Solomon's horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue. Solomon’s horsesThe mention of "Solomon’s horses" highlights the wealth and power of King Solomon's reign. Horses in ancient times were symbols of military strength and prestige. The Hebrew word for horses, "סוּס" (sus), indicates not just animals for transportation but also for chariots, which were crucial in warfare. Solomon's accumulation of horses signifies his strategic military planning and the prosperity of his kingdom, aligning with God's promise of peace and prosperity during his reign. were imported
The phrase "were imported" suggests a well-organized trade network. The Hebrew root "יָבָא" (yava) means to bring in or to import, indicating that Solomon's administration had established international trade relations. This reflects the wisdom and administrative skills of Solomon, as he expanded Israel's influence and wealth through strategic alliances and trade. from Egypt
"From Egypt" points to a significant historical and political relationship. Egypt was a powerful and advanced civilization, known for its horses and chariots. The Hebrew term "מִמִּצְרַיִם" (mimitzrayim) indicates a direct connection with Egypt, which was both a neighbor and a former oppressor of Israel. This relationship shows Solomon's diplomatic acumen in maintaining peace and securing resources from a former adversary. and Kue
"Kue" refers to a region known for its horses, likely located in Cilicia in modern-day Turkey. The Hebrew "וּמִקּוֶה" (umikue) suggests a broader trade network beyond the immediate neighbors of Israel. This indicates Solomon's far-reaching influence and the extent of his kingdom's economic activities, showcasing the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a nation of great renown. the royal merchants
"The royal merchants" were likely officials appointed by Solomon to manage trade. The Hebrew "סֹחֲרֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ" (socharei hamelech) implies a structured and official trade system. These merchants were responsible for ensuring the quality and quantity of imports, reflecting the organized and prosperous nature of Solomon's reign. purchased them
The phrase "purchased them" indicates a formal transaction. The Hebrew "יִקָּחוּם" (yikachum) means to buy or acquire, suggesting that Solomon's administration engaged in legitimate trade practices. This reflects the economic stability and wealth of Israel under Solomon, as they could afford such luxuries and necessities for their military. from Kue
"From Kue" reiterates the source of the horses, emphasizing the international scope of Solomon's trade. The repetition of "מִקּוֶה" (mikue) underscores the importance of this region in Solomon's trade network. It highlights the strategic alliances and the extent of Solomon's influence, fulfilling the biblical narrative of Israel's prominence among the nations. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by prosperity and international trade. 2. EgyptA powerful neighboring nation to Israel, known for its advanced civilization and resources. Egypt was a significant trade partner during Solomon's reign. 3. KueAlso known as Cilicia, a region in modern-day Turkey. It was a source of horses and chariots, indicating its importance in ancient trade networks. 4. Royal MerchantsThese were officials or traders appointed by Solomon to manage and conduct international trade on behalf of the kingdom. 5. HorsesIn ancient times, horses were symbols of military power and wealth. Solomon's acquisition of horses from Egypt and Kue highlights his kingdom's prosperity and military strength. Teaching Points Trust in God Over Military MightSolomon's acquisition of horses from Egypt and Kue can be seen as a reliance on military strength. Believers are reminded to place their trust in God rather than in worldly power or resources. Obedience to God's CommandsThe warning in Deuteronomy 17:16 serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. Even wise and prosperous leaders like Solomon can fall into disobedience. The Dangers of CompromiseSolomon's trade with Egypt, a nation associated with Israel's past bondage, highlights the subtle dangers of compromising with worldly systems. Christians are called to be in the world but not of it. The Role of Wealth and ProsperityWhile wealth and prosperity are not inherently wrong, they can lead to spiritual complacency and disobedience if not managed with a heart aligned with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's importation of horses from Egypt and Kue reflect his priorities as a king, and what can we learn from this about our own priorities? 2. In what ways might we be tempted to rely on "horses and chariots" in our lives today, and how can we shift our trust back to God? 3. How does Solomon's action in 1 Kings 10:28 relate to the warning in Deuteronomy 17:16, and what does this teach us about the importance of adhering to God's Word? 4. What are some modern-day "Egypts" that we might be tempted to turn to for security or prosperity, and how can we guard against this? 5. How can we balance the pursuit of success and prosperity with a commitment to spiritual obedience and reliance on God? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 17:16This verse warns Israelite kings against acquiring many horses, especially from Egypt, to prevent reliance on military might over God. Solomon's actions in 1 Kings 10:28 can be seen as a deviation from this command. 1 Kings 4:26This passage describes Solomon's vast number of chariots and horses, further illustrating his wealth and military capabilities. Isaiah 31:1This verse cautions against relying on Egypt for military strength, emphasizing trust in God rather than 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 Buying, Caravan, Drove, Droves, Egypt, Exportation, Fetched, Got, Horses, Import, Imported, Keveh, King's, Kue, Ku'e, Linen, Merchants, Outgoing, Price, Procured, Purchased, Received, Royal, Solomon, Solomon's, Traders, YarnDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 10:28 5120 Solomon, character 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
5587 trade 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 10:28 NIV1 Kings 10:28 NLT1 Kings 10:28 ESV1 Kings 10:28 NASB1 Kings 10:28 KJV
1 Kings 10:28 Commentaries
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