Tamar
This location is often associated with a place of significance in the wilderness of Judah. The name "Tamar" means "palm tree" in Hebrew, symbolizing beauty and fruitfulness in an otherwise arid region. The mention of Tamar highlights Solomon's strategic and resourceful expansion into less hospitable areas, showcasing his wisdom in utilizing all available resources. It also serves as a metaphor for spiritual growth and prosperity in the midst of life's deserts, encouraging believers to trust in God's provision and guidance even in challenging circumstances.

in the Wilderness of Judah
This phrase situates Tamar geographically and culturally within the broader context of Judah's territory. The "Wilderness of Judah" is a rugged, barren area, often associated with testing and solitude in biblical narratives. It is the same wilderness where David sought refuge from Saul, and where John the Baptist would later preach repentance. The wilderness represents a place of both physical desolation and spiritual preparation. Solomon's building efforts here reflect his desire to fortify and develop even the most remote parts of his kingdom, symbolizing the believer's call to cultivate faith and resilience in the face of adversity. This phrase invites reflection on the transformative power of God's presence in the wilderness seasons of life, where reliance on Him can lead to unexpected growth and strength.

Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land.--The Hebrew text here has Tamar (with, however, Tadmor as a marginal reading). From this fact, and from the peculiar expression "in the land," which certainly seems to designate the land of Israel, and from the juxtaposition of the name in this passage with the names of places situated in the southern part of Palestine, it has been thought that the place meant is the Tamar of Ezekiel 47:19; Ezekiel 48:28), or, perhaps, Hazazon-Tamar, the old name of En-gedi; and that the marginal reading, and the reading of the old versions, have arisen from a mistaken identification of this place with the Tadmor of 2Chronicles 9:4. But, on the whole, these considerations are not sufficient to counterbalance the invariable reference of this passage, by all the ancient versions and by the narrative of Josephus, to the celebrated Tadmor, the name of which is a local variety of the Hebrew name Tamar (or "the palm-tree,") preserved in the later name of Palmyra. If this be meant, it is indeed difficult to suppose that there is not some omission after the words "in the land."

Tadmor, or Palmyra, is described by Josephus as "in the desert above Syria, a day's journey from the Euphrates, and six long days' journey from Babylon the Great." Its foundation is described in 2Chronicles 9:4, as connected with a subjugation of Hamathzobah, and it may have had a military purpose. But situated on a well-watered oasis, in the midst of the desert, south-west of Tiphsah or Thapsacus on the Euphrates, also occupied by Solomon (see 1Kings 4:24), and about 120 miles from Damascus, it would be eminently fitted for trade both with Damascus and with Babylon and the north. Its importance is indicated by its long existence as a great city, and by its splendour (still traceable in its ruins), in Greek and Roman times, down to, at least, the age of Diocletian. . . .

(1) the famous Palmyra, or

(2) Tamar, an obscure town of south Judah, is a question which has been much disputed. It should be stated in the first place that the Cethib has תמר, but the Keri, after 2 Chronicles 8:4, reads תדמר, as do all the versions; and secondly that a Tarnar is mentioned Ezekiel 47:19 and Ezekiel 48:28 a place which may well be identical with "Hazazon Tamar, which is Engedi" (2 Chronicles 20:2; cf. Genesis 14:7. In favour of (1) are the following considerations:

(1) the statement of the chronicler that Solomon did build Palmyra (for of the identity of "Tadmor" with Palmyra there can be no reasonable doubt; see Dict. Bib. 3:1428). . . .

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