TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.
Complete Jewish Bible
Shlomo also had 40,000 stalls for the horses used with his chariots and 12,000 horsemen.
American Standard Version
And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.
World English Bible Messianic
Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Salomon had fourtie thousande stalles of horses for his charets, and twelue thousand horsemen.
Young's Literal Translation
And Solomon hath forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.
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In the KJVVerse 8,871 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Kings 4 verses 20–28
20 ¶ Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.
21 And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.
22 And Solomon's provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and threescore measures of meal,
23 Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl.
24 For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.
25 And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.
26 And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.
27 And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing.
28 Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, every man according to his charge.
Such a kingdom, and such a court, surely never any prince had, as Solomon's are here described to be.
I. Such a kingdom. Never did the crown of Israel shine so brightly as it did when Solomon wore it, never in his father's days, never in the days of any of his successors; nor was that kingdom ever so glorious a type of the kingdom of the Messiah as it was then. The account here given of it is such as fully answers the prophecies which we have concerning it in Ps. 72, which is a psalm for Solomon, but with reference to Christ. 1. The territories of his kingdom were large and its tributaries many; so it was foretold that he should have dominion from sea to sea, Psa 72:8-11. Solomon reigned not only over all Israel, who were his subjects by choice, but over all the neighbouring kingdoms, who were his subjects by constraint. All the princes from the river Euphrates, north-east to the border of Egypt south-west, not only added to his honour by doing him homage and holding their crowns from him, but added to his wealth by serving him, and bringing him presents, Kg1 4:21. David, by his successful wars, compelled them to this subjection, and Solomon, by his admirable wisdom, made it easy and reasonable; for it is fit that the fool should be servant to the wise in heart. If they gave him presents, he gave them instructions, and still taught the people knowledge, not only his own people, but those of other nations: and wisdom is better than gold. He had peace on all sides, Kg1 4:24. None of all the nations that were subject to him offered to shake off his yoke, or to give him any disturbance, but rather thought themselves happy in their dependence upon him. Herein his kingdom typified the Messiah's; for to him it is promised that he shall have the heathen for his inheritance and that princes shall worship him, Isa 49:6, Isa 49:7; Isa 53:12. 2. The subjects of his kingdom and its inhabitants, were many and cheerful. (1.) They were numerous and country was exceedingly populous (Kg1 4:20): Judah and Israel were many, and that good land was sufficient to maintain them all. They were as the sand of the sea in multitude. Now was fulfilled the promise made to Abraham concerning the increase of his seed (Gen 22:17), as well as that concerning the extent of their dominion, Gen 15:18. This was their strength and beauty, the honour of their prince, the terror of their enemies, and an advancement of the wealth of the nation. If they grew so numerous that the place was any where too strait for them, they might remove with advantage into the countries that were subject to them. God's spiritual Israel are many, at least they will be so when they come all together, Rev 7:9. (2.) They were easy, they dwelt safely, or with confidence and assurance (Kg1 4:25), not jealous of their king or of his officers, not disaffected either to him or one to another, nor under any apprehension or danger from enemies foreign or domestic. They were happy and knew it, safe and willing to think themselves so. They dwelt every man under his vine and fig-tree. Solomon invaded no man's property, took not to himself their vineyards and olive-yards, as sometimes was the manner of the king (Sa1 8:14), but what they had they could call their own: he protected every man in the possession and enjoyment of his property. Those that had vines and fig-trees ate the fruit of them themselves; and so great was the peace of the country that they might, if they pleased, dwell as safely under the shadow of them as within the walls of a city. Or, because it was usual to have vines by the sides of their houses (Psa 128:3), they are said to dwell under their vines. (3.) They were cheerful in the use of their plenty, eating and drinking, and making merry, Kg1 4:20. Solomon did not only keep a good table himself, but enabled all his subjects, according to their rank, to do so too, and taught them that God gave them their abundance that they might use it soberly and pleasantly, not that they might hoard it up. There is nothing better than for a man to eat the labour of his hands (Ecc 2:24), and that with a merry heart, Ecc 9:7. His father, in the Psalms, had led his people into the comforts of communion with God, and now he led them into the comfortable use of the good things of this life. This pleasant posture of Israel's affairs extended, in place, from Dan to Beer-sheba - no part of the country was exposed nor upon any account uneasy; and it continued a long time, all the days of Solomon, without any material interruption. Go where you would, you might see all the marks of plenty, peace, and satisfaction. The spiritual peace, and joy, and holy security, of all the faithful subjects of the Lord Jesus were typified by this. The kingdom of God is not, as Solomon's was, meat and drink, but, what is infinitely better, righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
II. Such a court Solomon kept as can scarcely be paralleled. We may guess at the vast number of his attendants, and the great resort there was to him, by the provision that was made daily for his table. Of bread there were so many measures of flour and meal as, it is computed, would richly serve 3000 men (Carellus computes above 4800 men), and the provision of flesh (Kg1 4:23) was rather more in proportion. What vast quantities were here of beef, mutton, and venison, and the choicest of all fatted things, as some read that which we translate fatted fowl! Ahasuerus, once in his reign, made a great feast, to show the riches of his kingdom, Est 1:3, Est 1:4. But it was much more the honour of Solomon that he kept a constant table and a very noble one, not of dainties or deceitful meats (he himself witnessed against them, Pro 23:3), but substantial food, for the entertainment of those who came to hear his wisdom. Thus Christ fed those whom he taught, 5000 at a time, more than ever Solomon's table would entertain at once: and all believers have in him a continual feast. Herein he far outdoes Solomon, that he feeds all his subjects, not with the bread that perishes, but with that which endures to eternal life. It added much both to the strength and glory of Solomon's kingdom that he had such abundance of horses, 40,000 for chariots and 12,000 for his troops, 1000 horse, perhaps, in every tribe, for the preserving of the public peace, Kg1 4:26. God had commanded that their king should not multiply horses (Deu 17:16), nor, according to the account here given, considering the extent and wealth of Solomon's kingdom, did he multiply horses in proportion to his neighbours; for we find even the Philistines bringing into the field 30,000 chariots (Sa1 13:5) and the Syrians at least 40,000 horse, Sa2 10:18. The same officers that provided for his house provided also for his stable, Kg1 4:27, Kg1 4:28. Every one knew his place, and work, and time; and so this great court was kept without confusion. Solomon, that had vast incomes, lived at a vast expense, and perhaps wrote that with application to himself, Ecc 5:11. When goods increase those are increased that eat them; and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes, unless withal they have the satisfaction of doing good with them?
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–28. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
First Kings 4:26 provides a vivid depiction of King Solomon's immense military infrastructure and unparalleled wealth, detailing his vast number of stalls for chariots and his numerous horsemen. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the unprecedented peace, prosperity, and geopolitical influence Israel enjoyed under his reign, highlighting the kingdom's formidable strength and the king's remarkable administrative capacity. While showcasing the grandeur of Solomon's golden age, it also subtly introduces a theological tension, as the accumulation of such military might by an Israelite king stood in implicit contrast to divine warnings against relying on human strength rather than on God alone.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within a comprehensive description of Solomon's magnificent reign in 1 Kings 4. The preceding verses (1 Kings 4:20-25) establish a broad picture of a vast and secure kingdom, stretching from the Euphrates to the border of Egypt, where "Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea; they ate, drank, and rejoiced." Following the detailed account of Solomon's administrative structure (1 Kings 4:1-19) and his daily provisions (1 Kings 4:22-23), the text transitions to his unparalleled wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34). Verse 26, therefore, functions as a specific, powerful illustration of the material resources and military power that underpinned this golden age, reinforcing the grandeur and stability of his kingdom before moving on to describe his intellectual prowess and international renown. It sets the stage for understanding the massive scale of his later building projects and his global reputation.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, the possession of a large number of horses and chariots was the ultimate symbol of a nation's military strength, economic power, and prestige. Chariots represented the cutting-edge military technology of the era, akin to modern tanks, requiring significant investment in breeding, training, and maintenance. Horses were often imported from regions like Egypt or Cilicia, making them extremely valuable commodities. Solomon's accumulation of "forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen" (though the numbers are debated, they undeniably convey immense scale) positioned Israel as a dominant regional power, capable of both defense and projecting influence. This military might was sustained by his extensive trade networks and the tribute he received from vassal states, reflecting an era of unparalleled prosperity and administrative efficiency. However, this accumulation also carried a significant theological caveat, as the Mosaic Law explicitly cautioned Israelite kings against multiplying horses for themselves, lest they rely on human power or return to Egypt for military alliances, as detailed in Deuteronomy 17:16.
Key Themes: The primary theme highlighted by 1 Kings 4:26 is Solomon's Unparalleled Magnificence and Power. The sheer scale of his military infrastructure underscores his immense wealth, administrative capacity, and the formidable strength of his kingdom, a direct result of God's blessing and Solomon's wisdom. This verse also contributes to the theme of Prosperity and Material Abundance, showcasing the economic boom and the vast resources at Solomon's disposal, which enabled such an impressive military establishment. However, beneath this grandeur lies a subtle but critical theme of Potential Spiritual Caution. While impressive, Solomon's extensive military buildup, particularly his accumulation of horses, stands in tension with the divine command in Deuteronomy 17:16. This foreshadows a recurring biblical tension between reliance on God and trust in human strength, a theme echoed in Psalm 20:7 and subtly hinting at Solomon's later deviations from God's commands, where his worldly pursuits overshadowed his spiritual devotion, as seen in his pursuit of foreign wives and idols later in 1 Kings 11.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey Solomon's grandeur. Hyperbole or Exaggeration is evident in the numbers cited. While the exact figures (40,000 stalls) may not be literal counts but rather convey an overwhelming sense of scale and power, they effectively communicate the unprecedented vastness of Solomon's military apparatus. This is further supported by other biblical accounts, such as 1 Kings 10:26 and 2 Chronicles 1:14, which mention 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, implying a different ratio or interpretation of "stalls." Regardless of the precise literal count, the intent is to impress upon the reader the king's immense resources. Furthermore, the horses and chariots serve as Symbolism for earthly power, national strength, and human reliance. Their accumulation, while demonstrating worldly might, also subtly introduces Foreshadowing, hinting at Solomon's eventual spiritual decline and disobedience to the Deuteronomic law, which cautioned against kings multiplying horses. This tension between divine instruction and human accumulation of power is a recurring motif in the Deuteronomistic history.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 4:26, while describing Solomon's impressive military might, stands in a crucial theological tension with the Mosaic Law. The command in Deuteronomy 17:16 explicitly warns Israelite kings against multiplying horses, lest they rely on their own strength and return to Egypt (a primary source of horses), rather than trusting in God for their security. Solomon's vast accumulation, therefore, subtly foreshadows his later spiritual compromises and deviations from God's commands, illustrating the perennial temptation for even the most blessed leaders to place confidence in human resources rather than divine provision. This verse highlights the biblical theme that true security and victory come not from military might or accumulated wealth, but from unwavering obedience and trust in the Lord.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's magnificent display of military power in 1 Kings 4:26 serves as a profound reminder for believers today about the subtle dangers of prosperity and the temptation to place our trust in earthly resources. While God blessed Solomon with immense wealth and wisdom, his accumulation of "chariots and horses" ultimately became a point of vulnerability, subtly leading him away from complete reliance on God. For us, the "chariots and horses" might manifest as financial security, professional achievements, social status, intellectual prowess, or even technological advancements. This verse challenges us to critically examine where our ultimate confidence lies. Do we find our security in our bank accounts, our careers, our networks, or our own abilities? Or do we, like the psalmist, declare that our trust is in the name of the Lord our God, recognizing that true and lasting security, peace, and victory come only from Him? The narrative of Solomon's reign, beginning with such splendor and ending with spiritual compromise, encourages us to prioritize faithfulness to God above all earthly glory and might, understanding that our true strength is found in Him alone.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the number of "stalls" so high in 1 Kings 4:26 compared to other accounts of Solomon's chariots?
Answer: The discrepancy between 1 Kings 4:26, which mentions "forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots," and other passages like 1 Kings 10:26 and 2 Chronicles 1:14, which state Solomon had "one thousand four hundred chariots," has been a subject of scholarly discussion. Several interpretations exist. One common explanation is that "stalls" (Hebrew: אֻרְוָה, ʼurvâh') might refer to individual horses rather than entire stable complexes, meaning 40,000 horses were available for the chariots, which would require more than one horse per chariot (e.g., a team of four, plus reserves), or perhaps even including reserve horses. Another possibility is that "stalls" refers to a larger unit of capacity, perhaps for multiple horses or even a specific stable unit. It's also plausible that the number 40,000 is a rounded or hyperbolic figure, used by the biblical author to convey an overwhelming sense of scale and abundance, rather than a precise literal count. Ancient Near Eastern texts often employed large numbers to emphasize grandeur and power, not necessarily for exact statistical accuracy. Regardless of the precise mathematical interpretation, the clear intent of the text is to underscore the unparalleled wealth, military might, and logistical capabilities of Solomon's kingdom, showcasing its immense strength and prestige during this golden age.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Solomon's reign in 1 Kings 4:26 epitomizes earthly power and glory, foreshadowing a king who would amass great wealth and military might, it ultimately points to the greater King, Jesus Christ, who fulfills and transcends Solomon's reign in a profoundly spiritual way. Solomon's reliance on "forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen" speaks to a kingdom built on human strength and material resources, a kingdom that, despite its splendor, eventually faltered due to the king's spiritual compromises. In stark contrast, Jesus' kingdom is "not of this world" (John 18:36), and His power is manifested not through military might, but through humility and self-sacrifice. Instead of riding into Jerusalem on a warhorse, Jesus entered on a humble donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 and demonstrating that His kingship is one of peace and righteousness, not conquest by force. Where Solomon accumulated earthly power, Christ emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7). His victory over sin and death was achieved not through chariots and horsemen, but through the cross, disarming the powers and authorities (Colossians 2:15). Thus, 1 Kings 4:26, with its depiction of a king's reliance on worldly might, serves as a powerful backdrop against which the true, spiritual, and eternal kingdom of Christ shines even brighter, inviting us to place our trust not in fleeting earthly power, but in the enduring, redemptive power of our humble yet triumphant King.