2 Chronicles 1:14

KJV

And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon {H8010} gathered {H622} chariots {H7393} and horsemen {H6571}: and he had a thousand {H505} and four {H702} hundred {H3967} chariots {H7393}, and twelve {H8147}{H6240} thousand {H505} horsemen {H6571}, which he placed {H3240} in the chariot {H7393} cities {H5892}, and with the king {H4428} at Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo amassed chariots and horsemen; he had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen; he placed them in the chariot cities and with the king in Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, that he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 1:14 vividly portrays the immense military and economic power of King Solomon's early reign, detailing his acquisition and strategic deployment of "a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen." This verse highlights the unprecedented prosperity and security of Israel under Solomon, a direct manifestation of God's promised blessings of riches and honor, yet it also subtly introduces a tension regarding the king's reliance on earthly might rather than solely on divine provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows God's gracious response to Solomon's humble prayer for wisdom at Gibeon, where God promised him not only wisdom but also unparalleled riches and honor [2 Chronicles 1:7-12](/2_chronicles/1-7 "2 Chronicles 1:7-12 - God's Promise to Solomon at Gibeon"). The acquisition of such a vast military force serves as an immediate, tangible demonstration of the fulfillment of God's promise of wealth and power. It sets the stage for the Chronicler's portrayal of Solomon's glorious and prosperous reign, emphasizing the king's organizational skills and the kingdom's burgeoning strength, while also subtly foreshadowing potential areas of spiritual compromise later in his rule.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, chariots were the most advanced and powerful military assets, signifying a nation's military dominance, economic strength, and technological sophistication. The acquisition of such a large number of chariots and horsemen, often sourced from Egypt through trade, positioned Israel as a formidable regional power. Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) was characterized by unprecedented peace and prosperity, allowing for extensive trade networks and significant military build-up. The mention of "chariot cities" refers to specialized garrisons or depots, often fortified, that were strategically located throughout the kingdom to house these valuable assets and their associated personnel, reflecting a sophisticated military infrastructure.
* **Key Themes:** The verse underscores several key themes prominent in the Chronicler's narrative of Solomon's reign. Firstly, it highlights **immense prosperity and power**, showcasing the extraordinary wealth and military might of the kingdom as a direct result of God's blessing. Secondly, it emphasizes **strategic military preparedness**, demonstrating Solomon's foresight in national defense and the efficient organization of his resources. Thirdly, and most significantly, it introduces a subtle **theological tension** concerning the king's reliance. While a sign of blessing, this accumulation of horses and chariots stands in contrast to the Mosaic Law in [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Warning Against Multiplying Horses"), which explicitly warned future kings against multiplying horses for themselves, lest they rely on military strength rather than on God. This act by Solomon, though part of his prosperity, foreshadows a potential area of departure from divine instruction and a reliance on earthly power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chariots (Hebrew, _rekhev_):** Refers to the war chariots, which were the premier offensive weapons of the ancient world. Their presence in such large numbers signifies not only military strength but also vast economic resources required for their acquisition, maintenance, and the training of their crews.
* **Horsemen (Hebrew, _parashim_):** Denotes cavalry or those who rode horses, often accompanying chariots. The large number of horsemen indicates a significant standing army and a highly organized military structure, capable of rapid deployment and large-scale operations.
* **Chariot cities (Hebrew, _'arei ha-rekhev_):** These were fortified cities or designated garrisons built or adapted to house the chariots, horses, and their associated personnel. Their strategic placement throughout the kingdom (e.g., Megiddo, Gezer, Hazor) indicates a sophisticated national defense strategy and a means of projecting royal authority across the realm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen:"** This opening clause emphasizes Solomon's active and deliberate policy of military expansion. The verb "gathered" (וַיִּקְבֹּץ, _vayiqbotz_) implies a systematic collection and organization, indicating a king who was not only blessed with wealth but also astute in its application for national strength.
* **"and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen,"** These specific figures underscore the unprecedented scale of Solomon's military establishment. Compared to previous Israelite kings, this represents an enormous increase in military might, reflecting the peak of Israel's power and influence in the ancient Near East, consistent with other accounts like [1 Kings 10:26](/1_kings/10-26 "1 Kings 10:26 - Solomon's Chariots and Horsemen").
* **"which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem."** This final clause details the strategic deployment of these forces. Distributing them in "chariot cities" allowed for rapid response to threats across the kingdom and efficient logistical support. Keeping a contingent "with the king at Jerusalem" ensured the security of the capital and the immediate availability of forces for royal command, reinforcing the centralized power of the monarchy.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Numerical Specificity** to convey the immense scale of Solomon's military power, lending an air of historical veracity and emphasizing the unprecedented nature of his reign. The description also utilizes **Symbolism**, where chariots and horses serve as potent symbols of earthly power, wealth, and military might. This accumulation of power, while a sign of God's blessing, also carries a subtle **Foreshadowing** of potential spiritual pitfalls. In light of the Deuteronomic law for kings, Solomon's actions, though initially indicative of prosperity, hint at a future reliance on human strength rather than exclusive trust in God, a theme that will become more pronounced as his reign progresses and ultimately contributes to his spiritual decline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Solomon's military build-up in 2 Chronicles 1:14 presents a complex theological picture. On one hand, it is clearly a manifestation of God's promised blessings of wealth and honor, demonstrating the peak of Israel's national strength under divine favor. On the other hand, it introduces a subtle but significant tension with the Mosaic Law, particularly [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - The King Must Not Multiply Horses"), which explicitly warned future kings against multiplying horses for themselves lest their hearts be turned away from the Lord. This tension highlights a recurring theme in biblical theology: the danger of trusting in God's blessings (wealth, power, security) rather than in God Himself. While military strength can be a tool for national defense, an over-reliance on it can lead to spiritual complacency and a departure from divine dependence. The Chronicler, in his theological history, often emphasizes the consequences of a king's obedience or disobedience to God's commands, setting the stage for later narratives of Solomon's spiritual decline.

