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Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 8 - Verse 4

8:4
And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities, which he built in Hamath.

Meaning

In this verse, King Solomon is credited with building Tadmor in the wilderness along with all the store cities that he built in Hamath. Tadmor, also known as Palmyra, was an ancient city located in present-day Syria. The mention of building Tadmor in the wilderness may indicate the impressive feat of constructing a city in a remote and desolate area. It reflects King Solomon's wealth, power, and ability to undertake ambitious architectural projects. As for the store cities in Hamath, these were strategically located cities used for military and administrative purposes to store supplies and provisions. The building of these cities demonstrates King Solomon's efforts to strengthen his kingdom's infrastructure and defenses. Overall, this verse highlights King Solomon's prowess as a builder and leader, showcasing his accomplishments in expanding his kingdom and ensuring its prosperity.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of the verse 'And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities, which he built in Hamath,' could be the significance of establishing cities in the wilderness as a form of civilization and order in barren lands. This act of building cities in the wilderness can be seen as a reflection of human innovation and perseverance in the face of challenges posed by nature. It may also symbolize the idea of God's presence and provision in desolate places, as the act of building cities in the wilderness demonstrates human reliance on divine guidance and protection. Additionally, the mention of store cities in Hamath underscores the importance of strategic locations for storing resources and goods during ancient times, highlighting the practical aspect of city planning in biblical times.

American Standard Version

And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store-cities, which he built in Hamath.
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