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. A chariot could be imported from EgyptThe mention of "a chariot" highlights the significance of chariots in ancient warfare and transportation. In the Hebrew context, the word for chariot is "merkavah," which signifies a vehicle of power and prestige. Egypt was renowned for its chariots, which were a symbol of military might and technological advancement. The importation of chariots from Egypt indicates Solomon's strategic alliances and his desire to strengthen Israel's military capabilities. Historically, Egypt was a major center for chariot production, and their chariots were highly valued across the ancient Near East. for six hundred shekels of silver
The "six hundred shekels of silver" denotes the high value placed on chariots, reflecting their importance and the wealth of Solomon's kingdom. A shekel was a standard unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel, and six hundred shekels would have been a significant sum, indicating the economic prosperity during Solomon's reign. This also underscores the extensive trade networks Solomon established, which were crucial for maintaining his kingdom's wealth and influence. and a horse for a hundred and fifty
The phrase "and a horse for a hundred and fifty" further emphasizes the economic transactions involved in Solomon's trade with Egypt. Horses were essential for chariots and cavalry, and their acquisition was vital for maintaining a strong military. The price of a horse, at one hundred and fifty shekels, suggests the relative value and necessity of horses in comparison to chariots. This reflects Solomon's strategic investments in military resources to ensure the security and expansion of his kingdom. Likewise, they exported them
The word "exported" indicates the reciprocal nature of trade during Solomon's reign. Not only did Israel import valuable goods, but it also engaged in exporting, which contributed to its economic prosperity. This highlights Solomon's wisdom in establishing a thriving trade network that extended beyond Israel's borders, enhancing its influence and wealth. The ability to export such valuable commodities suggests a level of craftsmanship and resource availability within Israel. to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Aram
The mention of "the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Aram" illustrates the broad reach of Solomon's trade relations. The Hittites and Arameans were significant powers in the region, and engaging in trade with them indicates a level of diplomatic and economic interaction that was crucial for maintaining peace and stability. This also reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a nation of influence and prosperity. The strategic alliances and trade with these neighboring kingdoms demonstrate Solomon's wisdom in governance and his ability to extend Israel's influence throughout the region. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel during this time, known for his wisdom and wealth. He established extensive trade networks. 2. EgyptA powerful neighboring nation known for its horses and chariots, which were symbols of military strength and wealth. 3. HittitesA group of ancient people who lived in the region of modern-day Turkey and Syria, known for their military prowess. 4. AramA region located in present-day Syria, often in conflict with Israel throughout biblical history. 5. Trade and CommerceThe verse highlights the trade relationships and economic strategies during Solomon's reign, emphasizing the import and export of horses and chariots. Teaching Points Wisdom and WealthSolomon's wisdom led to great wealth, but it also brought temptations and potential disobedience. We must seek wisdom that aligns with God's commands. Trust in God Over Material StrengthThe reliance on horses and chariots symbolizes a trust in military might rather than in God. Believers are called to place their trust in God rather than in material or worldly power. The Dangers of CompromiseSolomon's trade with Egypt, despite biblical warnings, shows how compromise can lead to spiritual decline. We must be vigilant in maintaining our spiritual integrity. Economic StewardshipThe passage highlights the importance of wise economic practices. Christians are called to be good stewards of their resources, using them to honor God. Influence and ResponsibilitySolomon's influence extended beyond Israel, impacting other nations. Believers are called to use their influence responsibly, reflecting God's character in all interactions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's trade with Egypt reflect both his wisdom and potential disobedience to God's commands in Deuteronomy 17:16? 2. In what ways can we be tempted to rely on material strength or worldly resources instead of trusting in God, as warned in Isaiah 31:1? 3. How can we apply the principle of economic stewardship in our personal finances and resources today? 4. What are some modern-day examples of compromise that can lead to spiritual decline, and how can we guard against them? 5. How can we use our influence in our communities and workplaces to reflect God's character and principles, as Solomon's influence extended to other nations? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 17:16This verse warns Israelite kings against acquiring many horses, especially from Egypt, highlighting a potential disobedience in Solomon's actions. 2 Chronicles 1:16-17This passage parallels 1 Kings 10:29, providing additional context on Solomon's trade practices and wealth accumulation. Isaiah 31:1Warns against relying on Egypt for military strength, emphasizing trust in God over foreign alliances. People Arabians, Aram, Hiram, Hittites, Ophir, Solomon, Tarshish, TharshishPlaces Egypt, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jerusalem, Kue, Ophir, Sheba, Shephelah, Syria, TarshishTopics Aram, 600, Arameans, Bring, Chariot, Egypt, Exported, Fifty, Got, Hittites, Horse, Hundred, Imported, Kings, King's, Rate, Shekels, Silver, Silverlings, Six, Syria, Traders, War-carriageDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 10:29 4363 silver
5615 weights 1 Kings 10:23-29 8701 affluence 1 Kings 10:26-29 5407 merchants 1 Kings 10:27-29 7236 Israel, united kingdom 1 Kings 10:28-29 5433 occupations Library Coming to the King.
"And King Solomon gave unto the Queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty."--1 Kings x. 13. The beautiful history recorded in the chapter from which the above words are quoted is deeply instructive to those who have learned to recognise CHRIST in the Scriptures. The reference to this narrative by our LORD Himself was surely designed to draw our attention to it, and gives it an added interest. The blessings, too, received by the Queen …
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of BlueA Royal Seeker after Wisdom
'And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions. 2. And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. 3. And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. 4. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Gift
"There came no more such abundance of spices as those which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon."--1 Kings x. 10. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 "What dost thou bring me, O my Queen? Love maketh thy steps to fly." Lord, to Thee my jewel I bring, Greater than mountains high; Broader than all the earth's broad lands, Heavier than the ocean sands, And higher it is than the sky: Deeper it is than the depths of the sea, And fairer than the sun, Unreckoned, as if the stars …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) Of the Weight of Government; and that all Manner of Adversity is to be Despised, and Prosperity Feared.
So much, then, have we briefly said, to shew how great is the weight of government, lest whosoever is unequal to sacred offices of government should dare to profane them, and through lust of pre-eminence undertake a leadership of perdition. For hence it is that James affectionately deters us, saying, Be not made many masters, my brethren (James iii. 1). Hence the Mediator between God and man Himself--He who, transcending the knowledge and understanding even of supernal spirits, reigns in heaven …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death.
This estate has three degrees:--1st, From the day of death to the resurrection; 2d, From the resurrection to the pronouncing of the sentence; 3d, After the sentence, which lasts eternally. As soon as ever the regenerate man hath yielded up his soul to Christ, the holy angels take her into their custody, and immediately carry her into heaven (Luke xvi. 22), and there present her before Christ, where she is crowned with a crown of righteousness and glory; not which she hath deserved by her good works, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return "Let any Man Come. "
[7] "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."--John 7:37-38. THE text which heads this paper contains one of those mighty sayings of Christ which deserve to be printed in letters of gold. All the stars in heaven are bright and beautiful; yet even a child can see that "one star differeth from another in glory" …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 10:29 NIV1 Kings 10:29 NLT1 Kings 10:29 ESV1 Kings 10:29 NASB1 Kings 10:29 KJV
1 Kings 10:29 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
