In the ancient Near East, it was common for rulers to form alliances through marriage. Solomon married an Egyptian princess to strengthen ties with Egypt. The Egyptian king gave Solomon the city of Gezer as a wedding gift (1 Kings 9:16), showing respect for Solomon. The Egyptian king was likely Siamun from the weakened 21st dynasty. The alliance was mutually beneficial: Pharaoh gained access to trade routes through Israel, while Solomon increased security on his southern border. Solomon had also married Naamah from Ammon (see 1 Kings 11:42–43 with 14:21).
City of David: This part of Jerusalem was the old Jebusite city on the southern part of the eastern ridge. When Solomon expanded his building projects north, he constructed a special palace for Pharaoh’s daughter (1 Kings 7:8; 9:24; 2 Chronicles 8:11).