1 Kings 9:19

and all the cities of store In 2 Chronicles 8:4 the expression is store-cities, which reads better here, and is clearer in sense. These places would be provided so that surplus produce which could be preserved, as corn, oil, wine, &c. might be stored in times of plenty to be ready when need should require. We read that Hezekiah made some similar provision (2 Chronicles 32:28).

and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen Special places must have been needed for these, when we consider the great number of them (see below 1 Kings 10:26). In 1 Chronicles 4:31 there is a place called -town-of-chariots" Beth-marcaboth, and another -court-of-horses" Hazar-susim. The injunction of Deuteronomy 17:16 against the multiplication of horses by the king was apparently forgotten or disregarded. But the absence of any allusion to the command has been made by some an argument for the later date of Deuteronomy.

and that which Solomon desired to build The force of the literal rendering on the margin of A. V. -the desire of Solomon which he desired to build" is better brought out in the text of R.V. -that which Solomon desired to build for his pleasure." The noun is the same as in 1 Kings 9:1 of this chapter, and the writer here is evidently distinguishing these later-named works from the former. The first in the list were either fortifications, or strongholds, or store-cities, but the others are for the king's own pleasure and enjoyment. (Cf. on the whole subject, Ecclesiastes 2:4-8.)

and in Lebanon The place of all others to which for relaxation the king would retire. The scorching heat of the lower plains could there be escaped, while the fragrance of the vegetation made a residence there most enjoyable. The writer of Solomon's Song paints for us the loveliness of the spot, -a fountain of gardens, a well of living waters and streams from Lebanon" (1 Kings 4:15), and again, -his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars" (1 Kings 5:15), and -the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon" (1 Kings 4:11). But it has been supposed by some that Lebanon is mentioned here as being an important military post.