Topical Bible: Chariot: Imported from Egypt by Solomon

◄ Chariot: Imported from Egypt by Solomon ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, chariots hold significant importance as symbols of military power and royal prestige. During the reign of King Solomon, the importation of chariots from Egypt is particularly noteworthy, reflecting both the wealth and the expansive trade networks of his kingdom.

Biblical References

The primary biblical reference to Solomon's importation of chariots from Egypt is found in 1 Kings 10:28-29 : "Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue. A chariot could be imported from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. Likewise, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Aram."

This passage highlights the economic and diplomatic relationships Solomon maintained with neighboring regions. The importation of chariots and horses from Egypt underscores the strategic alliances and the flow of goods that characterized Solomon's reign. The mention of "six hundred shekels of silver" for a chariot indicates the high value placed on these vehicles, which were essential for military campaigns and royal processions.

Historical and Cultural Context

Chariots in the ancient Near East were primarily used for warfare, hunting, and ceremonial purposes. They were a technological advancement that provided a significant advantage in battle due to their speed and mobility. The Egyptian chariots, in particular, were renowned for their craftsmanship and effectiveness, making them a desirable acquisition for any powerful ruler.

Solomon's decision to import chariots from Egypt can be seen as a strategic move to bolster his military capabilities and to project his power and influence. The alliance with Egypt, a major power at the time, also reflects the diplomatic acumen of Solomon, who sought to secure his kingdom through both military strength and political alliances.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the importation of chariots from Egypt by Solomon can be viewed in light of the broader biblical narrative concerning reliance on God versus reliance on military might. While Solomon's wealth and wisdom are celebrated, his accumulation of horses and chariots may also be seen as a departure from the Deuteronomic ideal, which cautioned against kings amassing excessive military resources (Deuteronomy 17:16: "The king must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has told you, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’").

This tension between divine reliance and human power is a recurring theme in the Scriptures, inviting reflection on the proper balance between trusting in God's provision and exercising wise stewardship of resources.

Conclusion

The importation of chariots from Egypt by Solomon is a multifaceted topic that encompasses historical, cultural, and theological dimensions. It illustrates the complexity of Solomon's reign, marked by both unprecedented prosperity and underlying challenges to the covenantal ideals set forth for the kings of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 10:26-29
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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon, the defection ... Jahveh* Moses had led
them from Egypt to Kadesh ... through the lattice"'Why is his chariot so long ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... Hewn stones were imported from the "land of the Amorites ... as it were, an outpost against
attacks on the side of Egypt. ... his dress, to ride in his chariot, or even ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... of their own products for what is imported: but an ... out of Egypt and transplanted,
[4478] the Egypt of impious ... The night had come, the chariot was ready, our ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... of industry; it had also a population which imported and exported ... pursuits to aspire
to the inheritance which Egypt was letting ... i.16), in the time of Solomon. ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner ... everything
in his alarm"palace, treasures, harem, and even his chariot.* A body ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm