1 Kings 10 26

1 Kings 10:26 kjv

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.

1 Kings 10:26 nkjv

And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen; he had one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king at Jerusalem.

1 Kings 10:26 niv

Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem.

1 Kings 10:26 esv

And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem.

1 Kings 10:26 nlt

Solomon built up a huge force of chariots and horses. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses. He stationed some of them in the chariot cities and some near him in Jerusalem.

1 Kings 10 verses

1 Kings 10 26 Meaning

This verse describes King Solomon's immense military build-up, specifically his acquisition of a large number of chariots and horsemen. It states he possessed one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen. These military assets were strategically stationed in fortified "chariot cities" across his kingdom and also maintained a strong presence with him in Jerusalem. This demonstrates Solomon's formidable power, wealth, and sophisticated military infrastructure during his reign.

1 Kings 10 26 Context

This verse is found within a section of 1 Kings detailing the unparalleled prosperity, wisdom, and glory of King Solomon's reign, immediately following the visit of the Queen of Sheba, who marveled at his wealth. Chapter 10 focuses extensively on Solomon's vast riches, the amount of gold imported, his golden shields, ivory throne, elaborate drinking vessels, and his extensive international trade network, particularly with Tarshish. His acquisition of chariots and horses from Egypt and Kue is part of this broader narrative of immense wealth and power accumulation. However, placed against the backdrop of Mosaic law, specifically Deuteronomy 17:16, this detailed account of Solomon multiplying horses subtly introduces a problematic element, foreshadowing his later spiritual decline. Historically, chariots were the apex of military technology, requiring significant resources and specialized infrastructure, symbolizing an empire's formidable might. Israel, however, was meant to be distinct, relying on Yahweh, not conventional military strength.

1 Kings 10 26 Word analysis

• And Solomon: The renowned son of David, chosen by God to build the Temple and rule Israel in a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity. His name (שְׁלֹמֹה, Shelomo) is related to shalom (peace), highlighting the character of his reign. However, his actions later led to the kingdom's division.
• gathered (וַיֶּאֱסֹף, wayye'esoph): From the verb `אָסַף` (asaph), meaning to gather, collect, or assemble. The verb tense indicates a deliberate, systematic, and continuous policy of accumulation, not merely incidental possession. It implies an active procurement and building up of this military asset.
• chariots (רֶכֶב, rekhev): Military two-wheeled carts, often drawn by two horses. In the ancient Near East, chariots were the most potent offensive weapon, akin to modern tanks. Their possession symbolized immense military power, wealth (due to the cost of production, maintenance, and training), and strategic superiority.
• and horsemen (וּפָרָשִׁים, u'pharashim): Cavalry, soldiers who ride horses. While chariots provided striking power, horsemen offered speed and versatility for reconnaissance, pursuit, and flank attacks. These units often operated in tandem.
• a thousand and four hundred chariots: A very significant number, indicating an enormous and well-equipped chariot force. For context, most regional powers would field a few hundred, if that many. This number highlights the sheer scale of Solomon's military might and goes against the spirit, if not the letter, of Deut 17:16.
• and twelve thousand horsemen: An equally impressive number of cavalry. This force implies a highly professional and substantial standing army, capable of defending a large territory and engaging in significant military operations.
• which he placed (וַיַּנְחֵם, wayyanḥem): From `נִיחַ` (nuach), meaning to settle, set down, or make rest. This term signifies deliberate and strategic deployment and garrisoning. Solomon was not merely accumulating, but systematically organizing and distributing his military assets.
• in the chariot cities (בְּעָרֵי הָרֶכֶב, b'arei ha'rekhev): Fortified urban centers specifically built or adapted for housing chariots, horses, military personnel, and associated equipment and provisions. These cities were strategic military outposts designed for rapid deployment and protection of valuable assets. Examples of such cities potentially included Megiddo, Hazor, and Gezer (1 Kgs 9:15-19). This sophisticated infrastructure points to a highly militarized and organized kingdom, typical of large ancient empires.
• and with the king at Jerusalem: A portion of this massive force was kept directly in the capital, providing immediate security for the king and reflecting Jerusalem's status as the military and political heart of the kingdom. It underscores Solomon's commitment to maintaining a formidable visible display of power at his seat of government.

