2 Chronicles 1:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they fetched up {H5927}, and brought forth {H3318} out of Egypt {H4714} a chariot {H4818} for six {H8337} hundred {H3967} shekels of silver {H3701}, and an horse {H5483} for an hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572}: and so brought they out {H3318} horses for all the kings {H4428} of the Hittites {H2850}, and for the kings {H4428} of Syria {H758}, by their means {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A chariot brought from Egypt cost fifteen pounds of silver shekels and a horse three-and-three quarters pounds [of shekels]; all the kings of the Hittim and the kings of Aram purchased them at these prices through Shlomo's agents.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And they fetched up and brought out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 1:17 details King Solomon's extensive and lucrative international trade in military assets, specifically the acquisition of chariots and horses from Egypt. This verse highlights his immense wealth and strategic economic power, as he not only equipped his own formidable army but also acted as a key intermediary, supplying these high-value items to the kings of the Hittites and Syria, thereby solidifying his regional influence and demonstrating the unprecedented scale of his early reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Solomon's early reign, immediately following God's profound blessing and promise of unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and honor given to him at Gibeon ([2 Chronicles 1:7-12](/2_chronicles/1-7 "2 Chronicles 1:7-12 - God's Promise to Solomon")). Verses [2 Chronicles 1:14-16](/2_chronicles/1-14 "2 Chronicles 1:14-16 - Solomon's Chariots, Horsemen, and Gold") provide a general overview of Solomon's vast military and economic might, mentioning his chariots, horsemen, and the abundance of silver and gold. Verse [2 Chronicles 1:17](/2_chronicles/1-17 "2 Chronicles 1:17 - Solomon's Trade in Horses and Chariots") then offers concrete, specific details, illustrating *how* Solomon acquired these assets and the precise costs involved, thereby substantiating the claims of his immense wealth and strategic prowess. It serves as a specific example of the economic activity that underpinned his kingdom's glory, setting the stage for the detailed description of the temple building and other grand projects in subsequent chapters.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, Egypt was renowned for its superior horses and advanced chariot technology, making it a primary source for these critical military assets. Chariots were the ultimate weapon system of the era, providing speed, shock value, and a mobile platform for archers or spearmen, fundamentally transforming battlefield dynamics. Their acquisition was a sign of a nation's military sophistication and economic power. The Hittites (an influential empire to the north of Israel) and the kings of Syria (various Aramean city-states) were significant regional powers, often in conflict or alliance with Israel. Solomon's role as an intermediary, supplying these nations, underscores his dominant position in the regional economy and his ability to control vital trade routes. The mention of "shekels of silver" refers to a standard unit of weight and currency, highlighting the substantial financial investment required for these transactions and the highly valued nature of the goods.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the narrative of Solomon's reign in 2 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores **Unprecedented Wealth and Economic Power**, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon regarding his riches ([2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "2 Chronicles 1:12 - God's Promise of Wealth to Solomon")). The precise, high costs of chariots (600 shekels of silver) and horses (150 shekels) emphasize the vast resources at Solomon's disposal. Secondly, it highlights **Strategic International Trade and Influence**, as Solomon not only imported for his own needs but also served as a crucial supplier to other regional powers, positioning him as a central figure in the ancient Near Eastern economy and diplomacy. Thirdly, it speaks to **Military Modernization and Strength**, reflecting Solomon's commitment to building a formidable army capable of maintaining peace and projecting power across his vast kingdom. Finally, and subtly, it introduces a theme of **Foreshadowing of Disobedience**. While initially a sign of glory, Solomon's aggressive accumulation of horses directly contravened the Mosaic Law's specific warning to future kings against multiplying horses for themselves ([Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Warning Against Multiplying Horses")). This subtle tension foreshadows the eventual spiritual decline and idolatry that would mar Solomon's later reign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fetched up (Hebrew, _ʿālāh'_):** This verb, often translated as "to go up" or "to ascend," implies not merely bringing but "bringing up" or "importing." In the context of trade from Egypt, it suggests the movement of goods from a lower geographical region (the Nile Valley) to the higher elevation of Judah, and also carries the connotation of bringing valuable items into the country. It emphasizes the active, deliberate effort involved in this significant international trade.
* **Shekels (Hebrew, _sheqel'_):** A fundamental unit of weight and currency in the ancient world, typically weighing around 11-12 grams of silver. The specific mention of "shekels of silver" underscores the immense monetary value of the chariots and horses. These precise figures (600 for a chariot, 150 for a horse) are not arbitrary but serve to impress upon the reader the scale of Solomon's wealth and the strategic importance of these military assets, which commanded premium prices.
* **Hittites (Hebrew, _ḥittîm'_):** Refers to the people of the Neo-Hittite states in northern Syria and Anatolia, remnants of the once-mighty Hittite Empire. Their inclusion alongside "the kings of Syria" indicates the broad geographical reach and significant political influence of Solomon's trade network. Supplying these powerful neighbors demonstrates Solomon's economic leverage and his central role in the regional arms market.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt":** This phrase establishes the origin of these highly valued goods – Egypt, a known center for superior horses and chariot technology. The plural "they" refers to Solomon's agents, merchants, or trade representatives, indicating a well-organized and extensive commercial operation under his command. This highlights the deliberate and systematic nature of Solomon's acquisition strategy.
* **"a chariot for six hundred [shekels] of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty":** This provides the precise, astonishing costs of these military assets. A chariot was equivalent to four horses in value, reflecting its complex construction and strategic importance. These figures are not just economic details; they serve to emphasize the extraordinary wealth and resources at Solomon's disposal, enabling him to engage in such high-value transactions on a grand scale.
* **"and so brought they out [horses] for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their means":** This final clause reveals Solomon's role as a regional arms dealer. He wasn't just acquiring for himself; his agents also acted as intermediaries, supplying horses (and by implication, chariots, as horses were essential for them) to neighboring kingdoms. "By their means" (literally "by their hand") indicates that Solomon's agents facilitated these transactions. This demonstrates Solomon's immense economic influence and his strategic control over a vital commodity, positioning him as a dominant power broker in the ancient Near East.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary techniques to convey its message. The precise enumeration of prices ("six hundred shekels," "one hundred and fifty") is a form of **Economic Detail** that lends a strong sense of **verisimilitude** and historical accuracy to the account, while simultaneously emphasizing the vastness of Solomon's wealth. The phrase "chariot and an horse" can be seen as a form of **Merism**, where two distinct but related items are mentioned to represent a broader category—in this case, the entire military apparatus or the trade in high-value military assets. The statement "all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria" may contain an element of **Hyperbole** or **Generalization**, used to convey the *scope* and *extent* of Solomon's influence and trade network, rather than a literal claim that every single king received horses. Finally, while celebrating Solomon's glory, the verse contains subtle **Foreshadowing** of future disobedience, as the very act of multiplying horses for military strength was explicitly warned against in the Mosaic Law, hinting at the seeds of Solomon's later spiritual decline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 1:17, while seemingly a straightforward economic report, carries profound theological implications. It illustrates the tangible manifestation of God's promised blessing of wealth and honor to Solomon, showcasing a kingdom of unprecedented earthly splendor. However, it also subtly introduces the inherent tension between divine provision and human responsibility. The accumulation of military power, while a legitimate aspect of national defense, could easily become a source of trust in human might rather than in God. This verse, therefore, serves as a theological pivot point, highlighting the potential for even divinely granted blessings to become a snare if they lead to self-reliance or a disregard for God's specific commands. The chronicler, writing from a post-exilic perspective, would have understood the tragic trajectory of Solomon's reign, where such earthly glory ultimately gave way to spiritual compromise and national division.

* [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Warning Against Multiplying Horses")
* [1 Kings 10:28-29](/1_kings/10-28 "1 Kings 10:28-29 - Solomon's Trade in Horses and Chariots")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Reliance on God, Not Chariots")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's reign, as depicted in 2 Chronicles 1:17, presents a powerful paradox: a king blessed with unparalleled wisdom and wealth by God, yet whose very means of glory contained the seeds of future disobedience. This verse challenges us to examine the sources of our own security and influence. While God often blesses us with resources, talents, and opportunities, the temptation to rely on these "chariots and horses" (our wealth, status, abilities, or connections) instead of on God Himself is ever-present. Solomon's strategic trade was legitimate, but the sheer scale and the eventual disregard for the Deuteronomic warning reveal how even good things can become idols or lead us astray when they displace our primary trust in the Almighty. We are called to be wise stewards of what God provides, using our resources for His glory and the good of others, rather than allowing them to foster self-sufficiency or lead us into practices that subtly contradict God's principles. Our ultimate security and strength must always be found in Him, not in our accumulated power or possessions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance the pursuit of legitimate success and resources with a humble dependence on God?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to trust in my own "chariots and horses" (e.g., wealth, status, abilities) rather than God?**
* **How can I ensure that my resources and influence are used for God's glory and not as a source of idolatry or self-reliance?**

### FAQ
**Why was it problematic for Solomon to multiply horses, given God blessed him with wealth?**

Answer: The problem for Solomon was not the wealth itself, which was a direct fulfillment of God's promise ([2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "2 Chronicles 1:12 - God's Promise of Wealth to Solomon")). The issue lay in the specific command given to future kings of Israel in [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Warning Against Multiplying Horses"), which explicitly warned against multiplying horses, wives, and silver/gold. This prohibition was intended to prevent kings from relying on foreign military alliances (like Egypt, a source of horses), from being led astray by foreign wives into idolatry, and from trusting in material wealth over God's provision. While Solomon's trade in horses initially showcased his God-given prosperity and strategic acumen, his eventual accumulation of vast numbers of horses and chariots, far beyond defensive needs, reflected a growing reliance on military might and international connections rather than solely on the Lord for national security. This ultimately contributed to his spiritual decline and the kingdom's subsequent division.

**What does "by their means" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "by their means" (Hebrew: *bĕyādām*, literally "by their hand") signifies that Solomon's agents, merchants, or representatives were the intermediaries in these transactions. It indicates that these individuals facilitated the trade of horses from Egypt not only for Solomon's own use but also for the kings of the Hittites and Syria. This highlights the sophisticated nature of Solomon's trade network and his powerful position as a central economic broker in the ancient Near East. His agents were effectively acting as a regional distribution hub for these highly sought-after military assets, further underscoring Solomon's immense influence and control over vital trade routes and commodities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's earthly kingdom, with its unparalleled wealth, military might, and strategic international trade in chariots and horses, serves as a powerful, albeit imperfect, type of the ultimate, eternal kingdom of Christ. Solomon's glory was tangible and impressive, built on material assets and human wisdom, yet it ultimately proved temporary and flawed, leading to a divided kingdom due to his later unfaithfulness. In contrast, Jesus, the true and greater King ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - The Queen of the South and Jesus")), establishes a kingdom not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), one built not on chariots and horses but on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). While Solomon multiplied horses for military strength, Christ entered Jerusalem humbly on a donkey ([Matthew 21:5](/matthew/21-5 "Matthew 21:5 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry on a Donkey")), demonstrating that His power conquers not through earthly might but through sacrificial love and spiritual authority. The "weapons" of His kingdom are not carnal but spiritual, powerful to demolish strongholds ([2 Corinthians 10:4](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - The Weapons of Our Warfare")). Believers are called to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")), recognizing that true security and everlasting glory are found not in accumulating earthly "chariots and horses" but in absolute trust and reliance on Christ, who has triumphed over all spiritual powers through His cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")).

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 Kings 10:29

¶ Howbeit [from] the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, [to wit], the golden calves that [were] in Bethel, and that [were] in Dan.