King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 9:18 Mean?

1 Kings 9:18 in the King James Version says “And Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land, — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land,

1 Kings 9:18 · KJV


Context

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.

17

And Solomon built Gezer, and Bethhoron the nether,

18

And Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land,

19

And all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion. that which: Heb. the desire of Solomon which he desired

20

And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land,

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of god's covenant with solomon and his building projects, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Canaanite fertility religion promised agricultural prosperity through ritual practices honoring Baal (storm god) and Asherah (mother goddess), posing constant temptation to syncretism. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
  2. What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְאֶֽת1 of 6
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בַּעֲלָ֛ת2 of 6

And Baalath

H1191

baalath, a place in palestine

וְאֶת3 of 6
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

תַּדְמֹ֥ר4 of 6

and Tadmor

H8412

tadmor, a place near palestine

בַּמִּדְבָּ֖ר5 of 6

in the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃6 of 6

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 9:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 9:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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