1 Kings 4:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon {H8010} had forty {H705} thousand {H505} stalls {H723} of horses {H5483} for his chariots {H4817}, and twelve {H8147}{H6240} thousand {H505} horsemen {H6571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo also had 40,000 stalls for the horses used with his chariots and 12,000 horsemen.

Berean Standard Bible

Solomon had 4,000 stalls for his chariot horses and 12,000 horses.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 4:26 offers a striking glimpse into the unparalleled military infrastructure and immense wealth of King Solomon's reign, detailing his vast number of horse 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 Solomon, highlighting the kingdom's formidable strength and the king's remarkable administrative capacity. However, 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 embedded within a broader description of Solomon's magnificent reign in 1 Kings 4. The preceding verses (1 Kings 4:20-25) paint a 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 this general prosperity, the text details Solomon's administrative structure (1 Kings 4:1-19), his daily provisions (1 Kings 4:22-23), and his unparalleled wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34). Verse 26, therefore, functions as a specific 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 wisdom and international renown. It sets the stage for understanding the 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 were 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 40,000 stalls for chariots and 12,000 horsemen (though the numbers are debated, they 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 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](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Prohibition Against Multiplying Horses").
* **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](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Prohibition Against Multiplying Horses"). This foreshadows a recurring biblical tension between reliance on God and trust in human strength, a theme echoed in [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in God, Not Chariots") and subtly hinting at Solomon's later deviations from God's commands, where his worldly pursuits overshadowed his spiritual devotion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stalls (Hebrew, _'urvot'_):** This term (אֻרְוֹת) refers to stables or enclosures for horses. The mention of "forty thousand stalls" conveys an astonishing scale of infrastructure dedicated to housing and maintaining a massive cavalry and chariot force. While the exact numerical interpretation has been debated (some suggest it refers to pairs of horses or a different unit of measurement, or that it's a general hyperbolic number for "vastness"), the clear intent is to communicate the immense capacity and logistical prowess of Solomon's kingdom in supporting such a military apparatus.
* **Horses (Hebrew, _susim'_):** The word (סוּסִים) specifically denotes warhorses, which were crucial for chariots and cavalry. These were highly prized animals, often imported from Egypt or other regions, signifying not just military capability but also immense wealth and international trade connections. The sheer number implies a vast network for acquisition, breeding, and training.
* **Horsemen (Hebrew, _parashim'_):** This term (פָּרָשִׁים) refers to cavalry troops, the soldiers who rode the horses. Their presence alongside the chariots indicates a comprehensive and formidable military force, capable of various combat roles. The 12,000 horsemen represent a significant standing army, further emphasizing the security and power of Solomon's reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots":** This clause highlights the extraordinary scale of Solomon's military infrastructure. The "forty thousand stalls" indicate not just a large number of horses, but the immense logistical and administrative effort required to build, maintain, and staff such extensive facilities. These horses were specifically designated "for his chariots," emphasizing their role in the elite, mobile warfare of the era. This detail underscores the king's immense wealth, his ability to command vast resources, and his strategic foresight in developing a powerful military.
* **"and twelve thousand horsemen":** This second clause specifies the number of cavalry troops, the personnel who would operate alongside the chariots or as independent units. The "twelve thousand horsemen" represent a substantial standing army, indicating Israel's formidable military might and its capacity for both defense and offensive operations. This figure further reinforces the picture of a secure and dominant kingdom, capable of projecting power and maintaining peace across its vast territories.

#### 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](/1_kings/10-26 "1 Kings 10:26 - Solomon's Chariots and Horsemen") and [2 Chronicles 1:14](/2_chronicles/1-14 "2 Chronicles 1:14 - Solomon's Chariots and Horsemen"), 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](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Prohibition Against Multiplying Horses") explicitly warns Israelite kings against multiplying horses, lest they rely on their own strength and return to Egypt (a 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.

* [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - The King Must Not Multiply Horses")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - Victory Belongs to 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
* **What "chariots and horses" (i.e., sources of earthly security or pride) do I tend to accumulate or rely on in my own life?**
* **How does my pursuit of worldly success or comfort potentially distract me from complete reliance on God?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to trust in my own strength or resources more than in God's provision and guidance?**

### 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](/1_kings/10-26 "1 Kings 10:26 - Solomon's Chariots and Horsemen") and [2 Chronicles 1:14](/2_chronicles/1-14 "2 Chronicles 1:14 - Solomon's Chariots and Horsemen"), 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" (אֻרְוֹת, _'urvot'_) 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). 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](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), 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](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey") 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](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). 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](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

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.

2 Samuel 8:4

And David took from him a thousand [chariots], and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all the chariot [horses], but reserved of them [for] an hundred chariots.

1 Kings 10:25

And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.

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.

Psalms 20:7

Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Deuteronomy 17:16

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.