(The Lord speaking is red text)
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.
as well as all the cities that Shlomo had for storing supplies, the cities for his chariots, the cities for his horsemen, and the other buildings Shlomo wanted to build for himself in Yerushalayim, in the L'vanon and throughout the land he ruled.
as well as all the store cities that Solomon had for his chariots and horses—whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout the land of his dominion.
and all the store-cities that Solomon had, and the cities for his chariots, and the cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build for his pleasure in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.
And all the cities{H5892} of store{H4543} that Solomon{H8010} had, and cities{H5892} for his chariots{H7393}, and cities{H5892} for his horsemen{H6571}, and that{H2837} which Solomon{H8010} desired{H2836} to build{H1129} in Jerusalem{H3389}, and in Lebanon{H3844}, and in all the land{H776} of his dominion{H4475}.
1 Kings 9:19 provides a snapshot of the extensive building projects undertaken by King Solomon, highlighting his strategic planning and the vast resources at his disposal. This verse comes after the completion of the Temple and Solomon's palace, as described in the preceding chapters of 1 Kings. It reflects the peak of Solomon's reign, a period marked by immense wealth, wisdom, and territorial expansion.
The verse specifically mentions Solomon's cities of store, which were fortified cities used to house supplies and treasures, ensuring the stability and prosperity of his kingdom. These cities were crucial for maintaining the infrastructure and sustaining the military, as well as for trade and administration. Additionally, the verse refers to cities designated for chariots and horsemen, underscoring the military might of Solomon's kingdom. The presence of these specialized cities indicates a sophisticated and well-organized military apparatus, which was essential for defending the realm and maintaining regional power.
The mention of Solomon's desires to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout his dominion speaks to his ambitious building program, which included not only military and storage facilities but also luxurious palaces and public works. This ambition is further exemplified by the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, which was one of the most significant accomplishments of his reign.
Historically, Solomon's reign is dated to the 10th century BCE, and his building activities would have required a complex logistical network, including the procurement of materials like cedar from Lebanon, as well as the organization of a large workforce. The verse also hints at the administrative complexity of Solomon's kingdom, with its implications of taxation, conscription, and trade.
In summary, 1 Kings 9:19 encapsulates the grandeur and organizational sophistication of Solomon's reign, showcasing his legacy as a great builder and administrator. It reflects the economic prosperity, military strength, and territorial control that characterized Israel during one of its most storied periods.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)