What is the meaning of 1 Kings 9:24? As soon as Pharaoh’s daughter had come up Solomon’s marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter (1 Kings 3:1) was a political alliance, but the verse notes her movement “up,” pointing to Jerusalem’s elevation and to a moment Solomon deemed important. • The timing—“as soon as”—shows Solomon waited for her relocation before finishing the next project. • It underlines his sense of order: first secure the queen’s dwelling, then advance the city works (compare 2 Chronicles 8:11). • Though the marriage later contributed to Solomon’s spiritual decline (1 Kings 11:1-4), the narrative here simply records the event without condemnation, affirming historical accuracy. from the City of David The City of David (2 Samuel 5:7-9) was the old Jebusite stronghold David captured. • It lay on the lower ridge south of the temple mount, originally housing royal structures. • Moving Pharaoh’s daughter away preserved the sacred precinct, echoing the principle in Deuteronomy 12:10-14 that holy space be protected from foreign influence. • David’s city remained a core of worship (Psalm 122:1-3), so Solomon ensured its purity. to the palace that Solomon had built for her Solomon erected a separate house within his expanded palace complex (1 Kings 7:8). • He honored his wife’s dignity while keeping her distinct from the temple area (2 Chronicles 8:11). • This respects the stipulation that no foreigner should dwell where the ark had been housed (Numbers 1:51). • The action foreshadows later compromises; yet here it reveals Solomon’s organizational zeal and lavish provision. he built the supporting terraces With her settled, Solomon turned to fortifying Jerusalem. The “supporting terraces” (Millo) were massive retaining walls and stepped fills. • First referenced in 2 Samuel 5:9, the Millo stabilized the slope between the City of David and the temple mount. • 1 Kings 9:15 lists it among Solomon’s chief construction works alongside the temple and palace. • Jeroboam later repaired a breach there (1 Kings 11:27), indicating its strategic military value. • By linking the queen’s move with the terraces, Scripture highlights Solomon’s simultaneous concern for domestic order and national security. summary 1 Kings 9:24 records a three-fold progression: Pharaoh’s daughter leaves the old royal quarter, enters her own palace, and immediately afterward Solomon strengthens the city’s defenses. The verse underscores Solomon’s methodical leadership—prioritizing royal residence, preserving sacred space, and fortifying the kingdom. It affirms Jerusalem’s centrality, hints at the complexities introduced by foreign alliances, and showcases God’s fulfillment of His promise to establish Israel in security (1 Kings 9:3-5). |
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