* [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - The King Must Not Multiply Horses")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's amassing of chariots and horsemen serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the true source of security and strength. While God blesses us with resources, talents, and opportunities, the inherent human temptation is to place our trust in these tangible assets rather than in the Giver of all good things. This verse challenges us to examine where our ultimate security lies—is it in our financial stability, professional achievements, social networks, or even our physical health? True security is found only in a steadfast reliance on God's unfailing provision and protection. When we elevate our "chariots and horsemen" to a place of ultimate trust, we risk subtly departing from God's commands and compromising our spiritual walk. This passage encourages a posture of humility and dependence, ensuring that our blessings lead to deeper faith, not self-reliance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "chariots and horsemen" in my life (e.g., wealth, status, relationships, skills) that I might be tempted to trust in more than God?**
* **How can I ensure that God's blessings in my life lead to greater dependence on Him, rather than fostering a spirit of self-sufficiency?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly departing from God's commands by accumulating resources or power for self-security instead of resting in His provision?**

### FAQ
**Why did Solomon gather so many chariots if the law warned against it?**

Answer: While [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - The King Must Not Multiply Horses") explicitly warned Israelite kings against multiplying horses, Solomon's actions in 2 Chronicles 1:14 (and parallel accounts in 1 Kings) are presented as a direct fulfillment of God's promise of unparalleled riches and honor to him [2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "2 Chronicles 1:12 - God's Promise of Riches to Solomon"). The tension lies not necessarily in the act of having a military, but in the *spirit* behind the accumulation—whether the king's heart would be turned away from God by relying on military might or foreign alliances (especially with Egypt, a primary source of horses) instead of divine protection. Solomon's initial intent might have been for national defense and the projection of God-given power, but the sheer scale of his acquisition and his extensive trade with Egypt for these assets hinted at a potential over-reliance on human strength, which indeed foreshadowed later spiritual compromises and a turning away from God.

**What were "chariot cities"?**

Answer: "Chariot cities" (Hebrew: _'arei ha-rekhev_) were strategic garrisons or fortified cities built or designated by King Solomon specifically to house his vast chariot forces, their horses, and the necessary personnel (drivers, archers, maintenance crews). These cities, such as Megiddo, Gezer, and Hazor (as confirmed by archaeological findings), were often located at key crossroads or defensive points throughout the kingdom. Their purpose was multifaceted: to provide secure storage and training facilities for these valuable military assets, to ensure rapid deployment of forces to any part of the kingdom, and to project royal authority and military presence across Israel's territories.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's reign, with its unparalleled wealth and military might symbolized by chariots and horsemen, represents the pinnacle of Israel's earthly kingdom. Yet, even this glorious era, built on human strength and resources, ultimately proved temporary and fell short of God's perfect design. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King, establishes a kingdom not of this world, one not built on chariots and horsemen, but on spiritual power, sacrificial love, and divine authority. His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a humble donkey [Matthew 21:5](/matthew/21-5 "Matthew 21:5 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry") powerfully contrasts with earthly kings' displays of military might, signifying a kingdom of peace and humility. His ultimate victory over sin and death was secured not by an army of twelve legions of angels [Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Could Call Legions of Angels") but by His willing sacrifice on the cross, disarming principalities and powers [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). Believers are called to trust not in worldly might or accumulated resources, but in the spiritual armor of God [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Full Armor of God") and the unshakable nature of Christ's eternal kingdom [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom"). He is the one in whom all true security and lasting peace are found, far surpassing any earthly display of power.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 4:26

And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.

1 Kings 10:26

And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.

1 Kings 10:29

And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred [shekels] of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring [them] out by their means.

2 Chronicles 9:25

And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

1 Kings 9:19

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.

Deuteronomy 17:16

But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.

1 Kings 10:16

And king Solomon made two hundred targets [of] beaten gold: six hundred [shekels] of gold went to one target.