And Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land,
Baalath and Tadmor in the wilderness were among the cities Solomon built, together with store cities and cities for chariots and for horsemen. He rebuilt and fortified these cities at strategic points along major trade routes, with Tadmor in the wilderness standing on the caravan route from the East. Their locations gave Israel the opportunity to meet travelers from many nations and reveal the true God to them.
Solomon instead used this building work to exalt himself, seeking to surpass other nations in grandeur and display and to strengthen his own position, at the sacrifice of right principles. The power and riches he gained through this ambition became a curse to him. Because the cities were used for self-strengthening rather than witness, the travelers passing through remained ignorant of God.
Baalath and Tadmor in the wilderness were among the cities Solomon built, together with store cities and cities for chariots and for horsemen. He rebuilt and fortified these cities at strategic points along major trade routes, with Tadmor in the wilderness standing on the caravan route from the East. Their locations gave Israel the opportunity to meet travelers from many nations and reveal the true God to them.
Solomon instead used this building work to exalt himself, seeking to surpass other nations in grandeur and display and to strengthen his own position, at the sacrifice of right principles. The power and riches he gained through this ambition became a curse to him. Because the cities were used for self-strengthening rather than witness, the travelers passing through remained ignorant of God.