“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.”– 1 Kings 9:15 (KJV)
“Here is the account of the forced labor King Solomon conscripted to build the Lord’s Temple, his own palace, the supporting terraces, the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.”– 1 Kings 9:15 (NLT)
“This is the reason for the work details that King Solomon put together: to build the Temple of God, his own palace, the terraces, the wall around Jerusalem, and the cities of Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.”– 1 Kings 9:15 (MSG)
What Does 1 Kings 9:15 Mean?
The verse from 1 Kings 9:15 has a significant meaning connected to the reign of King Solomon and his ambitious construction projects. Solomon was known for his wisdom, but he was also a king of grand designs. This particular verse serves to highlight the massive efforts undertaken for building vital structures, including the sacred Temple of the Lord and his own royal palace. In this context, we see a king at work, building what he believed were necessary foundations for his kingdom. Solomon understood the important role these structures would play in the spirituality and governance of his people.
The verse details the locations of interest—Jerusalem, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer—revealing Solomon’s vision not only for Jerusalem but for the entire region. Solomon’s reign was characterized by peace and prosperity, enabling him to focus on these developments. This was a time when the kingdom was unified, and there was no warfare demanding the king’s attention. As a result, he could dedicate resources and labor to these impressive construction projects. Understanding the proactive measures Solomon took gives us a glimpse into the responsibilities of good leadership. It illustrates the importance of careful planning and thoughtful vision toward building a community for the nation.