hiram had sent the king 120 talents of gold.d 15This is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon imposed to build the house of the LORD, his own palace, the supporting terraces,e and the wall of Jerusalem, as well as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer. 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 Tamarf in the Wilderness of Judah,g 19as well as all the store cities that Solomon had for his chariots and horsesh —whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout the land of his dominion. 20As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)— 21their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destructioni—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. 22But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry. 23They were also the chief officers over Solomon’s projects: 550 supervisors over the people who did the work. 24As soon as Pharaoh’s daughter had come up from the City of David to the palace that Solomon had built for her, he built the supporting terraces. 25Three times a year Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar he had built for the LORD, burning incense with them before the LORD. So he completed the temple. 26King Solomon also assembled a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Elothj in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea.k 27And Hiram sent his servants, sailors who knew the sea, to serve in the fleet with Solomon’s servants. 28They sailed to Ophir and imported gold from there—420 talentsl—and delivered it to Solomon. Footnotes: 8 a Some LXX manuscripts, Syriac, and Arabic; Hebrew And though this temple is now exalted; see also 2 Chronicles 7:21. 11 b Or pine or juniper or fir 13 c Cabul sounds like the Hebrew for good-for-nothing. 14 d 120 talents is approximately 4.52 tons or 4.1 metric tons of gold. 15 e Hebrew the Millo; also in verse 24 18 f Alternate MT reading; the other alternate reads Tadmor 18 g Hebrew in the wilderness in the land 19 h Or horsemen or charioteers 21 i Forms of the Hebrew cherem refer to the giving over of things or persons to the LORD, either by destroying them or by giving them as an offering. 26 j Eloth is a variant of Elath; see LXX, 2 Kings 14:22, and 2 Kings 16:6. 26 k Or the Sea of Reeds 28 l 420 talents is approximately 15.8 tons or 14.4 metric tons of gold. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  1 Kings 9 Summary Solomon's Additional AchievementsVerses 1–9 – The LORD’s Second Appearance and the Conditional Promise Verses 10–14 – Solomon Gives Galilean Towns to Hiram Verses 15–19 – Building Projects and Forced Labor Verses 20–23 – Non-Israelite Labor and Israelite Officials Verse 24 – Pharaoh’s Daughter Moves House Verse 25 – Regular National Worship Verses 26–28 – Fleet to Ophir and Gold Imports 1 Kings 9 takes us through a pivotal moment in Solomon's reign over Israel. It includes the second appearance of God to Solomon, in which He reaffirms His covenant, but also warns of dire consequences if Solomon and his descendants turn away from Him. The chapter further details Solomon's extensive building projects and his dealings with King Hiram of Tyre. Historical Setting • 1 Kings 9 takes place in the mid-tenth century B.C., near the peak of Israel’s territorial and economic expansion under Solomon. • The temple’s dedication had occurred in Solomon’s eleventh regnal year; the palace complex took another thirteen years (1 Kings 6:38; 7:1). The LORD’s Covenant Conditions (9:1–9) • God’s promise mirrors 2 Samuel 7:12-16, yet He places fresh emphasis on obedience: “if you walk before Me… then I will establish your royal throne” (vv. 4-5). • The warning echoes Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26. Idolatry will lead to exile and the temple’s destruction—fulfilled 400 years later in 586 B.C. (2 Kings 25). • The phrase “My Name… forever” (v. 3) does not guarantee the building itself; God’s presence is contingent on their faithfulness (Jeremiah 7:4-14). Archaeological Insights: Solomon’s Building Works • Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer share identical six-chambered gate complexes and casemate walls discovered in digs; many scholars link these to Solomon’s projects. • The “Millo” likely refers to terraced stone fills in the City of David that supported royal structures—large stepped stone supports uncovered in Jerusalem match the description. • Egyptian destruction layers beneath Solomonic Gezer align with v. 16’s note that Pharaoh burned the city before gifting it to Solomon’s bride. Solomon and Hiram of Tyre (9:10–14) • Tyre’s cedar forests and seafaring expertise were vital to Solomon (1 Kings 5). • Hiram’s dissatisfaction