1 Kings Chapter 9 · Verse 24
But 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.
Original Language Analysis
אַ֣ךְ
H389
בַּת
daughter
H1323
בַּת
daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
2 of 15
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
עָֽלְתָה֙
came up
H5927
עָֽלְתָה֙
came up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
4 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
מֵעִ֣יר
out of the city
H5892
מֵעִ֣יר
out of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
5 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
בֵּיתָ֖הּ
unto her house
H1004
בֵּיתָ֖הּ
unto her house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בָּנָ֥ה
for her then did he build
H1129
בָּנָ֥ה
for her then did he build
Strong's:
H1129
Word #:
10 of 15
to build (literally and figuratively)
אָ֖ז
H227
בָּנָ֥ה
for her then did he build
H1129
בָּנָ֥ה
for her then did he build
Strong's:
H1129
Word #:
13 of 15
to build (literally and figuratively)
Cross References
1 Kings 11:27And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father.1 Kings 7:8And his house where he dwelt had another court within the porch, which was of the like work. Solomon made also an house for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had taken to wife, like unto this porch.2 Chronicles 32:5Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.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.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.
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?
Analysis & Commentary
But 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.
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.