But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen,
&c.] For that was contrary to the law; they might be hired servants, but not bond servants, ( Leviticus 25:39 Leviticus 25:40 )
but they were men of war;
which he kept in pay, a standing army, maintained even in time of peace, in case of necessity, should an enemy attempt to invade or surprise them:
and his servants;
in his family and court, who had offices and employments there:
and his princes;
ministers of state, counsellors, governors of cities, &c.
and his captains;
officers in his army:
and rulers of his chariots and his horsemen;
war chariots and troopers; see ( 1 Kings 9:19 ) .