And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means.

1 KINGS 10:29KJV
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1 Kings 10:29 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 10:29 mean?

1 Kings 10:29 describes how chariots and horses were imported from Egypt at set prices—six hundred shekels of silver for a chariot and one hundred fifty for a horse—and then exported to the kings of the Hittites and Syria. This verse shows that Israel, under Solomon, acted as a middleman in a significant trade network involving military equipment.

The verse is part of a larger section describing the wealth and international connections of King Solomon’s reign. It highlights how Solomon’s officials managed trade, not just for Israel but also for neighboring kingdoms. The mention of specific prices and destinations shows the organized and profitable nature of this trade, emphasizing Solomon’s influence and the region’s interconnected economies.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 10:29

  • מֶרְכָּבָה (merkavah, "chariot"): This word refers to a war chariot, a valuable military asset in the ancient Near East. Its mention underscores the importance of military technology in regional politics and trade.
  • יָד (yad, "means"): Translated here as "means," this word literally means "hand," often used to indicate agency or power. In this context, it suggests that Solomon's officials had control or authority over the trade, not just acting as passive intermediaries.
  • כֶּסֶף (kesef, "silver"): The use of silver as the standard for pricing highlights the established economic systems and the wealth circulating through Solomon’s kingdom.

Why 1 Kings 10:29 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Solomon’s Israel was not isolated but deeply involved in international trade, especially in military goods, which would have increased both wealth and political influence.
  • The detail about set prices and specific destinations shows the sophistication and scale of Solomon’s administration, countering any idea that ancient Israel was a minor or unsophisticated kingdom at this time.
  • It connects to the broader narrative of 1 Kings 10, where Solomon’s wisdom, wealth, and international reputation are emphasized, helping readers see how economic and political factors contributed to his legendary status.

Where else these words appear

“chariot” Hebrew H4818 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
  • 1 Kings 22:35 And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot.
  • Song of Solomon 6:12 Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib.

“Hittites” Hebrew H2850 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 15:20 And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,
  • Numbers 13:29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.
  • 2 Samuel 11:21 Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went ye nigh the wall? then say thou, Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.

“Syria” Hebrew H758 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 10:22 The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
  • 2 Kings 5:1 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:23 And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.

“horse” Hebrew H5483 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 47:17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
  • 2 Kings 18:23 Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.
  • Jeremiah 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?