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 10:26KJV
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1 Kings 10:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 10:26 mean?

1 Kings 10:26 describes how King Solomon assembled a large military force, specifically gathering 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, and stationed them in special cities for chariots as well as in Jerusalem with himself. The verse highlights the scale and organization of Solomon’s military resources during his reign.

This verse is part of a section showing Solomon’s wealth, power, and administrative skill. The writer is describing Solomon’s achievements to the reader, emphasizing how he built up Israel’s defenses and prestige by collecting chariots and horsemen, which were important military assets in the ancient world.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 10:26

  • The word for "chariots" is רֶכֶב (rekhev), which refers to war chariots, a key symbol of military strength and advanced technology in Solomon’s time.
  • "Horsemen" is פָּרָשׁ (parash), meaning cavalry or chariot drivers, showing that Solomon’s forces were not just for show but included skilled riders or soldiers.
  • The verb translated "gathered together" is אָסַף (asaf), which means to collect or assemble, stressing Solomon’s active role in building up these resources.
  • "Bestowed" is נָחָה (nachah), which means to set or place, indicating that Solomon strategically stationed his forces in specific locations for defense and control.

Why 1 Kings 10:26 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the scale of Solomon’s kingdom, showing that his reign was marked by significant military and organizational capability, not just wealth or wisdom.
  • It connects to the wider passage by illustrating how Solomon’s power was visible not only in his court and temple but also in his military infrastructure.
  • The verse also hints at the influence of neighboring cultures, since chariots and cavalry were prized military assets in Egypt and other ancient kingdoms, showing Solomon’s engagement with international trends.

Where else these words appear

“bestowed” Hebrew H5148 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 24:27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.
  • Job 12:23 He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again.
  • Psalms 78:14 In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.

“horsemen” Hebrew H6571 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 9:22 But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they were men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.
  • Isaiah 22:6 And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.

“chariots” Hebrew H7393 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 16:9 And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.
  • 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.