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, Solomon's wife.

1 KINGS 9:16KJV
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1 Kings 9:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 9:16 mean?

1 Kings 9:16 explains that Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, attacked and destroyed the city of Gezer, killing the Canaanite inhabitants and burning the city, and then gave the city as a gift to his daughter, who was married to Solomon. This verse shows how Gezer came under Israelite control through a political alliance rather than direct conquest by Israel.

The verse is part of a larger section describing Solomon's building projects and alliances. It highlights the political relationship between Israel and Egypt during Solomon's reign, showing that Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter brought tangible benefits, such as the city of Gezer. This detail helps explain how Solomon expanded his influence and resources.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 9:16

  • גֶּזֶר (Gezer, Gezer): This is the name of the city involved. Gezer was a significant Canaanite city in the region, and its transfer to Solomon marks a notable shift in control.
  • תְּנָה (tenah, given): This word means "given," emphasizing that Pharaoh intentionally presented Gezer as a gift, not just as a conquered spoil, but as part of a diplomatic exchange.
  • שִׁלֻּחִים (shilluchim, present): This word means "present" or "dowry," highlighting that the gift of Gezer was part of the marriage arrangement, which was a common practice in ancient royal alliances.

Why 1 Kings 9:16 matters

  • 1 Kings 9:16 clarifies that Gezer became part of Israel not through Israelite military action, but through an alliance with Egypt, which is unusual compared to other territorial gains in the Old Testament.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of political marriages in the ancient world, showing how they could bring significant material and strategic advantages.
  • This detail helps explain the broader context of Solomon's reign, where international relationships and alliances played a key role in the growth and stability of his kingdom.

Where else these words appear

“present” Hebrew H7964 · used in 3 verses

  • Exodus 18:2 Then Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back,
  • Micah 1:14 Therefore shalt thou give presents to Moreshethgath: the houses of Achzib shall be a lie to the kings of Israel.

“Gezer” Hebrew H1507 · used in 14 verses

  • Joshua 10:33 Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish; and Joshua smote him and his people, until he had left him none remaining.
  • Joshua 21:21 For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her suburbs,
  • 1 Kings 9:17 And Solomon built Gezer, and Bethhoron the nether,

“Canaanites” Hebrew H3669 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 10:18 And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.
  • Numbers 14:45 Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah.
  • Judges 1:3 And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him.

“burnt” Hebrew H8313 · used in 107 verses

  • Genesis 11:3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
  • Joshua 7:15 And it shall be, that he that is taken with the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath: because he hath transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel.
  • Psalms 46:9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.