1
It took Solomon twenty years to build the LORD ’s Temple and his own royal palace. At the end of that time,
2
Solomon turned his attention to rebuilding the towns that King Hiram had given him, and he settled Israelites in them.
3
Solomon also fought against the town of Hamath-zobah and conquered it.
4
He rebuilt Tadmor in the wilderness and built towns in the region of Hamath as supply centers.
5
He fortified the towns of Upper Beth-horon and Lower Beth-horon, rebuilding their walls and installing barred gates.
6
He also rebuilt Baalath and other supply centers and constructed towns where his chariots and horses could be stationed. He built everything he desired in Jerusalem and Lebanon and throughout his entire realm.
7
There were still some people living in the land who were not Israelites, including the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.