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.
2 Chronicles 1:17 nkjv
They also acquired and imported from Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for one hundred and fifty; thus, through their agents, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.
2 Chronicles 1:17 niv
They imported a chariot from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. They also exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and of the Arameans.
2 Chronicles 1:17 esv
They imported a chariot from Egypt for 600 shekels of silver, and a horse for 150. Likewise through them these were exported to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.
2 Chronicles 1:17 nlt
At that time chariots from Egypt could be purchased for 600 pieces of silver, and horses for 150 pieces of silver. They were then exported to the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Aram.
2 Chronicles 1 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Kgs 10:28-29 | And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price. And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver... | Parallel account; Solomon's Egyptian horse trade. |
| 2 Chr 9:28 | And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands. | Reiteration of extensive horse import. |
| 2 Chr 1:15-16 | And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones... And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt... | Immediate context; immense wealth and sources. |
| Deut 17:16 | But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses... | Mosaic Law's warning against kings multiplying horses. |
| 1 Kgs 4:26 | And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. | Scale of Solomon's cavalry and chariot force. |
| Psa 20:7 | Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. | Contrasting reliance on military might vs. God. |
| Isa 31:1 | Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many... | Prophetic warning against alliance with Egypt. |
| Hosea 14:3 | Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods... | Renouncing foreign military aid and idols. |
| Isa 2:7 | Their land also is full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots... | Israel's prosperity, potentially leading to idol trust. |
| Psa 33:17 | An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. | Trust in horses/military is futile. |
| Prov 21:31 | The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord. | Military preparation is subordinate to God's will. |
| Zech 9:10 | And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem... | Prophecy of peaceful kingdom without military might. |
| Matt 21:7 | And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. | Jesus' humble entry to Jerusalem, contrast to Solomon's power. |
| Zech 9:9 | Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion... thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass... | Prophecy of Messiah's humble, peaceful arrival. |
| Rev 19:14 | And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. | Christ's ultimate victory, heavenly cavalry (symbolic). |
| Gen 47:17 | And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks... | Egypt's ancient role in horse trade. |
| Josh 11:9 | And Joshua did unto them as the Lord bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire. | Command to neutralize military power of enemies. |
| 1 Sam 8:11 | And he will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen... | Warning about the oppressive nature of kingship (military burden). |
| Ezra 7:24 | Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers... it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them. | Tax exemptions from royal power, contrast to commercialism. |
| 1 Kgs 10:23 | So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. | Summary statement of Solomon's unparalleled greatness. |
2 Chronicles 1 verses
2 Chronicles 1 17 Meaning
2 Chronicles 1:17 describes King Solomon's unparalleled wealth, extensive commercial reach, and military power, specifically his dominion over the lucrative trade of chariots and horses imported from Egypt. It reveals the strategic importance of this trade in securing valuable resources and influencing neighboring kings, underscoring the magnificent fulfillment of God's promises of wisdom, riches, and honor to Solomon, solidifying the Davidic kingdom's preeminence in the ancient Near East.
2 Chronicles 1 17 Context
This verse is set in the early period of Solomon's reign, immediately following his pivotal prayer at Gibeon where God granted him wisdom, riches, and honor beyond any king before or after him (2 Chr 1:7-12). Verses 13-17 of 2 Chronicles chapter 1 elaborate on the material manifestations of God's blessing, highlighting Solomon's amassed wealth, vast chariot force, and control over a key strategic trade: the import and resale of Egyptian horses and chariots. The chapter aims to emphasize Solomon's divinely-granted splendor and authority, establishing him as an ideal, powerful king, whose reign marked a golden age of prosperity for Israel. This economic and military prowess was seen as a direct outcome of God's favor and the wisdom granted to Solomon.
2 Chronicles 1 17 Word analysis
- And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt:
- Signifies Solomon's control over an organized, systematic procurement process. This was not haphazard trade but a sophisticated state-controlled enterprise.
- Egypt (מִצְרַיִם - Mitzráyim) was renowned for its high-quality horses and advanced chariot technology, making it a prime source in the ancient Near East. Solomon’s access implies political influence or a dominant trade position.
- a chariot:
- (רֶכֶב - rekeb), refers to a war chariot. These were cutting-edge military technology, highly valued for speed, mobility, and offensive power in ancient warfare.
- Possessing and trading chariots underscored Israel's military might and strategic advantage under Solomon.
- for six hundred shekels of silver:
- A significant sum, indicating the high cost of this military hardware.
- A shekel (שֶׁקֶל - sheqel) was a unit of weight and a standard measure of value. This price reflects both the value of the chariot and the immense wealth Solomon commanded.
- and an horse:
- (סוּס - sus), referring to warhorses, specially bred and trained.
- for an hundred and fifty:
- (shekels of silver, implied). This price also signifies a high value for individual horses, demonstrating their importance and cost in military operations. One chariot required a team of horses (often two, but up to four), hence the cost difference.
- and so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria:
- "They" (שִׁלְּחוּ - shillĕchû) refers to Solomon's merchants/agents, showing the vast network of his trading operation.
- Hittites (חִתִּים - Chittim) and Syria (אֲרָם - Aram): These were significant regional powers and neighbors of Israel. Solomon not only equipped his own army but also controlled the supply chain for these external kingdoms, turning a profit and possibly asserting political leverage. This demonstrates Solomon’s undisputed dominance in regional commerce.
- This regional trade cemented Israel's economic hegemony, fulfilling God’s promise of elevating the nation.
- by their means:
- (בְּיָדָם - bĕyāḏām), literally "by their hand" or "through their agents." This emphasizes the structured and organized commercial operation led by Solomon’s delegated officials. It highlights his effective administration of this vast enterprise.
2 Chronicles 1 17 Bonus section
The massive horse and chariot procurement described in 2 Chronicles 1:17 placed Israel firmly within the sphere of leading Near Eastern powers in terms of military capacity, particularly regarding rapid deployment and combat effectiveness. The detailed pricing ("six hundred shekels of silver" for a chariot and "an hundred and fifty" for a horse) provides a rare glimpse into the specific economics of warfare and prestige in that era, suggesting a well-regulated and high-volume trade network. Scholars often debate whether Solomon's acquisition of so many horses (elsewhere stated as 4,000 stalls or 12,000 horsemen in 1 Kgs 4:26 and 1 Kgs 10:26) ultimately violated the spirit of Deut 17:16. However, the Chronicler consistently portrays these acquisitions as a sign of God's blessing and the fulfillment of promises, rather than an act of disobedience or future downfall. The emphasis remains on Solomon's wisdom translating into unparalleled national glory, marking the kingdom as unique in God's favor.
2 Chronicles 1 17 Commentary
2 Chronicles 1:17 meticulously details Solomon's mastery of international trade, focusing on the strategic and highly valuable import of horses and chariots from Egypt. This passage does more than simply record wealth; it serves as a powerful testament to the fulfillment of God's promise to grant Solomon "riches and wealth and honor" (2 Chr 1:11-12). By controlling the source of ancient military technology, Solomon not only equipped Israel's army to an unprecedented degree but also established a lucrative trade monopoly that extended his influence over neighboring powers like the Hittites and Syrians. This commercial supremacy was a direct outcome of the divine wisdom bestowed upon him, manifesting as shrewd economic and political acumen.
The Chronicler, writing from a post-exilic perspective, likely emphasized this magnificent aspect of Solomon's reign to highlight the potential for greatness when a king truly honors God and walks in His wisdom. It presented a golden age of national power and divine favor. While the Mosaic Law (Deut 17:16) cautioned kings against multiplying horses, implying a reliance on military strength rather than God, the Chronicler focuses on the source of this prosperity as divinely granted and the means by which it amplified Israel's prestige. This demonstrates God's abundant blessing upon a kingdom established in wisdom. This strategic trade facilitated national security and regional stability through Solomon's pervasive influence rather than mere military conquest.