underscores the disparity between Israel’s heartland and the less-developed northern Galilee. Isaiah 9:1 later calls the area “Galilee of the nations,” a frontier region that Jesus would make famous. • 120 talents of gold ≈ 4.5 tons, comparable to international tribute standards of the era. The Issue of Forced Labor (9:15–23) • Non-Israelite labor met royal building needs without violating Israelite liberty (Leviticus 25:39-46). • Solomon spared Israelites from chattel slavery, yet 1 Kings 5:13-14 says he did draft them for temporary labor rotations—an early tension that will surface in Rehoboam’s reign (12:4). • Joshua 13–17 lists remaining pockets of Canaanites—these groups now provide the workforce. Their status reminds readers that incomplete obedience to God’s earlier commands carried future consequences. Geography of Key Sites • Gezer guards the western approach to the hill country; Megiddo oversees the Jezreel Valley’s trade routes; Hazor commands the north. Fortifying these cities secured trade and defense. • Ezion-geber (modern Tell-el-Kheleifah) lies at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, granting access to Red Sea trade toward Africa and India. Ophir and Ancient Trade (9:26–28) • The exact location of Ophir remains debated: proposals include southern Arabia, eastern Africa, or western India. Goods elsewhere (1 Kings 10:22) such as almug wood and peacocks suit Indian Ocean origins. • Maritime trade multiplied Solomon’s wealth beyond agriculture and land caravans (Proverbs 31:14 hints at seaborne imports). Worship and National Identity (9:25) • “Three times a year” links Solomon to the pilgrimage calendar of Exodus 23:14-17. • The king’s public sacrifices reinforce that God, not Solomon, is Israel’s real ruler (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). • Incense “before the LORD” anticipates the New Testament picture of prayer (Revelation 5:8). Seeds of Future Trouble • Intermarriage with Pharaoh’s daughter (v. 24) prefigures Solomon’s many foreign wives who will “turn his heart after other gods” (11:4). • Forced labor among Israelites, though limited, will fuel grievances that split the kingdom under Rehoboam (12:16). • The very temple God now consecrates will later be plundered by Shishak of Egypt (14:25-26) and destroyed by Babylon (2 Kings 25), proving the warning true. Connections to Jesus and the New Testament • Jesus cites the queen of Sheba’s visit to Solomon (Matthew 12:42) to show that He is “greater than Solomon.” The temple points forward to Christ’s own body (John 2:19-21). • Peter refers to believers as “living stones” in a new spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5), fulfilling the idea of God’s Name dwelling permanently with His people. • Revelation 21 shows the ultimate temple-less city where “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple,” the final answer to 1 Kings 9’s conditional presence. Practical Applications for Today • Faithfulness matters more than heritage or grand buildings; ongoing obedience keeps fellowship with God alive. • National and personal blessings are tied to honoring God’s ways; idolatry in any form brings loss. • Wise stewardship of resources—Solomon’s trade, building, and administration—shows the value of planning, partnerships, and skill. • Be alert to small compromises (foreign alliances, unjust labor) that can erode integrity over time. • God’s warnings are acts of mercy, giving His people a clear path back to life and blessing (2 Chronicles 7:14). Connections to Additional Scriptures Deuteronomy 28This chapter outlines the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience, paralleling the conditional promises in 1 Kings 9. 2 Chronicles 7:12-22 This passage provides a parallel account of God's appearance to Solomon and His promises. Psalm 132:11-12 These verses echo the promise to David's lineage, reinforcing the theme of covenantal faithfulness. Teaching Points God's Second Appearance to SolomonThe LORD appeared to Solomon a second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon (1 Kings 9:2). This highlights the importance of divine encounters and the reaffirmation of God's promises. Conditional Promises God reiterates His covenant with Solomon, emphasizing obedience: If you walk before Me as your father David walked... then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever (1 Kings 9:4-5). The promise is contingent upon Solomon's faithfulness. Consequences of Disobedience God warns of the repercussions of turning away: But if you or your sons turn away from following Me... then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them (1 Kings 9:6-7). This underscores the seriousness of covenantal