15 This is the work record of the labor force that King Solomon raised to build The Temple of God, his palace, the defense complex (the Millo), the Jerusalem wall, and the fortified cities of Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer. 16 Pharaoh king of Egypt had come up and captured Gezer, torched it, and killed all the Canaanites who lived there. He gave it as a wedding present to his daughter, Solomon's wife. 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. 28 They embarked for Ophir, brought back sixteen tons of gold, and presented it to King Solomon.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Kings 9:15-28
Commentary on 1 Kings 9:15-28
(Read 1 Kings 9:15-28)
Here is a further account of Solomon's greatness. He began at the right end, for he built God's house first, and finished that before he began his own; then God blessed him, and he prospered in all his other buildings. Let piety begin, and profit follow; leave pleasure to the last. Whatever pains we take for the glory of God, and to profit others, we are likely to have the advantage. Canaan, the holy land, the glory of all lands, had no gold in it; which shows that the best produce is that which is for the present support of life, our own and others; such things did Canaan produce. Solomon got much by his merchandise, and yet has directed us to a better trade, within reach of the poorest. Wisdom is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold, Proverbs 3:14.