Melachim I Perek 9

• Shlomo received his second prophecy.

• The gist of the prophecy was: Hashem’s “eyes and heart” will always be focused on the Beis Hamikdash, provided that Yisrael keeps the Torah and serves Hashem with a sincere desire.

• Chiram, king of Tsur, provided Shlomo with the cedar trees, cypress trees and gold needed for Shlomo’s general construction.

• In return, Shlomo gave Chiram 20 cities in the Galil as a gift.

• Chiram did not like the cities because essentially, they were quicksand and unfit for construction (Rashi.)

• The Navi lists several towns in which Shlomo built.

• Shlomo exacted a “human labor” tax from the Emori, Chiti, Prizi, Chivi and Yevusi nations who were taken as servants and not killed.

Note: these were the remnants of the nations that were left over from the time of Yehoshua.

• Shlomo had Yisrael work in various jobs and positions needed for the army.

• Bas Paroh moved to a different palace that Shlomo had built.

• Three times a year Shlomo brought sacrifices to Hashem. Shlomo also lit the incense for Hashem.

• Shlomo built ships for maritime travel and protection, together with the king of Chiram’s men, who served along side of his men.