Definition: And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: David also houghed all the chariot [horses], but reserved of them an hundred chariots.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 18:4. It’s a fascinating passage about David's military preparations! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, David was incredibly prepared for battle. He wasn’t just gathering supplies; he was preparing to fight. He had a huge army – think hundreds of chariots and soldiers – ready to go. Let's unpack the details: “And David took from him a thousand chariots…” This means David amassed a significant number of chariots, which were essentially armored wagons used for rapid movement in battle. “…and seven thousand horsemen…” This refers to a large and well-trained army of horses. “…and twenty thousand footmen…” This represents a substantial force of soldiers on foot, ready to fight hand-to-hand. “David also houghed all the chariot [horses], but reserved of them an hundred chariots.” This is where it gets really interesting. "Houghed" means to tighten or brace something. So, David was tightening (or bracing) his horses! He wasn't just using them; he was carefully selecting and positioning them. What does this tell us about David? It suggests: Military Strength: This was a huge show of power and preparedness. Strategic Planning: David wasn’t just haphazardly gathering troops. He was meticulously planning his army to be incredibly effective. Focus & Precision: The detail shows he wasn't just throwing everything at the enemy; he was prioritizing the best units for the task. In short, it paints a picture of David as a brilliant military leader who took every possible advantage in preparing for battle. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about what this passage suggests about David's character or his time period?