And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.

2 CHRONICLES 1:16KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“yarn” Hebrew H4723 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 1:10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
  • 1 Kings 10:28 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
  • Jeremiah 14:8 O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night?

“price” Hebrew H4242 · used in 15 verses

  • Deuteronomy 23:18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
  • Job 28:15 It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
  • Isaiah 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

“merchants” Hebrew H5503 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 23:16 And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:14 Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
  • Jeremiah 14:18 If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

“brought” Hebrew H4161 · used in 26 verses

  • Numbers 30:12 But if her husband hath utterly made them void on the day he heard them; then whatsoever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand: her husband hath made them void; and the LORD shall forgive her.
  • Job 28:1 Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they fine it.
  • Isaiah 41:18 I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.