Pharaoh 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. Pharaoh king of EgyptThe title "Pharaoh" refers to the ruler of ancient Egypt, a powerful and influential civilization during the time of the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for Pharaoh is "פַּרְעֹה" (Par'oh), which signifies the great house or palace, symbolizing the authority and might of the Egyptian monarchy. Historically, Egypt was a dominant force in the region, and its interactions with Israel were significant. This particular Pharaoh's actions demonstrate the political alliances and power dynamics of the time. had attacked and captured Gezer
Gezer was a strategically important city located in the Shephelah region of ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for "attacked" is "לָכַד" (lakad), meaning to capture or seize. Archaeological evidence supports the historical existence of Gezer, with findings such as the Gezer Calendar, which provides insight into the agricultural practices of the time. The capture of Gezer by Pharaoh indicates a military campaign that had significant implications for the region's control and influence. He had set it on fire
The act of setting a city on fire was a common military tactic in ancient times, symbolizing total conquest and destruction. The Hebrew word "שָׂרַף" (saraph) means to burn or incinerate. This action not only demonstrated Pharaoh's dominance but also served as a warning to other cities and nations about the consequences of opposing Egyptian power. killed the Canaanites who lived in the city
The Canaanites were the original inhabitants of the land of Canaan, which included Gezer. The Hebrew term "כָּנַעֲנִי" (Kana'ani) refers to these people, who were often in conflict with the Israelites. The extermination of the Canaanites in Gezer reflects the brutal realities of ancient warfare and the fulfillment of divine judgment against the Canaanites, as seen in other parts of the Old Testament. and given it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon’s wife
The practice of giving cities or territories as dowries was a common diplomatic strategy in ancient times to solidify alliances between powerful families or nations. The Hebrew word for "dowry" is "שִׁלּוּחִים" (shilluḥim), indicating a gift or endowment. This act of giving Gezer as a dowry to Solomon's wife, Pharaoh's daughter, highlights the political alliance between Egypt and Israel, strengthening Solomon's reign and expanding his influence. This marriage alliance also reflects the wisdom and strategic acumen of Solomon, who sought to secure peace and prosperity for his kingdom through such relationships. Persons / Places / Events 1. Pharaoh, King of EgyptThe ruler of Egypt who attacked and captured Gezer. His actions demonstrate the political alliances and power dynamics of the time. 2. GezerA strategically located city in ancient Canaan, which was captured and destroyed by Pharaoh. It was later given as a dowry to Solomon's wife. 3. CanaanitesThe original inhabitants of Gezer who were killed by Pharaoh. Their presence in the land was often a point of conflict for the Israelites. 4. SolomonThe King of Israel, known for his wisdom and wealth. His marriage to Pharaoh's daughter signifies a political alliance. 5. Pharaoh’s DaughterSolomon's wife, whose marriage to Solomon was sealed with the gift of Gezer, indicating a significant political alliance. Teaching Points The Complexity of Political AlliancesPolitical alliances, such as Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter, can bring both benefits and challenges. Believers should consider the spiritual implications of their alliances and partnerships. The Consequences of Incomplete ObedienceThe presence of Canaanites in Gezer serves as a reminder of the consequences of incomplete obedience to God's commands. Believers are encouraged to fully follow God's instructions in their lives. The Role of Marriage in Political StrategyIn ancient times, marriages often served as political tools. Today, believers should view marriage as a sacred covenant rather than a strategic alliance. God’s Sovereignty in World AffairsDespite human political maneuvers, God remains sovereign over world events. Believers can trust in God's ultimate plan and purpose. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the capture of Gezer by Pharaoh reflect the political dynamics of the ancient Near East, and what can we learn from this about the nature of political alliances today? 2. In what ways does the presence of the Canaanites in Gezer illustrate the consequences of incomplete obedience to God’s commands? 3. How does Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter align or conflict with the warnings given in Exodus 23:32-33? 4. What lessons can we draw from the use of marriage as a political tool in ancient times, and how should this influence our understanding of marriage today? 5. How can we see God’s sovereignty at work in the events described in 1 Kings 9:16, and how does this encourage us to trust in His plans for our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 16:10This verse mentions the Canaanites living in Gezer, highlighting the ongoing presence of Canaanites in the land and the incomplete conquest by the Israelites. 1 Kings 3:1This verse describes Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter, establishing the political alliance between Israel and Egypt. Exodus 23:32-33These verses warn against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land, which can be seen as a backdrop to the political alliances Solomon formed. 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 Attacked, Burnt, Canaanite, Canaanites, Captured, Daughter, Egypt, Fire, Gezer, Gift, Inhabitants, Killed, Pharaoh, Portion, Slain, Solomon's, Wedding, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 9:16 5325 gifts
5654 betrothal
5674 daughters
5679 dowry
5710 marriage, customs
5742 wedding 1 Kings 9:15-19 5119 Solomon, life of 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 9:16 NIV1 Kings 9:16 NLT1 Kings 9:16 ESV1 Kings 9:16 NASB1 Kings 9:16 KJV
1 Kings 9:16 Commentaries
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