And Solomon built Gezer, and Bethhoron the nether,

1 KINGS 9:17KJV
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1 Kings 9:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 9:17 mean?

1 Kings 9:17 states that Solomon built up the cities of Gezer and Bethhoron the nether (lower Bethhoron). This verse highlights part of Solomon’s building projects, showing his efforts to strengthen and expand his kingdom’s infrastructure.

The verse is part of a larger passage describing King Solomon’s activities after completing the temple and his own palace. The text lists specific cities that Solomon either rebuilt or fortified, emphasizing his role as a builder and organizer. The mention of Gezer and lower Bethhoron points to important strategic locations west and northwest of Jerusalem, which Solomon secured for defense and administration.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 9:17

  • בָּנָה (banah, “built”): This word means to construct or rebuild. Here, it suggests that Solomon did more than just repair these cities—he likely fortified and improved them, making them stronger and more useful for his kingdom.
  • גֶּזֶר (Gezer, “Gezer”): Gezer was a significant city on the western border of Israel. Its mention shows Solomon’s concern for securing border towns, especially those that controlled key trade and military routes.
  • בֵּית חוֹרוֹן (Bethhoron, “Bethhoron”): Bethhoron refers to two towns (upper and lower) on a main route from the coastal plain to Jerusalem. The focus on the “nether” (lower) Bethhoron (תַּחְתּוֹן, takhton) highlights the importance of controlling both the ascent and descent along this strategic pass.

Why 1 Kings 9:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Solomon’s building efforts extended beyond Jerusalem, showing his attention to the broader security and prosperity of Israel.
  • The mention of specific cities like Gezer and Bethhoron helps readers see the practical side of Solomon’s reign, not just his wisdom or temple-building, but also his administrative and military planning.
  • Understanding the locations and significance of these cities connects this verse to the wider biblical narrative, where control of such sites often meant stability or vulnerability for Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Bethhoron” Hebrew H1032 · used in 13 verses

  • Joshua 10:10 And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.
  • Joshua 18:13 And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:68 And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs,

“nether” Hebrew H8481 · used in 13 verses

  • Joshua 16:3 And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:5 Also he built Bethhoron the upper, and Bethhoron the nether, fenced cities, with walls, gates, and bars;
  • Ezekiel 41:7 And there was an enlarging, and a winding about still upward to the side chambers: for the winding about of the house went still upward round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house was still upward, and so increased from the lowest chamber to the highest by the midst.

“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 9:16 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.