Topical Encyclopedia
Jerusalem, the city chosen by God as the dwelling place for His Name, holds a significant place in biblical history. Under King Solomon, the son of David, Jerusalem underwent substantial fortification and expansion, solidifying its status as the political and spiritual center of Israel.
Historical ContextFollowing the reign of King David, Solomon ascended to the throne and inherited a kingdom that was experiencing peace and prosperity. Solomon's reign, which lasted from approximately 970 to 931 BC, is often characterized by wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects. One of his most notable achievements was the construction and fortification of Jerusalem, which included the building of the First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple.
Biblical AccountThe Bible provides several references to Solomon's efforts in fortifying Jerusalem. In
1 Kings 9:15 , it is recorded: "This is the account of the forced labor 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." This passage highlights Solomon's use of conscripted labor to enhance the city's defenses and infrastructure.
Solomon's construction projects were not limited to the Temple and his palace. He also built the Millo, a structure or series of terraces that fortified the city. The Millo is mentioned in
1 Kings 11:27 , which states, "This is the reason he rebelled against the king: Solomon had built the supporting terraces and repaired the gap in the wall of the city of his father David."
Strategic ImportanceJerusalem's fortification under Solomon was of strategic importance. The city was located on a plateau in the Judean Mountains, making it a natural fortress. By strengthening its walls and infrastructure, Solomon ensured that Jerusalem could withstand potential invasions and maintain its status as the heart of the Israelite nation.
Religious SignificanceThe fortification of Jerusalem was not merely a military endeavor; it also had profound religious implications. The construction of the Temple, as described in
1 Kings 6 and
2 Chronicles 3, established Jerusalem as the central place of worship for the Israelites. The Temple housed the Ark of the Covenant and became the focal point for religious festivals and sacrifices, drawing pilgrims from all over the nation.
LegacySolomon's fortification of Jerusalem set the stage for the city's enduring significance throughout biblical history. It became the symbol of God's presence among His people and the center of Jewish worship. The city's fortifications, though later expanded and rebuilt by subsequent kings, laid the foundation for Jerusalem's role as a pivotal city in the biblical narrative.
In summary, Solomon's fortification of Jerusalem was a multifaceted project that combined military, political, and religious elements. It reinforced the city's defenses, enhanced its infrastructure, and established it as the spiritual heart of Israel, a legacy that would endure for generations.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Kings 3:1And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.
Nave's Topical Index1 Kings 9:15
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.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
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 He Brought Some Of The Canaanites Into Subjection, And Entertained The ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how solomon fortified.htm
The Description of Jerusalem.
... 1. The city of Jerusalem was fortified with three ... Accordingly, it was called the
"Citadel," by king David; he was the father of that Solomon who built this ...
/.../chapter 4 the description of.htm
The Rending of the Kingdom
... He was careful to make these fortified cities "exceeding ... Lord God of Israel came
to Jerusalem, to sacrifice ... and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 6 the rending of.htm
How the King of Babylon Took Jerusalem and Burnt the Temple and ...
... out of the city, through the fortified ditch, and ... Accordingly, he came to Jerusalem
in the eleventh ... particularly that large laver which Solomon dedicated, as ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how the king.htm
In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... When the Maccabee Jonathan finally cleared Jerusalem of the ... first, or old wall, which
was fortified by sixty ... ordinary church, in the time of Solomon, [539] had ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm
Results of Transgression
... Solomon sought to strengthen his position politically by building fortified cities
at the ... Beth-horon, to the westward of Jerusalem, commanding the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm
The Kingdom of all Israel.
... When David took it, he named it Jerusalem, or the vision of peace, fortified it,
built ... splendour were accomplished in his peaceful son, Solomon, who asked ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm
The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 6. How Solomon Fortified The City Of Jerusalem, And Built Great Cities;
And How He Brought Some Of The Canaanites Into Subjection, And Entertained The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/
Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... agrees, when it saith, "Beginning at Jerusalem." Let the Jerusalem sinner, says ... Here
is also Solomon, Manasseh, Peter, Magdalen, and many others, made mention ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm
The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... text agrees, when it saith, 'Beginning at Jerusalem.' Let the Jerusalem sinner,
says ... Here is, also, Solomon, Manasseh, Peter, Magdalene, and many others, made ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm
Resources
What is the significance of the city of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgShould Jerusalem be the capital of modern-day Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the daughters of Jerusalem in Song of Solomon? | GotQuestions.orgJerusalem: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
