2 Chronicles 1:14-17. "Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen." This passage lists the vast number of chariots and horsemen, where they were stationed, and how Solomon traded in horses and chariots.

Back when God had been speaking to Moses, he specifically prohibited any future ruker of Israel from acquiring large numbers of chariots and horses, yet here we see Solomon doing just that. And this passage is written as though this is a good thing, something showing Solomon's power and giving pride to Israel. One would tend to think that it is a good thing is they didn't know of God's prohibition. But knowing of that, we see this instead as a sign that Solomon will go astray. He already is conforming himself to the world, and Israel is not supposed to do that. Israel is always supposed to be different.

It is so hard to be different, it is lonely and people judge us. And when the world goes very astray, the pressure to conform to it is so much stronger. How much harder it is, I'm sure, when you are a king and the whole world and all of your people are looking to you. Being holy is very hard, thank God for his mercy!