until the Canaanite borders reached from Sidon southward to Gerar near Gaza, and eastward to Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim near Lasha.

One day Samson went to the Philistine city of Gaza, where he met a prostitute and went to bed with her.

Solomon's kingdom included all the nations from the Euphrates River to Philistia and the Egyptian border. They paid him taxes and were subject to him all his life.

His kingdom will reach from sea to sea, from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.

All kings will bow down before him; all nations will serve him.

But now the LORD my God has given me peace on all my borders. I have no enemies, and there is no danger of attack.

He did, however, make me a promise. He said, 'You will have a son who will rule in peace, because I will give him peace from all his enemies. His name will be Solomon, because during his reign I will give Israel peace and security.

May the land enjoy prosperity; may it experience righteousness.

May righteousness flourish in his lifetime, and may prosperity last as long as the moon gives light.

His royal power will continue to grow; his kingdom will always be at peace. He will rule as King David's successor, basing his power on right and justice, from now until the end of time. The LORD Almighty is determined to do all this.

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!"

This Melchizedek was king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. As Abraham was coming back from the battle in which he defeated the four kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him,

and Abraham gave him one tenth of all he had taken. (The first meaning of Melchizedek's name is "King of Righteousness"; and because he was king of Salem, his name also means "King of Peace.")