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.

And Solomon {H8010} had horses {H5483} brought {H4161} out of Egypt {H4714}, and linen yarn {H4723}: the king's {H4428} merchants {H5503} received {H3947} the linen yarn {H4723} at a price {H4242}.

Shlomo's horses had been brought from Egypt and from Keve, with the king's agents having bought them from the dealers in Keve at the going price.

Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue.

And the horses which Solomon had were brought out of Egypt; the king’s merchants received them in droves, each drove at a price.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 1:16 describes King Solomon's extensive trade network, specifically his acquisition of horses and linen yarn from Egypt. This verse offers a glimpse into the economic prosperity and international relations of Solomon's early reign, yet also subtly hints at a potential deviation from God's earlier commands to Israelite kings.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of God granting Solomon immense wisdom, riches, and honor (2 Chronicles 1:12). Solomon's reign was characterized by unprecedented wealth and diplomatic activity. His kingdom became a major hub for trade, facilitating the exchange of goods throughout the ancient Near East. Egypt was a prominent source for horses and fine textiles, both valuable commodities at the time.

Key Themes

  • Solomon's Wealth and International Trade: The verse highlights the vast resources and sophisticated trade infrastructure established under Solomon. The ability to import such expensive goods as horses and high-quality linen yarn from a powerful nation like Egypt underscores the kingdom's economic strength and Solomon's shrewdness as a ruler. This trade was a significant part of his unparalleled wealth and prosperity.
  • Potential Disobedience to God's Law: Critically, the procurement of horses from Egypt directly contravened a specific command given to future kings of Israel in the Mosaic Law. Deuteronomy 17:16 explicitly states, "But he [the king] 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." This prohibition was designed to prevent kings from relying on military might (horses were instruments of war) or foreign alliances rather than on God, and to prevent a return to the bondage and idolatry associated with Egypt. Solomon's actions here, though seemingly practical for security and status, marked an early departure from this divine instruction, a pattern that would regrettably escalate later in his reign.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "linen yarn" translates the Hebrew word mikveh (מִקְוֶה). While often understood as "linen yarn" or "thread," some scholars suggest it could also refer to a "string" or "company" of horses, implying that the "linen yarn" mentioned might be a specific trade term for the *cost* or *arrangement* of importing the horses themselves, or perhaps a trade route that dealt in both. However, the common interpretation of two distinct commodities (horses and linen yarn) remains widely accepted.

Significance and Application

2 Chronicles 1:16 is more than just a historical note about trade; it serves as a subtle foreshadowing. It illustrates the inherent tension between worldly success and divine obedience. While Solomon was blessed with wisdom and prosperity, his actions here demonstrate how even a wise leader can begin to compromise on God's clear commands for the sake of power, prestige, or wealth. This verse reminds us:

  • The Dangers of Prosperity: Abundance and success can sometimes lead to a reliance on human resources and strategies rather than on God's provision and guidance.
  • The Importance of Obedience: True strength and lasting success come from adhering to God's word, even when worldly wisdom suggests alternative paths. Solomon's later spiritual decline was rooted in such compromises (1 Kings 11:4).
  • God's Standards are Unchanging: What God forbids, He forbids for our good and protection, regardless of the perceived benefits or common practices of the world.

This verse encourages believers to examine their own lives: are we relying on God's strength and wisdom, or are we tempted to pursue worldly advantages that might subtly lead us away from His perfect will?

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 9:28 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 10:28 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 10:29 (2 votes)

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