Definition: But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but they [were] men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 8:9. It’s a fascinating snapshot of the time when Solomon was building the Temple in Jerusalem. Here's what it means, explained simply: Basically, Solomon wasn't building a temple just for religious people. He wanted to build a temple that would be a powerful and secure place – a fortress! He made sure his workers were skilled in warfare and leadership, specifically focusing on the military aspects of the project. Here’s a breakdown of what each part means: "But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work..." This tells us that the primary focus wasn't on helping the Israelites with their daily tasks. They weren't building the temple to ease their lives or provide them with support. "...but they [were] men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen." This is the key part! These workers were experts in military skills. They weren't just builders; they were skilled fighters, commanding the army. They were responsible for things like: Protecting the Temple: Ensuring it was safe from attack. Leading the Army: Organizing and directing the construction team. Managing the Chariots & Horsemen: They had the responsibility of the military’s vehicles. So, in short, this verse shows that Solomon prioritized building a temple with a strong military presence – it wasn't just about religious worship but also about ensuring the area was secure and ready for defense. Why is this important? It highlights Solomon’s strategic thinking – he understood that a powerful and well-equipped army was vital to the success of his project. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail?