Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. Solomon accumulated chariots and horsesThe phrase highlights Solomon's wealth and military strength. The Hebrew root for "accumulated" is "אָסַף" (asaph), meaning to gather or collect. This indicates a deliberate and strategic effort by Solomon to build a formidable military presence. Historically, chariots were a symbol of power and technological advancement in warfare. Solomon's accumulation of chariots and horses reflects his desire to establish Israel as a dominant force in the region, aligning with God's promise to make Israel a great nation. However, it also foreshadows potential disobedience to God's command in Deuteronomy 17:16, which warns against multiplying horses for oneself. he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses
The specific numbers underscore the vastness of Solomon's resources. The Hebrew word for "chariots" is "מֶרְכָּבָה" (merkavah), and "horses" is "סוּס" (sus). These numbers are significant, indicating not just wealth but also the logistical capability to maintain such a force. In the ancient Near East, chariots were crucial for military campaigns, and having such a large number would have made Solomon's army one of the most powerful. This accumulation of military resources reflects Solomon's wisdom in governance and defense, yet it also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for reliance on human strength over divine guidance. which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem
The term "stationed" comes from the Hebrew "נָתַן" (natan), meaning to place or set. This indicates a strategic deployment of resources. "Chariot cities" were likely fortified cities designated for housing and maintaining chariots and horses, ensuring readiness for military action. The mention of Jerusalem signifies the centralization of power and the importance of the city as the heart of Israel's political and spiritual life. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of such cities, reflecting the organized and advanced nature of Solomon's reign. This strategic placement of military resources highlights Solomon's administrative acumen but also serves as a reminder of the potential for such power to lead to pride and eventual downfall, as seen later in Solomon's life. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. 2. Chariots and HorsesSymbols of military strength and power in ancient times. Solomon's accumulation of these reflects his kingdom's prosperity and military preparedness. 3. Chariot CitiesStrategic locations where Solomon stationed his chariots and horses, indicating a well-organized military infrastructure. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where Solomon reigned and centralized his power and resources. 5. IsraelThe united kingdom under Solomon, experiencing a period of peace and prosperity during his reign. Teaching Points Wisdom and WealthSolomon's wisdom led to great wealth, but it also brought challenges. Believers should seek wisdom from God, but remain vigilant about the potential pitfalls of wealth. Obedience to God's CommandsSolomon's accumulation of horses may reflect a departure from God's commands. Christians are reminded to prioritize obedience to God's Word over worldly success. Trust in God Over Military MightWhile military strength is important, ultimate trust should be placed in God. Believers are encouraged to rely on God's power rather than human resources. Stewardship of ResourcesSolomon's organization of resources shows the importance of stewardship. Christians are called to manage their resources wisely for God's glory. The Danger of CompromiseSolomon's actions may indicate a compromise of his values. Believers should guard against small compromises that can lead to larger issues. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's accumulation of chariots and horses reflect both his wisdom and potential disobedience to God's commands? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of trusting in God over material or military strength in our own lives? 3. How does Solomon's organization of resources challenge us to be better stewards of what God has given us? 4. What are some modern-day "chariots and horses" that we might be tempted to rely on instead of God? 5. How can we ensure that our pursuit of wisdom and success does not lead us away from obedience to God's Word? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 17:16This verse warns Israelite kings against accumulating excessive horses, which Solomon's actions in 1 Kings 10:26 seem to contradict, highlighting a potential area of disobedience. 2 Chronicles 1:14This passage parallels 1 Kings 10:26, providing additional context to Solomon's accumulation of chariots and horses. Psalm 20:7This verse contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the Lord, offering a spiritual perspective on reliance and faith. People Arabians, Aram, Hiram, Hittites, Ophir, Solomon, Tarshish, TharshishPlaces Egypt, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jerusalem, Kue, Ophir, Sheba, Shephelah, Syria, TarshishTopics Accumulated, Bestowed, 12000, Carriages, Carriage-towns, Chariot, Chariot-cities, Chariots, Cities, Collected, Fourteen, Gathered, Gathereth, Got, Horsemen, Horses, Hundred, Jerusalem, Kept, Placed, Placeth, Solomon, Stationed, Thousand, Twelve, War-carriagesDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 10:26 5120 Solomon, character
5208 armies
5252 chariots 1 Kings 10:23-27 8780 materialism, and sin 1 Kings 10:23-29 8701 affluence 1 Kings 10:25-26 4657 horse 1 Kings 10:25-27 5119 Solomon, life of 1 Kings 10:26-27 5776 achievement
7240 Jerusalem, history 1 Kings 10:26-29 5407 merchants Library Coming to the King.
"And King Solomon gave unto the Queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty."--1 Kings x. 13. The beautiful history recorded in the chapter from which the above words are quoted is deeply instructive to those who have learned to recognise CHRIST in the Scriptures. The reference to this narrative by our LORD Himself was surely designed to draw our attention to it, and gives it an added interest. The blessings, too, received by the Queen …
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of BlueA Royal Seeker after Wisdom
'And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions. 2. And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. 3. And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. 4. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Gift
"There came no more such abundance of spices as those which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon."--1 Kings x. 10. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 "What dost thou bring me, O my Queen? Love maketh thy steps to fly." Lord, to Thee my jewel I bring, Greater than mountains high; Broader than all the earth's broad lands, Heavier than the ocean sands, And higher it is than the sky: Deeper it is than the depths of the sea, And fairer than the sun, Unreckoned, as if the stars …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) Of the Weight of Government; and that all Manner of Adversity is to be Despised, and Prosperity Feared.
So much, then, have we briefly said, to shew how great is the weight of government, lest whosoever is unequal to sacred offices of government should dare to profane them, and through lust of pre-eminence undertake a leadership of perdition. For hence it is that James affectionately deters us, saying, Be not made many masters, my brethren (James iii. 1). Hence the Mediator between God and man Himself--He who, transcending the knowledge and understanding even of supernal spirits, reigns in heaven …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death.
This estate has three degrees:--1st, From the day of death to the resurrection; 2d, From the resurrection to the pronouncing of the sentence; 3d, After the sentence, which lasts eternally. As soon as ever the regenerate man hath yielded up his soul to Christ, the holy angels take her into their custody, and immediately carry her into heaven (Luke xvi. 22), and there present her before Christ, where she is crowned with a crown of righteousness and glory; not which she hath deserved by her good works, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return "Let any Man Come. "
[7] "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."--John 7:37-38. THE text which heads this paper contains one of those mighty sayings of Christ which deserve to be printed in letters of gold. All the stars in heaven are bright and beautiful; yet even a child can see that "one star differeth from another in glory" …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 10:26 NIV1 Kings 10:26 NLT1 Kings 10:26 ESV1 Kings 10:26 NASB1 Kings 10:26 KJV
1 Kings 10:26 Commentaries
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