1 Kings 10:26

“And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen, etc.] Both for war; for though it was a time of peace, he provided against the worst, lest an enemy should come upon him suddenly, and when unprepared: and he had one thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; of the latter (see Gill on “<110426>1 Kings 4:26”) whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem; some of the horsemen were quartered in the cities where the chariots were placed, and some of them in Jerusalem, to be near the king’s person, and to be a guard to him on occasion. Josephus f282 says, half of them were in Jerusalem about the king, and the rest were dispersed through…”

“--(See on Ch2 1:14 [and Ch2 9:25].) Next: 1 Kings Chapter 11”

“See 1 Kings 4:26 note. Until the time of Solomon, war-chariots had not been in use among the Jews, except to a very small extent 1 Chronicles 18:4. Hence, it was necessary for him to put himself on an equality in this respect with neighboring powers. Cities for chariots - They were probably fortresses upon the borders of his territory, in which he maintained the standing army necessary for the support of his dominion. return to 'Top of Page'”

“10:26 1,400 chariots: Prior to Solomon, chariots were not a significant part of Israel’s army. In fact, Deut 17:16 condemns kings for accumulating horses rather than relying on God. Although archaeological confirmation of the presence of chariots in Solomon’s day is debated, his chariot cities are commonly identified as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer (1 Kgs 9:15, 19). The Assyrian king Shalmaneser III reported facing a heavy contingent of enemy chariots at the Battle of Qarqar (853 BC), 2,000 of which were supplied by King Ahab of Israel.”

“Solomon: Kg1 4:26; Deu 17:16; Ch2 1:14, Ch2 9:25; Isa 2:7 in the cities: Ch2 9:25 3 Kings (1 Kings) 10:27”