HE HAD APPEARED TO HIM AT GIBEON: When Solomon had
asked for knowledge (1Ki 3:5-9).
1Ki 9:11
TWENTY TOWNS IN GALILEE: It looks very much here as if
Galilee, the land of Jesus, was looked down upon (Isa 9:1; cp Joh 1:46), and
considered unimportant by King Solomon (who symbolizes the Jews); it was also
called "good for nothing" or "dirty" by Hiram (who symbolizes the
Gentiles).
1Ki 9:13
After inspecting these cities, Hiram gave them back to Solomon
(2Ch 8:2). The despised, "good-for-nothing", "dirty" Galilean cities were passed
back and forth -- from Jew to Gentile and back again. Thus they represent the
despised Jesus of Nazareth -- in Galilee -- for, at the time of his trial, he
was also passed back and forth between Herod the Jew and Pilate the
Gentile!
1Ki 9:15
SUPPORTING TERRACES: "Millo" (NIV mg; AV). From rt "to
fill". Fortifications on the west side of Jerusalem, built by David (2Sa 5:9;
1Ch 11:8), Solomon (here), and Hezekiah (2Ch 32:5) (IBD).