1 Kings 9:17-27

17 So Solomon rebuilt Gezer.
18 Baalath, and Tamar in the desert, back-country
19 storehouse villages, and villages for chariots and horses. Solomon built widely and extravagantly in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and wherever he fancied.
20 The remnants from the original inhabitants of the land (Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites - all non-Israelites),
21 survivors of the holy wars, were rounded up by Solomon for his gangs of slave labor, a policy still in effect.
22 But true Israelites were not treated this way; they were used in his army and administration - government leaders and commanders of his chariots and charioteers.
23 They were also the project managers responsible for Solomon's building operations - 550 of them in charge of the workforce.
24 It was after Pharaoh's daughter ceremonially ascended from the City of David and took up residence in the house built especially for her that Solomon built the defense complex (the Millo).
25 Three times a year Solomon worshiped at the Altar of God, sacrificing Whole-Burnt-Offerings and Peace-Offerings, and burning incense in the presence of God. Everything that had to do with The Temple he did generously and well; he didn't skimp.
26 And ships! King Solomon also built ships at Ezion Geber, located near Elath in Edom on the Red Sea.
27 Hiram sent seaworthy sailors to assist Solomon's men with the fleet.

1 Kings 9:17-27 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 9

This chapter relates a second vision Solomon had at Gibeon, in which he received an answer to his prayer in the preceding chapter, 1Ki 9:1-9 that passed between him and Hiram king of Tyre, 1Ki 9:10-14, the places that Solomon built or repaired, 1Ki 9:15-19, the Canaanitish people that became bondmen to him, and the officers he had among the children of Israel, 1Ki 9:20-23 the removal of Pharaoh's daughter to the house built for her, 1Ki 9:24. Solomon's attention to religious services, 1Ki 9:25 and the navy of ships he employed, which brought him in great riches, 1Ki 9:26-28.

Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.