Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 21. The river. Euphrates. Challoner.—To, or “of the land,” terræ. Bible.—This river may denote the torrent Besor, as Solomon’s dominions extended not only as far as Gaza, but also to the oriental branch of the Nile, verse 24. Thus one verse explains the other. There were, indeed, no kingdoms ( Calmet.) in this portion of land, which is now quite barren: but formerly it had several cities, and they belonged to various kings of Egypt, Arabia, the Philistines, and so forth Bible.—Hebrew may be rendered “from the river, (Euphrates) the land of the Philistines, and to the border,” and so forth ( Calmet.) agreeably to 2 Chronicles 9:26. He exercised authority over all the kings from the river Euphrates to the land, and so forth Hebrew “the river even unto,” and so forth Solomon had all the kings of Syria, Ammon, the Philistines, and so forth under him; so that his empire took in all that had been promised to Abraham. Bible. See Saint Augustine q. 21. Josue.