Keraia
1 Kings 10

1 Kings 10:26

Solomon’s Wealth and Splendor · 1 Kings 10:14–29
Read 1 Kings 10

Translations

Modern
Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem.
Traditional
And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
Literal
And Solomon gathered chariots and horses, and were unto him a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horses, and he placed them in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem.
Latin
Congregavitque Salomon currus et equites, et facti sunt ei mille quadringenti currus, et duodecim millia equitum: et disposuit eos per civitates munitas, et cum rege in Jerusalem.

Original

Hebrew
English
Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem.

Notes

1 Kings 10:26

1,400 chariots: Before Solomon, chariots were not a major part of Israel's army. Deuteronomy 17:16 warns kings against gathering horses instead of trusting God. While some debate the archaeological evidence of chariots in Solomon's time, his chariot cities are often thought to be b Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer (1 Kings 9:15, 19). The Assyrian king Shalmaneser III mentioned facing many enemy chariots at the Battle of Qarqar in 853 BC, with 2,000 provided by King Ahab of Israel.

1 Kings 10:14–29

To show more of Solomon’s greatness, the writer adds to the story of the queen’s visit (1 Kings 10:1–13). The writer describes Solomon’s wise use of wealth in building his palace complex (10:14–21). The writer then tells how Solomon’s wisdom also brought wide influence through his trade and commercial dealings (10:22–29).

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Solomon’s Wisdom

Events

Parallels

2 Chronicles 1:14–17 2 Chronicles 9:13–28

People

Solomon: Son of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Banker, Banking Beth-Marcaboth Horse Jerusalem Kings, Books of First and Second Solomon (Person) Warfare

Topics

Chariot: Imported from Egypt by Solomon Chariots for War: Kept in Chariot Cities Chariots: Multiplied by Solomon Holy Land: Extensive Commerce of, in Solomon's Reign Jerusalem: Wealth in the Time of Solomon King: Tariff on Imports, and Internal Revenue on Merchandise Solomon: Military Equipment of