1 Kings 9 19

1 Kings 9:19 kjv

And all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.

1 Kings 9:19 nkjv

all the storage cities that Solomon had, cities for his chariots and cities for his cavalry, and whatever Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.

1 Kings 9:19 niv

as well as all his store cities and the towns for his chariots and for his horses?whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon and throughout all the territory he ruled.

1 Kings 9:19 esv

and all the store cities that Solomon had, and the cities for his chariots, and the cities for his horsemen, and whatever Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.

1 Kings 9:19 nlt

He built towns as supply centers and constructed towns where his chariots and horses could be stationed. He built everything he desired in Jerusalem and Lebanon and throughout his entire realm.

1 Kings 9 verses

1 Kings 9 19 Meaning

This verse describes the vast scope of King Solomon's extensive building programs across his kingdom. It details the various types of infrastructure he established, including cities specifically designed for storage of goods, cities for his numerous chariots, and cities dedicated to housing his horsemen. The passage emphasizes that his building ambition extended to everything he desired to construct, not just necessities, covering key strategic areas like Jerusalem, Lebanon, and every other part of his dominion. This portrays Solomon's immense wealth, power, administrative capability, and absolute authority at the height of his reign.

1 Kings 9 19 Context

This verse appears immediately after Solomon's completion of the Temple and his own palace, a monumental undertaking that spanned twenty years (1 Kgs 9:10). The preceding verses describe Solomon's interaction with Hiram, King of Tyre, regarding the payment for his assistance in building projects. When Hiram found the twenty Galilean cities given to him unsatisfactory, Solomon resorted to conscripting forced labor (corvée) from the non-Israelite peoples within his territory to fund and staff his remaining massive infrastructure projects (1 Kgs 9:20-22).

Historically, this period marks the zenith of the united monarchy of Israel under Solomon. His reign was characterized by unprecedented peace, wealth, wisdom, and an expansive empire that extended from the Euphrates to the border of Egypt (1 Kgs 4:21). The "chariot cities" and "horsemen cities" reflect Solomon's strategic military infrastructure and the accumulation of vast numbers of chariots and horses, which were symbols of power and cutting-edge military technology in the ancient Near East. These projects were not just for military strength but also for administrative control and economic efficiency (store cities), allowing him to manage the tribute and resources flowing into his kingdom. The mention of Jerusalem and Lebanon underscores their economic and political importance: Jerusalem as the capital and religious center, and Lebanon as a source of valuable timber (cedars) and potentially as a strategic border region.

1 Kings 9 19 Word analysis

• and all the store cities: (Hebrew: עָרֵי הַמִּסְכְּנוֹת, arei ham-miskenot).
  • Store cities (מִּסְכְּנוֹת, miskenot): Derived from `misken`, meaning "storehouse," "granary," or "treasury." These were central depots for collecting and storing provisions, taxes in kind (grain, oil, wine), military supplies, and valuable goods. Their existence indicates a highly organized, centralized economic administration necessary for maintaining a large empire and its standing army, as well as managing a king's personal wealth. They were crucial for logistical support during military campaigns or in times of famine.
• that Solomon had: This phrase emphasizes Solomon's direct ownership and control over these extensive assets. It speaks to his power and resources.
• and the chariot cities: (Hebrew: עָרֵי הָרֶכֶב, arei ha-rekhev).
  • Chariot cities (רֶכֶב, rekhev): Places specifically designed and fortified to house Solomon's vast chariot forces (reported as 1,400 or 1,200 depending on reference), along with their drivers, archers, maintenance personnel, and most importantly, the horses. These were essentially military garrisons or barracks strategically located for rapid deployment. Owning such a large chariot force was a clear sign of formidable military strength in that era, though it went against the divine injunction for kings not to multiply horses (Deut 17:16).
• and the cities for his horsemen: (Hebrew: עָרֵי הַפָּרָשִׁים, arei ha-parashim).
  • Horsemen (פָּרָשִׁים, parashim): Cavalry units. Like chariot cities, these were fortified outposts for mounted soldiers and their horses. Both chariot and cavalry divisions required significant infrastructure for housing, training, and logistical support, underlining Solomon's massive military investment.
• and whatever Solomon desired to build: (Hebrew: וְאֵת כָּל־חֵשֶׁק שְׁלֹמֹה אֲשֶׁר חָשַׁק לִבְנוֹת, ve'et kol-ḥesheq Shelomo asher ḥashaq livnot).
  • Desired (חֵשֶׁק, ḥesheq): This word conveys a strong personal desire, longing, or delight. It indicates that Solomon's building projects were not merely utilitarian or strategic necessities but also flowed from his personal ambition, aesthetic taste, or even indulgence. It highlights his almost unlimited resources and ability to actualize his every architectural fancy. This echoes sentiments in Ecclesiastes where the author (often attributed to Solomon) speaks of fulfilling every desire.
• in Jerusalem: The capital and political-religious center of Israel. This was the prime location for Solomon's monumental projects, including the Temple and his own royal palace, symbolizing the heart of his kingdom and rule.
• in Lebanon: This region was crucial for its cedar and cypress wood, essential for Solomon's construction (1 Kgs 5). Its mention here suggests that Solomon not only sourced materials from Lebanon but also exerted direct influence or built infrastructure (perhaps fortresses or trading posts) within its borders to secure his interests and extend his control.
• and in all the land of his dominion: (Hebrew: וּבְכָל־אֶרֶץ מֶמְשַׁלְתּוֹ, u'vekhol-erets memshalto).
  • Dominion (מֶמְשַׁלְתּוֹ, memshalto): His rule, realm, or kingdom. This comprehensive phrase underscores the extensive geographical reach of Solomon's building enterprises. It means that throughout the entire territory over which he exercised control, he undertook massive building programs, showcasing his imperial power and his comprehensive governance.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "store cities... chariot cities and cities for his horsemen": This triplet signifies Solomon's three primary types of strategic infrastructure. It speaks to a robust economy (store cities for wealth and provisions) and a powerful military (chariots and cavalry, indicating a highly modern and advanced fighting force for the era). It implies significant administrative oversight and logistical capability.
• "whatever Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion": This highlights the combination of Solomon's personal will and the expansive territorial scope of his reign. It signifies not only his freedom to build whatever he wished due to immense wealth and power, but also the physical manifestation of his rule across every significant corner of his kingdom, from the spiritual capital to the natural resource frontiers and beyond. This boundless ambition, while leading to outward success, also hints at the self-reliance that would later lead to his spiritual failings.

1 Kings 9 19 Bonus section

The verse provides evidence of Solomon's comprehensive control and central administration. The existence of "store cities" implies a system of taxation or tribute, where goods flowed from various regions to central depots. This level of economic organization was typical of major empires of the ancient world. Furthermore, Solomon's widespread construction and large military infrastructure indicate an investment in security and border defense, solidifying his control over the land and protecting his economic interests, such as trade routes and resource extraction areas (like timber in Lebanon). This grandiosity, while initially a blessing from God for Israel, also marked a pivotal point where Solomon's personal ambition and human strength began to overshadow his obedience to God's specific commands for a king.

1 Kings 9 19 Commentary

1 Kings 9:19 paints a vivid picture of King Solomon's imperial power at its peak, detailing the widespread nature of his building programs beyond the well-known Temple and palace in Jerusalem. This verse demonstrates his meticulous planning and strategic investment in infrastructure across his vast dominion. The "store cities" were vital for managing the enormous wealth, tributes, and provisions flowing into his kingdom, ensuring logistical support for his court and army, and showcasing his administrative prowess. The establishment of numerous "chariot cities" and "cities for his horsemen" highlights the formidable military strength of Solomon's reign, built upon advanced military technology. However, this accumulation of vast numbers of horses and chariots, along with the implied accumulation of immense wealth (from the tribute needed to sustain such forces), directly contravenes the Mosaic law set for Israelite kings in Deuteronomy 17:16, which cautioned against multiplying horses, silver, and gold. This verse subtly hints at the seeds of disobedience within Solomon's magnificent achievements, showcasing how the zenith of human glory could paradoxically contain the roots of future decline, a testament to reliance on human power rather than wholly on God.