2 Chronicles 1:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 1:16 mean?

2 Chronicles 1:16 describes how King Solomon’s merchants bought horses and linen yarn from Egypt, paying a set price for these goods. This verse highlights the organized trade relationships Solomon maintained with Egypt, especially in acquiring valuable resources for his kingdom.

The verse is part of a larger section showing Solomon’s wealth and international connections. The Chronicler, writing about Solomon’s reign, is describing how Solomon’s officials managed trade, specifically importing horses and linen yarn from Egypt. This detail shows the sophistication and reach of Solomon’s administration and the importance of trade in building his kingdom’s prosperity.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 1:16

• "horses" (סוּסִים, sûsîm): This word refers specifically to horses, which were valuable for both military and ceremonial uses in the ancient world. Their import from Egypt shows Solomon’s desire for the best resources.
• "yarn" (מִקְוֶה, miqweh): This word can mean a collection or gathering, but here it is often understood as "linen yarn" or "a group of goods." The focus is on high-quality materials, not just raw linen.
• "merchants" (תָּרִים, târîm): This term refers to traders or dealers, emphasizing that Solomon had official agents handling these transactions, not just informal trade.
• "price" (מִחְיָר, mikhyar): This word means a fixed price or value, indicating that these were formal, regulated transactions rather than casual bartering.

Why 2 Chronicles 1:16 matters

• This verse clarifies that Solomon’s wealth was not just from tribute or gifts, but also from deliberate, organized trade with other nations, especially Egypt.
• The mention of specific goods and set prices shows the administrative skill and economic planning in Solomon’s reign, not just his wisdom or religious devotion.
• By highlighting trade with Egypt, the verse connects Solomon’s era to broader regional politics and economics, showing Israel’s place in the ancient world’s network of powerful kingdoms.