Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 9:15. It's a really important passage about the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem! Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, it means that King Solomon was raising money to build a magnificent temple for God and for himself. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And this [is] the reason…” - This is just setting up the context – we're going to learn why there's a levy (a tax) being collected. “…of the levy which king Solomon raised…” - "Levy" means a tax or payment. “Which king Solomon raised” tells us this isn’t something that happened spontaneously, but was planned and organized by him. “…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 is the key part! It lists all the important buildings that were going to be built. Let’s translate it a bit: The House of the LORD: This refers to God’s dwelling place – specifically, the temple in Jerusalem. His own house: This means the King's residence, which would be a very important and luxurious place. Millo: This is an ancient Hebrew word that means “a large building” or “a large structure.” It’s likely referring to the King’s palace. The wall of Jerusalem: This refers to the defensive walls surrounding the city of Jerusalem, which were crucial for protection. Hazor: A significant coastal city in Israel. Megiddo: A prominent ancient city in Israel. Gezer: Another important ancient city in Israel. So, putting it all together: King Solomon was raising money to construct a grand temple dedicated to God, as well as his own palace and defensive walls within Jerusalem. It’s a huge undertaking – a massive building project! Why is this significant? This verse highlights the importance of religious worship and the dedication of a powerful king. It shows that Solomon was prioritizing God's presence and establishing a center for worship and power in his kingdom. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this event? Connect it to other biblical stories about building projects or temple construction?