faithfulness. The Temple's Significance The Lord consecrates the temple, saying, My eyes and My heart will be there for all time (1 Kings 9:3). The temple is a symbol of God's presence and His commitment to His people. Solomon's Achievements and Alliances The chapter also details Solomon's accomplishments and political alliances, reflecting his wisdom and the prosperity of Israel under his reign. Practical Applications Reflect on God's FaithfulnessConsider how God has been faithful in your life and how you can respond with obedience and gratitude. Evaluate Your Walk with God Are there areas in your life where you need to realign with God's commands? Use this passage as a mirror to assess your spiritual journey. Understand the Weight of Leadership If you are in a position of leadership, recognize the responsibility to lead with integrity and faithfulness, as Solomon was called to do. Value God's Presence Just as the temple was central to Israel, prioritize God's presence in your life through prayer, worship, and community. People 1. SolomonSolomon is the central figure in 1 Kings 9. He is the king of Israel, known for his wisdom and for building the temple in Jerusalem. In this chapter, God appears to Solomon to reaffirm the covenant, emphasizing the importance of obedience to His commandments. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The LORD, or Yahweh, is the God of Israel who appears to Solomon. He speaks to Solomon, reminding him of the covenant and the conditions for its fulfillment. The Hebrew root for LORD is יהוה (YHWH), the sacred name of God. 3. David David is mentioned as Solomon's father. God refers to David when speaking to Solomon, highlighting David's faithfulness and the promise made to him regarding his descendants on the throne of Israel. 4. Pharaoh Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, is mentioned in relation to his daughter, who is Solomon's wife. Solomon builds a house for her, indicating a political alliance through marriage. 5. Hiram Hiram is the king of Tyre, who had previously assisted Solomon in building the temple by providing materials and skilled labor. In this chapter, Solomon gives Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee, which Hiram finds unsatisfactory. Places 1. JerusalemJerusalem is the city where Solomon completed the construction of the temple and his royal palace. It is the central place of worship and governance for the Israelites. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), which is often associated with peace. 2. Gibeon Gibeon is where the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, as mentioned earlier in 1 Kings. It is a significant high place before the temple was built in Jerusalem. 3. Gezer Gezer is a city that Pharaoh, king of Egypt, captured and then gave as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon's wife. Solomon rebuilt Gezer as part of his extensive building projects. 4. Lower Beth-horon Lower Beth-horon is one of the cities fortified by Solomon. It is strategically located on the route from Jerusalem to the coastal plain. 5. Baalath Baalath is another city fortified by Solomon. Its exact location is uncertain, but it is mentioned as part of Solomon's building endeavors. 6. Tadmor Tadmor, also known as Palmyra, is a city in the desert that Solomon built. It served as a trade and military outpost. 7. Lebanon Lebanon is mentioned in the context of Solomon's building projects, particularly for the supply of cedar wood from the famous cedars of Lebanon. 8. Ezion-geber Ezion-geber is a port city near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, where Solomon's fleet was stationed. It was crucial for trade and maritime activities. 9. Eloth Eloth is a city near Ezion-geber, also on the Red Sea. It served as a key location for Solomon's trade expeditions. Events 1. The LORD Appears to Solomon AgainThe LORD appears to Solomon a second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon. This event marks a significant moment where God reaffirms His covenant with Solomon, emphasizing the importance of obedience to His statutes and commands. The Hebrew root for "appeared" (נִרְאָה, nir'ah) indicates a visible manifestation of God's presence. 2. God's Promise and Warning God promises to establish Solomon's throne over Israel forever if Solomon walks in integrity and righteousness, following the example of David. However, God also warns that if Solomon or his descendants turn away from Him and serve other gods, Israel will be cut off from the land. The Hebrew word for "integrity" (תָּם, tam) conveys completeness and moral innocence. 3. The Consequence of Disobedience God warns that if Israel forsakes Him, the temple will become a byword and an object of scorn among all peoples. