²⁴ People from around the world wanted to meet the famous Solomon. They desired to learn the wisdom God had planted in his heart. ²⁵ They brought gifts—silver, gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules. The gifts accumulated as the years passed.

²⁶ Solomon summoned his chariots and cavalrymen. He commanded 1,400 chariots and 12,000 cavalrymen, and he sent them to the appointed cities (known as chariot cities) or to guard Jerusalem’s king.