• Words-group Analysis:
• "gathered chariots and horsemen": This phrase encapsulates Solomon's deliberate and systematic military expansion. Unlike David, who reduced foreign chariot forces, Solomon actively multiplied them, highlighting a shift towards a reliance on human power and military strength, a clear divergence from the ideal Mosaic kingship which warned against such accumulation.
• "placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem": This segment reveals the strategic organization and centralization of Solomon's military might. It illustrates a highly sophisticated logistical and tactical plan to secure his kingdom, maintain control, and project power, typical of ancient empires but again in tension with Israel's call to trust in God's provision.

1 Kings 10 26 Bonus section

• Numerical Discrepancy (and Harmony): While 1 Kings 10:26 mentions 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, 1 Kings 4:26 states Solomon had 40,000 stalls for horses. Many scholars and ancient translations (like the Septuagint for 1 Kgs 4:26) present 4,000 stalls instead, which better aligns with the 1,400 chariots (each with perhaps two horses) and 12,000 horsemen. This suggests a potential textual variant or, more simply, that the 40,000 number refers to the total capacity for all his cavalry (chariots, horsemen, and potentially other general-purpose horses), while 1 Kgs 10:26 refers specifically to active military units. Chronicles often clarifies these figures, with 2 Chron 9:25 echoing 1 Kgs 10:26 precisely.
• The Cost of Chariots: Chariots were immensely expensive. Each chariot required high-quality wood, metal for parts, skilled craftsmen, trained horses (often imported from Egypt or Kue, as 1 Kgs 10:28-29 indicates, further implying non-reliance on indigenous resources), and highly trained soldiers. Maintaining such a large force (chariot cities, stables, provisions) incurred astronomical costs, highlighting the unparalleled wealth of Solomon, but also a potential burden on the populace and an absorption of resources that could have been used differently, according to divine priorities.
• Divine Design for Israelite Kingship: Deuteronomy 17:14-20 outlines God's specific blueprint for kingship in Israel, designed to keep the king distinct from Gentile monarchs and reliant on God. The prohibitions against multiplying horses, silver, gold, and wives were to prevent the king from becoming proud, turning away from God, or trusting in worldly power. Solomon's systematic accumulation of these very things shows a direct divergence from this unique, God-centered ideal, underscoring a tragic flaw amidst his reign of glory.
• "Super-Weapon" of the Era: Chariots dominated ancient battlefields for centuries. Their ability to deliver a swift, devastating charge of missiles (javelins/arrows) or physical impact made them a fearsome force. For Solomon to possess such a vast number indicated not just wealth, but an explicit intention to dominate militarily in the regional geopolitical landscape. This military-focused posture stands in stark contrast to the historical narratives of Israel's early triumphs, which consistently emphasized God's deliverance regardless of Israel's numerical or military inferiority (e.g., Gideon's 300 men).

1 Kings 10 26 Commentary

1 Kings 10:26 serves as a pivotal, albeit subtle, pivot in the narrative of Solomon's reign. On the surface, it describes his impressive military strength, an understandable characteristic of a powerful king. However, when interpreted through the lens of God's commands in Deuteronomy 17:16—which explicitly prohibits Israel's future kings from multiplying horses, silver, gold, and wives—this verse takes on a foreboding tone. Solomon's actions, while bringing great earthly glory and security, represented a departure from divine principles. His reliance on military might, rather than exclusive trust in Yahweh, marked a shift towards typical Near Eastern monarchy, which emphasized power, wealth, and strategic alliances often gained through such military displays. This subtle disobedience in acquiring horses (often from Egypt, implying problematic foreign alliances) paralleled his accumulation of vast gold and marrying many foreign women (both also prohibited by Deut 17). Thus, this verse is not merely descriptive; it's prescriptive in what it critiques. It implicitly questions the foundation of Solomon's perceived success, foreshadowing the later divine judgment that would result in the division of his kingdom. It showcases the temptation to replace God's protection with worldly might, a recurring theme in Israel's history. For instance, the proverb "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" (Ps 20:7) serves as a timeless contrast to Solomon's approach here. His choices, born of abundant blessings, ultimately set the stage for spiritual compromise and decline, illustrating that true security and prosperity come not from accumulating earthly power but from humble obedience and reliance on God.