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience, emphasizing the seriousness of covenant faithfulness. The Hebrew term for "byword" (מָשָׁל, mashal) implies a proverb or parable, often used to illustrate a moral lesson. 4. Solomon's Building Projects Solomon undertakes extensive building projects, including the construction of the temple, his royal palace, and the fortification of several cities. This highlights Solomon's role as a builder and administrator, fulfilling the tasks set before him. The Hebrew root for "build" (בָּנָה, banah) signifies constructing or establishing something with permanence. 5. The Cities Given to Hiram Solomon gives twenty cities in the land of Galilee to Hiram, king of Tyre, as a gesture of gratitude for his assistance in providing materials for the temple. However, Hiram is displeased with the cities, calling them "Cabul," which means "worthless" or "good for nothing" in Hebrew. This reflects the importance of mutual satisfaction in diplomatic relations. 6. Solomon's Forced Labor Solomon raises a labor force from the descendants of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not Israelites. This labor force is used for his building projects, illustrating the use of non-Israelite labor in the kingdom. The Hebrew term for "forced labor" (מַס, mas) indicates a levy or conscription for public works. 7. Solomon's Offerings and Festivals Solomon continues to offer burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar he built for the LORD, following the prescribed festivals three times a year. This demonstrates Solomon's commitment to maintaining the religious practices and ordinances established by the law. The Hebrew word for "offerings" (קָרְבָּן, korban) denotes a gift or sacrifice brought near to God. 8. Solomon's Fleet and Trade Solomon builds a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, and engages in trade with Ophir, bringing back gold. This event underscores Solomon's expansion of Israel's economic influence and wealth. The Hebrew root for "fleet" (אֳנִי, oni) refers to a collection of ships, often used for commerce or exploration. Topics 1. The LORD’s Covenant with SolomonIn 1 Kings 9:1-9, the LORD appears to Solomon after he finishes building the temple and his royal palace. God reaffirms His covenant with Solomon, promising to establish his throne if he remains faithful. The Hebrew word for "covenant" (בְּרִית, ^berit^) emphasizes the solemn agreement between God and Solomon, highlighting the conditional nature of the promise based on obedience. 2. Solomon’s Achievements and Building Projects Verses 10-14 describe Solomon's extensive building projects, including the construction of cities and fortifications. The passage also details the exchange between Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre, involving the gifting of cities. The Hebrew term for "cities" (עָרִים, ^arim^) underscores the significance of urban development in Solomon's reign. 3. Forced Labor and Administration In 1 Kings 9:15-23, the text outlines Solomon's use of forced labor for his building projects. The Hebrew word for "forced labor" (מַס, ^mas^) indicates the labor levy imposed on the non-Israelite population, reflecting the administrative and economic strategies of Solomon's kingdom. 4. Solomon’s Religious Observances Verses 24-25 highlight Solomon's dedication to religious practices, including offering sacrifices at the temple. The Hebrew root for "sacrifice" (זָבַח, ^zabach^) signifies the act of worship and devotion, emphasizing Solomon's commitment to maintaining religious observance as part of his rule. 5. Solomon’s Naval Expeditions The chapter concludes with verses 26-28, describing Solomon's establishment of a fleet of ships and his collaboration with Hiram to bring gold from Ophir. The Hebrew term for "fleet" (אֳנִיּוֹת, ^oniyyot^) reflects the expansion of Israel's trade and influence, showcasing Solomon's strategic and economic acumen. Themes 1. Divine Covenant and PromiseIn 1 Kings 9, God reaffirms His covenant with Solomon, emphasizing the conditional nature of His promises. The Lord appears to Solomon and reminds him of the promise made to David, stating, "If you walk before Me as your father David walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing all I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and ordinances" (1 Kings 9:4). The Hebrew word for "integrity" (תָּם, tam) implies completeness and sincerity, highlighting the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. 2. Obedience and Consequences The chapter underscores the theme of obedience to God's commandments and the consequences of disobedience. God warns Solomon, "But if you or your sons turn away from following Me and do not keep the commandments and statutes I have set before you" (1 Kings 9:6). The Hebrew root for "turn away" (שׁוּב, shuv) suggests a deliberate departure from God's path, leading to dire consequences. 3. Divine Presence and Sanctification The sanctity of the temple is emphasized as God declares, "I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting My Name there forever; My eyes and My heart will be there for all time" (1 Kings 9:3). The Hebrew word for "consecrated" (קָדַשׁ, qadash) indicates setting apart for a holy purpose, signifying the temple as a dwelling place for God's presence. 4. Judgment and Exile The potential for judgment and exile is a recurring theme, as God warns of the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness: "Then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them, and I will reject this temple I have sanctified for My Name" (1 Kings 9:7). The Hebrew verb "cut off" (כָּרַת, karat) conveys a sense of severance, reflecting the severity of divine judgment. 5. International Relations and Influence The chapter also touches on Solomon's interactions with other nations, particularly through his dealings with Hiram of Tyre and the construction projects. This theme highlights the influence and reach of Solomon's reign, as well as the importance of maintaining godly principles in international relations. 6. Wealth and Prosperity Solomon's wealth and prosperity are evident in his extensive building projects and trade endeavors. The chapter describes his achievements, reflecting the blessings that come with obedience to God. However, it also serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of material wealth if not accompanied by spiritual fidelity. 7. Legacy and Future Generations The theme of legacy is present as God speaks to Solomon about the future of his dynasty. The emphasis on walking in God's ways and the impact on future generations underscores the importance of leaving a godly legacy, as seen in the conditional promise of a lasting throne for David's lineage. Answering Tough Questions 1. In 1 Kings 9:11, how could Solomon give Hiram twenty cities in Galilee, and is there any historical or archaeological evidence confirming this exchange? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does God's second appearance to Solomon in 1 Kings 9 reinforce the principles of obedience and faithfulness? 2. In what ways does the covenant God makes with Solomon relate to the New Covenant made through Jesus Christ? 3. How does Solomon's interaction with Hiram reflect on the balance between political alliances and spiritual commitments? 4. In the context of present-day living, how can we apply God's warning to Solomon about the consequences of disobedience? 5. How does Solomon's use of forced labor from the non-Israelite population reflect on his leadership? 6. In light of 1 Kings 9, how can we ensure we are using our resources (time, talent, treasure) in a way that pleases God? 7. How do Solomon's construction projects metaphorically relate to our personal spiritual development? 8. How does 1 Kings 9 inspire us to continually focus on obedience to God in our lives? 9. In today's world, how can we identify when we are drifting away from God's commandments and refocus our priorities? 10. How do God's warnings and promises in this chapter relate to the concept of divine justice? 11. How can we discern between beneficial alliances and those that might lead us astray from God’s purpose, as seen in Solomon's interactions with Hiram? 12. How does the gold from Ophir symbolize the spiritual treasures we seek in our lives? 13. What lessons can be learned from Hiram's dissatisfaction with the towns given to him by Solomon? 14. How might Solomon's extensive building projects be viewed in terms of social justice and fair treatment of labor? 15. What are some contemporary situations where we might face a dilemma similar to Solomon’s and how should we handle it according to biblical principles? 16. How do we maintain our devotion to God in the face of worldly successes and advancements, as seen in Solomon's story? 17. How does Solomon's reign illustrate the dangers of forgetting God’s commandments despite blessings and prosperity? 18. What are the key lessons for leaders in today's society from Solomon's story? 19. How can we apply the theme of obedience and consequences in our personal and community life? 20. How does 1 Kings 9 encourage us to build a strong foundation on God's commandments in our personal lives? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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