Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 9 - Verse 16

The verse "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." refers to a historical event in which Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, conquered the city of Gezer. Gezer was a strategic city located in the land of Canaan. Pharaoh not only captured the city but also destroyed it by setting it on fire. He then killed the Canaanite inhabitants of Gezer and gave the city as a gift to his daughter, who was married to King Solomon of Israel. This action of Pharaoh demonstrates the power dynamics and political alliances of the ancient world. It also shows how marriages were often used as tools for diplomacy and as a way to strengthen relationships between kingdoms. The verse serves as a reminder of the complex interactions between different nations and rulers during that time period.

The verse describes Pharaoh's actions in taking the city of Gezer, burning it with fire, slaying its inhabitants, and then giving it as a gift to his daughter, Solomon's wife. The theological interpretation of this verse can be understood within the context of the broader biblical narrative. Pharaoh's conquest and destruction of Gezer could signify the power dynamics and conflicts that existed between the kingdoms of Egypt and Israel during this time period. It also highlights the political alliances and intermarriages that were common among royal families in the ancient Near East. Additionally, the verse raises questions about the morality of using military force to seize territories and the consequences of such actions on innocent civilians. A word study of key terms such as "burnt," "slain," and "present" can provide further insight into the violent nature of the conquest and the political implications of giving a conquered city as a gift.