2 Chronicles 9:28

KJV

And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they brought {H3318} unto Solomon {H8010} horses {H5483} out of Egypt {H4714}, and out of all lands {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They brought horses for Shlomo from Egypt and from all countries.

Berean Standard Bible

Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from all the lands.

American Standard Version

And they brought horses for Solomon out of Egypt, and out of all lands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 9:28 offers a concise yet potent snapshot of King Solomon's unparalleled wealth and vast international influence, specifically highlighting his extensive acquisition of horses. This verse, nestled within a broader account of his golden age, underscores not only the sheer scale of his prosperity—evidenced by the strategic importance and cost of horses in the ancient world—but also the global reach of his trade networks and diplomatic relations, with Egypt serving as a primary, though not exclusive, source for these vital assets. It paints a picture of a kingdom at the zenith of its power, reflecting divine blessing and human enterprise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of the chronicler's detailed account of Solomon's reign, particularly following the awe-inspiring visit of the Queen of Sheba, who herself acknowledged Solomon's extraordinary wisdom and wealth (2 Chronicles 9:1-12). The preceding verses, [2 Chronicles 9:22-27](/2_chronicles/9-22 "2 Chronicles 9:22-27 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth and Wisdom"), meticulously enumerate Solomon's immense riches, including gold, silver, ivory, and precious stones, alongside his vast administrative and military infrastructure. Verse 28 specifically focuses on his acquisition of horses and chariots, a crucial component of ancient military power and a significant indicator of national strength and prosperity. This section serves to underscore the fulfillment of God's promises of blessing to Solomon, while also subtly foreshadowing potential pitfalls associated with excessive wealth, particularly in light of Mosaic law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, horses, especially those trained for chariots, were a symbol of military might, national prestige, and immense wealth. Egypt was renowned as a premier source for high-quality horses and chariot technology, making the acquisition of Egyptian horses a highly coveted strategic advantage. For a king like Solomon to procure horses "out of Egypt, and out of all lands" signifies not only his economic prowess but also his diplomatic reach and control over significant trade routes. This era saw the rise of large, centralized empires, and the ability to maintain a strong cavalry and chariot force was paramount for defense and projection of power. Solomon's extensive horse trade, while demonstrating his kingdom's prosperity, also placed him in a complex relationship with the Mosaic Law, which cautioned kings against multiplying horses, especially from Egypt, to prevent reliance on foreign military strength rather than on God (Deuteronomy 17:16).
* **Key Themes:** The acquisition of horses in [2 Chronicles 9](/2_chronicles/9 "2 Chronicles 9 - Solomon's Greatness and Wealth") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Unparalleled Prosperity and Divine Blessing**, showcasing the fulfillment of God's promise to make Solomon exceedingly great and wealthy (2 Chronicles 1:12). Secondly, it highlights **International Influence and Diplomatic Prowess**, as Solomon's ability to trade for such vital resources across borders underscores his kingdom's prominent standing among nations. Thirdly, and more subtly, it introduces the theme of **Potential Spiritual Compromise**. While presented as a sign of blessing, the multiplication of horses, particularly from Egypt, directly echoes the prohibition in [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Warning Against Multiplying Horses"), subtly hinting at the very actions that would later contribute to Solomon's spiritual decline and the eventual division of the kingdom. This tension between blessing and obedience is a recurring motif in the Chronicler's narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Horses (Hebrew, _sûsîm'_):** The term סוּסִים (_sûsîm_) refers specifically to horses, often in the context of military use or as a sign of wealth and status. In the ancient world, horses were highly valued, particularly for cavalry and chariot warfare. Their acquisition, especially from renowned sources like Egypt, represented significant economic and strategic power. The plural form emphasizes the sheer quantity of animals Solomon acquired, underscoring the scale of his enterprise.
* **All lands (Hebrew, _mikol hā'ărāṣôt'_):** The phrase מִכֹּל הָאֲרָצוֹת (_mikol hā'ărāṣôt_), meaning "from all the lands" or "from every land," is a hyperbole used to convey the vast extent of Solomon's trade network and influence. While Egypt was a primary source, this broader phrase suggests that his reach extended far beyond, encompassing various regions that supplied these valuable animals, further emphasizing his unparalleled global standing and economic dominance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they brought unto Solomon horses":** This opening clause immediately establishes the active procurement of horses for King Solomon. The passive "they brought" implies a wide network of traders, merchants, and perhaps even tribute-bearers from various nations, all converging to supply Solomon's demand. It highlights Solomon's central position as the recipient of immense wealth and strategic resources.
* **"out of Egypt, and out of all lands.":** This specifies the sources of these horses. Egypt is singled out due to its historical reputation as a major supplier of high-quality horses and chariots in the ancient Near East. The subsequent phrase "and out of all lands" broadens the scope considerably, indicating that Solomon's influence and trade extended far beyond Egypt, encompassing a vast international network. This emphasizes the truly global nature of his economic power and the widespread recognition of his kingdom's preeminence.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in [2 Chronicles 9:28](/2_chronicles/9-28 "2 Chronicles 9:28 - Solomon's Acquisition of Horses") to convey Solomon's grandeur. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "out of all lands," which, while not literally meaning every single land on earth, powerfully communicates the extraordinary breadth and reach of Solomon's trade empire. This exaggeration serves to magnify his wealth and international prestige. The verse also utilizes **Metonymy**, where "horses" stand in for military strength and national security, as these animals were critical components of ancient armies and symbols of a nation's power. Furthermore, the accumulation of such a vital resource can be seen as **Symbolism**, with the horses representing not just economic prosperity but also a potential over-reliance on human might and worldly resources, subtly foreshadowing the spiritual dangers associated with such immense wealth, especially in light of the Mosaic Law's warnings against multiplying horses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly a simple statement of fact, carries profound theological implications within the broader biblical narrative. Solomon's acquisition of horses, particularly from Egypt, directly echoes a specific prohibition given to future kings of Israel in the Mosaic Law. [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Warning Against Multiplying Horses") explicitly warns kings against multiplying horses for themselves, "nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses." This command was designed to prevent reliance on military might or foreign alliances, fostering instead a dependence on God alone for security and success. While 2 Chronicles highlights Solomon's prosperity as a blessing, his actions here, when viewed through the lens of Deuteronomy, subtly introduce a tension between divinely granted wealth and human disobedience, foreshadowing the spiritual compromises that would later plague his reign and contribute to the kingdom's eventual decline. The Chronicler, writing post-exile, often emphasizes obedience and its consequences, and this detail, though seemingly minor, would have resonated with an audience familiar with the Law and the history of Israel's kings.

