King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 1:14 Mean?

“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.”

Context

Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

Then Solomon came from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel.

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.

And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the vale for abundance. made: Heb. gave

And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price. Solomon: Heb. the going forth of the horses which was Solomon's

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14-17) Solomon’s “riches, and wealth, and honour” illustrated (comp. 1Kings 10:26-29). In the parallel passage of Kings, this short section closes the account of Solomon’s wealth and glory. 2Chronicles 9:25-28 is very similar; a fact which will not surprise those who bear in mind that the chronicler is careless of repetition. (14) **And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen.**—Word for word as in 1Kings 10:26; see the Notes there. **Which he placed.**—*And he placed,* or *bestowed them* (*wayyanhîhem*) (2Chronicles 9:25). Kings *50100* reads, “*and he brought them* into the chariot cities” (*wayyanhem*)*.* The difference turns on the pointing only, and the versions there support our text; LXX., “he put; “Vulg., *disposuit;* Targum, *’ashrinnūn,* “he lodged them;” Syriac, “he left them.” The *chariots* (*rekeb;* see 1Chronicles 18:4; 1Chronicles 19:6) *and horsemen* were, of course, military. The “chariot cities” probably lay in the south towards Egypt. The Simeonite Beth-marcaboth (*house of chariots*)*,* and Hazar-susim (*court of horses*) may have been included amongst them. (See 1Chronicles 4:31.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 1:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.