Topical Bible: Chariots: Multiplied by Solomon

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, chariots are often depicted as symbols of military power and prestige. During the reign of King Solomon, the multiplication of chariots is a significant aspect of his administration and reflects the broader themes of wealth, wisdom, and international influence that characterized his kingdom.

Biblical References

The primary biblical reference to Solomon's multiplication of chariots is found in 1 Kings 10:26-29 and 2 Chronicles 1:14-17. According to these passages, Solomon amassed a considerable number of chariots and horsemen, establishing a formidable military presence in Israel. The Berean Standard Bible states:

1 Kings 10:26 : "Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem."

2 Chronicles 1:14 : "Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and with him in Jerusalem."

These passages highlight Solomon's strategic placement of chariots in designated "chariot cities," which served as military and administrative centers, enhancing the kingdom's defense and control over trade routes.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, chariots were a crucial component of military strategy. They provided speed, mobility, and a platform for archers, making them effective in battle. The accumulation of chariots by Solomon indicates not only military preparedness but also the wealth and resources available to his kingdom. The procurement of horses and chariots from Egypt and other regions, as mentioned in 1 Kings 10:28-29, underscores Solomon's extensive trade networks and diplomatic relations.

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."

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Solomon's accumulation of chariots can be seen as a fulfillment of the warnings given in Deuteronomy 17:16, where the king is cautioned against multiplying horses and returning to Egypt to acquire them. This aspect of Solomon's reign is often interpreted as a deviation from the ideal kingship model outlined in the Torah, which emphasized reliance on God rather than military might.

Deuteronomy 17:16 : "But the king must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to obtain more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’"

Solomon's Legacy

Solomon's multiplication of chariots is part of his broader legacy of wisdom, wealth, and international influence. While it contributed to the prosperity and security of Israel during his reign, it also foreshadowed the eventual division and decline of the kingdom. The emphasis on military strength and foreign alliances, as symbolized by the chariots, contrasts with the spiritual and covenantal priorities that were intended to define Israel's identity as God's chosen people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 10:26
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and ...
... 4. Now Solomon had a divine sagacity in all things ... and those cities he called the
cities of his chariots. ... as stones in the street; and so multiplied cedar trees ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how solomon grew.htm

The Incomparable Bridegroom and his Bride
... "as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.". ... love, to a company of horses
in Pharaoh's chariots. ... covered with them, and then they multiplied the chains ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the incomparable bridegroom and his.htm

The Israelites
... of Israel were established, and here they multiplied and became ... and the waters returned
on the Egyptian chariots. ... was the dowry received by Solomon along with ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Over the Mountains. "My Beloved is Mine, and I am His: He Feedeth ...
... upon the mountains of Bether."" Song of Solomon ii. ... and the shadows flee away." Shadows
are multiplied by the ... my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/over the mountains my beloved is.htm

"Let us Pray"
... and consequently your prayers, though they be multiplied by tens ... No chariots of Aminadib
the heavenly rapture can describe"even Solomon's Song itself ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/let us pray.htm

Egypt
... or less profound; the extravagant splendour of Solomon was modelled ... Nevertheless,
the people multiplied. ... act, and a squadron of six hundred chariots was sent ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70
... As the difficulties multiplied their courage increased ... funeral dirge of the city
of David and Solomon. ... conquerors rode slowly in separate chariots, Domitian on ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 38 the jewish war.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... onset was like that of chariots and many ... Divisions and subdivisions followed, parties
multiplied, and heresies ... temple the two cherubim, which Solomon made "of ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... and bending over him, cried out, "My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and ...
This revival, like the former greatness of David and Solomon, was due not so ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Matt. I. 17
... do such things; when evils are multiplied, and He ... from Abraham's name, from Jacob's,
from Solomon's, from Zorobabel's. ... or for their mules and chariots, and for ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iv matt i 17.htm