Definition: [For] Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and given it [for] a present unto his daughter, Solomonâs wife.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 9:16. It’s a pretty significant passage about God’s plan for Egypt and its future. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it says: God is taking action to secure the future prosperity of Israel (the people God has chosen). He’s using this event to give Solomon's wife, his daughter, a significant gift – a place to live and thrive. Let’s unpack it further: “1 Kings 9:16 [For] Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up…” This tells us the story is about Pharaoh, who was in charge of Egypt. He was moving to a specific location (Gezer). “…and taken Gezer…” He’s essentially relocating his power and influence to this area. “…and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city.” This is the core of the event. Pharaoh’s forces deliberately destroyed a city called Gezer – which was inhabited by people from the Levant (modern-day Israel). They used fire and violence to eliminate them. “and given it [for] a present unto his daughter, Solomonâs wife.” This is the really important part. God gives this location to Solomon's wife (his daughter), as a reward for this action. He’s offering her a place to live and flourish, signifying a blessing and a future for her family. What does it all mean? This verse is seen as a sign of God’s plan to establish Israel as a powerful and prosperous nation. It’s about God protecting his people and ensuring their future. It's a moment of divine intervention where he uses force to secure the blessings for his chosen people. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted symbolically, but it also has strong implications for the future of Israel. --- Do you want me to go into more detail about any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to explain: The significance of Gezer? What does “Solomon’s wife” symbolize? How this relates to the story of David and Solomon?