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.

And Solomon {H8010} gathered together {H622} chariots {H7393} and horsemen {H6571}: and he had a thousand {H505} and four {H702} hundred {H3967} chariots {H7393}, and twelve {H8147}{H6240} thousand {H505} horsemen {H6571}, whom he bestowed {H5148} in the cities {H5892} for chariots {H7393}, and with the king {H4428} at Jerusalem {H3389}.

Shlomo amassed chariots and horsemen; he had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen; he assigned them to the chariot cities and to the king in Yerushalayim.

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

And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, that he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

Commentary

1 Kings 10:26 describes King Solomon's significant military buildup, detailing his acquisition of "a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen." These forces were strategically stationed in designated "cities for chariots" and also maintained "with the king at Jerusalem," underscoring the immense scale of his kingdom's military infrastructure and his personal wealth.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in 1 Kings chapters 9-10 that highlights the unprecedented prosperity, wisdom, and international standing of King Solomon. His reign marked a golden age for ancient Israel, characterized by extensive trade, architectural marvels like the Temple in Jerusalem, and diplomatic alliances. The acquisition of chariots and horsemen was a common practice for powerful monarchs in the ancient Near East, symbolizing national strength and prestige. However, this accumulation of military might, particularly horses and chariots, subtly contrasts with the instructions given to future kings in the Mosaic Law, specifically Deuteronomy 17:16, which warned against multiplying horses, lest the king lead the people back to Egypt or rely on military power instead of God. This detail sets a stage for understanding Solomon's later spiritual decline.

Key Themes

  • Solomon's Wealth and Power: The vast numbers of chariots and horsemen demonstrate the unparalleled wealth and military might of Solomon's kingdom. This was a tangible expression of his dominion and influence throughout the region.
  • National Security and Defense: While Solomon's reign was largely peaceful, maintaining such a large standing army indicated a focus on national security and the ability to project power or deter potential adversaries.
  • Potential for Spiritual Compromise: For a king of Israel, reliance on military strength rather than divine protection could represent a subtle departure from God's covenant principles. This verse, read in light of the Deuteronomic law, hints at a potential spiritual vulnerability in Solomon's otherwise magnificent reign.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms for "chariots" (rechev) and "horsemen" (parashim) are straightforward here, emphasizing the literal military components. The significance lies less in the individual words and more in their sheer quantity and the implied source of power. The act of "gathering together" (vayikbotz) suggests an intentional and systematic accumulation, indicative of a strategic national policy.

Practical Application

The account of Solomon's military buildup serves as a timeless reminder about the potential pitfalls of earthly power and prosperity. While strength and resources are not inherently bad, they can become a snare if they lead to self-reliance or a diminished trust in God. Just as Psalm 20:7 declares, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." For believers today, this verse encourages us to examine where our ultimate trust lies – whether in financial security, political power, or personal abilities, or supremely in the providence and power of God.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 9:25 (7 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Kings 4:26 (5 votes)

    And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.

  • Deuteronomy 17:16 (3 votes)

    But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.

  • 1 Kings 9:19 (3 votes)

    And all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.

  • 2 Chronicles 1:14 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Chronicles 1:17 (2 votes)

    And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred [shekels] of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so brought they out [horses] for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their means.

  • Isaiah 2:7 (2 votes)

    Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither [is there any] end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither [is there any] end of their chariots: