1 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.
Original Language Analysis
וְזֶ֨ה
H2088
דְבַר
And this is the reason
H1697
דְבַר
And this is the reason
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 24
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַמַּ֜ס
of the levy
H4522
הַמַּ֜ס
of the levy
Strong's:
H4522
Word #:
3 of 24
properly, a burden (as causing to faint), i.e., a tax in the form of forced labor
אֲשֶֽׁר
H834
אֲשֶֽׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֶעֱלָ֣ה׀
raised
H5927
הֶעֱלָ֣ה׀
raised
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
5 of 24
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּיתוֹ֙
and his own house
H1004
בֵּיתוֹ֙
and his own house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
10 of 24
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֤ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 24
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּיתוֹ֙
and his own house
H1004
בֵּיתוֹ֙
and his own house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
13 of 24
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
of Jerusalem
H3389
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
of Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
18 of 24
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חָצֹ֥ר
and Hazor
H2674
חָצֹ֥ר
and Hazor
Strong's:
H2674
Word #:
20 of 24
chatsor, the name (thus simply) of two places in palestine and of one in arabia
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
21 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Joshua 17:11And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Beth-shean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of En-dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, even three countries.1 Kings 9:24But Pharaoh's daughter came up out of the city of David unto her house which Solomon had built for her: then did he build Millo.1 Kings 5:13And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men.2 Samuel 5:9So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.Joshua 19:36And Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor,Joshua 11:1And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,Joshua 16:10And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.Judges 1:29Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of god's covenant with solomon and his building projects, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.