* [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Prohibition Against Multiplying Horses for Kings")
* [1 Kings 10:28-29](/1_kings/10-28 "1 Kings 10:28-29 - Parallel Account of Solomon's Horse Trade")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, Not in Chariots or Horses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's vast acquisition of horses, a symbol of immense wealth and military power in his day, serves as a powerful reminder of both God's capacity to bless and humanity's propensity to misuse those blessings. While his prosperity was initially a sign of divine favor for his wisdom and faithfulness, the sheer scale of his accumulation, particularly of items explicitly warned against in the Law (like horses from Egypt), hints at a subtle shift from reliance on God to reliance on worldly strength and resources. For believers today, this narrative prompts deep introspection: where do we place our ultimate trust? Is our security found in our financial portfolios, our professional achievements, our social networks, or in the unfailing power and provision of God? The story of Solomon reminds us that material abundance, while not inherently evil, can become a snare if it leads us away from humble dependence on the Lord. Our call is to steward all resources—whether great or small—with wisdom, gratitude, and a constant awareness that true and lasting security is found only in seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness, not in the accumulation of worldly power or possessions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to place my trust in worldly resources or human strength rather than in God?**
* **How can the pursuit of prosperity, even if initially blessed by God, subtly lead to spiritual compromise if left unchecked?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my stewardship of resources reflects a primary reliance on God, rather than on the resources themselves?**

### FAQ
**Was Solomon's acquisition of horses from Egypt a violation of God's law?**

Answer: This is a nuanced question. [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Warning Against Multiplying Horses") explicitly warns future kings against multiplying horses for themselves, especially from Egypt, and against causing the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses. While 2 Chronicles 9:28 simply states the fact of Solomon's extensive horse trade, the parallel account in [1 Kings 10:28-29](/1_kings/10-28 "1 Kings 10:28-29 - Solomon's Horse Trade and Chariots") details how Solomon's agents brought horses and chariots out of Egypt at a set price, indicating a systematic and large-scale operation. The Chronicler often highlights obedience and its consequences, and while not explicitly condemning Solomon here, the inclusion of this detail, especially given the Deuteronomic warning, would have signaled to a discerning reader that Solomon was engaging in an activity that bordered on, or even crossed, a divinely established boundary. This action, along with his multiplying of wives and silver (also warned against in Deuteronomy 17), contributed to his later spiritual decline and the eventual division of the kingdom, illustrating how even divinely blessed prosperity can lead to disobedience if not managed with humble reliance on God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Solomon's unparalleled wealth, symbolized by his vast acquisition of horses, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the accumulation of earthly power, but in the humble, yet infinitely more powerful, reign of Jesus Christ. Solomon's glory, though immense, was fleeting and ultimately marred by his own disobedience, leading to the kingdom's division. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true King of Israel, did not come riding on warhorses or chariots from Egypt, but humbly on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The King Comes on a Donkey"). His kingdom is not of this world, nor is it built on military might or economic prowess, but on divine love, sacrifice, and spiritual power ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). While Solomon's horses represented a reliance on human strength, Christ's power is demonstrated through weakness and self-giving ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power Made Perfect in Weakness")). He is the one who truly gathers "out of all lands" not horses, but people from every tribe, tongue, and nation, bringing them into His eternal kingdom through His atoning work on the cross ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation")). Thus, the fleeting glory of Solomon's horse-powered empire points forward to the everlasting, spiritual dominion of Christ, whose reign is characterized by humility, righteousness, and an enduring peace that far surpasses any earthly prosperity.

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 1:16

And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.

Isaiah 31:1

¶ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

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.

Isaiah 2:7

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:

Isaiah 2:8

Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made:

1 Kings 10:28

And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.