Topical Bible: Solomon: Military Equipment of

◄ Solomon: Military Equipment of ►

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Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. However, his reign also involved significant military organization and the accumulation of military equipment, which played a crucial role in maintaining the security and prosperity of his kingdom.

Chariots and Horsemen

One of the most notable aspects of Solomon's military might was his extensive use of chariots and horsemen. According to 1 Kings 10:26 , "Solomon accumulated chariots and horsemen; he had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, which he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem." This formidable force not only served as a deterrent against potential aggressors but also facilitated rapid response to any threats against the kingdom.

Chariot Cities

To support his chariotry, Solomon established specialized "chariot cities." These cities were strategically located to house and maintain his chariots and horses, ensuring that his military forces were always ready for deployment. The presence of these cities highlights Solomon's strategic foresight in military logistics and infrastructure.

Trade and Acquisition of Horses

Solomon's acquisition of horses and chariots was not limited to local resources. He engaged in international trade to procure the best military equipment available. 1 Kings 10:28-29 states, "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." This trade network not only enriched Solomon's military capabilities but also strengthened his economic ties with neighboring nations.

Shields and Weaponry

In addition to chariots and horsemen, Solomon's military equipment included a vast array of shields and other weaponry. 1 Kings 10:16-17 records, "King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield." These shields, while likely ceremonial, symbolized the wealth and power of Solomon's reign and served as a testament to his kingdom's military readiness.

Fortifications and Defensive Structures

Solomon's military strategy also involved the construction of fortifications and defensive structures. He fortified key cities, including Jerusalem, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer, enhancing their defensive capabilities. These fortifications were crucial in protecting the kingdom from external threats and maintaining internal stability.

Conclusion

Solomon's military equipment and organization reflect his commitment to securing his kingdom and ensuring its prosperity. Through strategic acquisitions, infrastructure development, and international trade, Solomon established a formidable military presence that contributed to the peace and stability of his reign. His efforts in military organization and equipment underscore the importance of preparedness and strategic planning in maintaining a strong and secure nation.

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1 Kings 4:26,28
And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.
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1 Kings 10:16,17,26,28
And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of gold went to one target.
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2 Chronicles 1:14
And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
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2 Chronicles 9:25
And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
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Deuteronomy 17:15,16
You shall in any wise set him king over you, whom the LORD your God shall choose: one from among your brothers shall you set king over you: you may not set a stranger over you, which is not your brother.
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Library

The Divided Kingdom.
... They demanded that he should relieve them of the heavy burdens laid on them by Solomon. ...
It had three times as many people and a much better military equipment. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... of a remote province nowadays adapt their dress, their architecture, their implements
of husbandry and handicraft, their military equipment and organisation ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... had adopted the general principles of their equipment, organisation, and military
tactics. ... mothers recalls the famous judgment of Solomon (1 Kings 3 ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Bible
... incessantly smitten by it and suffering his own equipment. ... or in any wise doing military
duty is ... grief, triumphant warrior, exalted king"Solomon, prince of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm

The Planting of the Church in New England --Pilgrim and Puritan.
... only of the nature of a military desertion and ... women and children, with ample equipment
of provisions ... said, in the personal experience, of Solomon Stoddard, the ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter viii the planting of.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... describes in detail the whole equipment of jewels ... establishment of financial districts
by Solomon, had broken ... indeed, called on to render military service, to ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... i.16), in the time of Solomon. ... its occurrence is easily explained if we are to regard
it as a purely Assyrian term used to designate the military confines or ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... and Hiram I., the contemporary of David and Solomon. ... himself behind his rivers; the
military science and ... galleys identical in build and equipment with those ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Canaan: the judges"The Philistines and the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon,
the defection ... and to become the leader, on the other, of the military forces ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... that "the Medes had the same equipment, for it is the equipment of the ... the Assyrians
than the establishment of a systematically organised military power within ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm