Solomon rebuilt the cities that Hiram had given to him, and settled the people of Israel in them.
This we had Kg1 9:10-24, and therefore shall only observe here, I. Though Solomon was a man of great learning and knowledge, yet he spent his days, not in contemplation, but in action, not in his study, but in his country, in building cities and fortifying them, in a time of peace preparing for a time of war, which is as much a man's business...
Commenting on 2 Chronicles 8:1-11
And Solomon went to Hamathzobah,.... In an hostile manner, which is the only instance of any warlike expedition of Solomon's. This was Coelesyria, which though subdued in the times of David, perhaps rebelled, and now Solomon went forth to reduce it: and prevailed against it; took it.
That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there. (b) That is, which Hiram gave again to Solomon because they did not please him and therefore called them Cabul, that is, dirt or filth, .