King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 9:19 Mean?

1 Kings 9:19 in the King James Version says “And all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that which S... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. that which: Heb. the desire of Solomon which he desired

1 Kings 9:19 · KJV


Context

17

And Solomon built Gezer, and Bethhoron the nether,

18

And Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land,

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. that which: Heb. the desire of Solomon which he desired

20

And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel,

21

Their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel also were not able utterly to destroy, upon those did Solomon levy a tribute of bondservice unto this day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of god's covenant with solomon and his building projects, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
  2. What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וְאֵ֨ת1 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל2 of 24
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָרֵ֣י3 of 24

And all the cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַֽמִּסְכְּנוֹת֙4 of 24

of store

H4543

a magazine

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָי֣וּ6 of 24
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שְׁלֹמֹ֗ה7 of 24

that Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וְאֵת֙8 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עָרֵ֣י9 of 24

And all the cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הָרֶ֔כֶב10 of 24

for his chariots

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וְאֵ֖ת11 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עָרֵ֣י12 of 24

And all the cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַפָּֽרָשִׁ֑ים13 of 24

for his horsemen

H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

וְאֵ֣ת׀14 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֵ֣שֶׁק15 of 24

and that

H2837

delight

שְׁלֹמֹ֗ה16 of 24

that Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אֲשֶׁ֤ר17 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

חָשַׁק֙18 of 24

desired

H2836

to cling, i.e., join, (figuratively) to love, delight in; elliptically; to deliver

לִבְנ֤וֹת19 of 24

to build

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙20 of 24

in Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וּבַלְּבָנ֔וֹן21 of 24

and in Lebanon

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

וּבְכֹ֖ל22 of 24
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֶ֥רֶץ23 of 24

and in all the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מֶמְשַׁלְתּֽוֹ׃24 of 24

of his dominion

H4475

rule; also (concretely in plural) a realm or a ruler


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 9:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 9:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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