Bible Strands
1 Kings 10:28
Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records Solomon’s economic and military infrastructure during the peak of his reign, immediately following descriptions of his unprecedented wealth in silver and cedar.
The words — The text highlights מוֹצָא (mo.Tza'), meaning "export" or "source," and סֹחֲרֵי (so.cha.Rei), meaning "traders," to specify the commercial mechanism behind the royal horse imports.
The thread — This logistical detail parallels the parallel account in 2 Chronicles 9:28 and directly contrasts with the Deuteronomy 17:16 prohibition against the king multiplying horses or returning to Egypt.
Why it lands — The passage requires a reader to recognize that Solomon’s reliance on foreign military resources and Egyptian trade networks directly violates the covenantal limits placed on Israel’s monarchy.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king’s merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 17:16 But the king must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’
- 2 Chronicles 9:28 Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from all the lands.
- Isaiah 31:1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.
- Isaiah 36:9 For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?
- 2 Chronicles 1:16 Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue.
- Proverbs 7:16 I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linen from Egypt.
- Genesis 41:42 Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck.
- Isaiah 19:9 The workers in flax will be dismayed, and the weavers of fine linen will turn pale.
- Ezekiel 27:7 Of embroidered fine linen from Egypt they made your sail, which served as your banner. Of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah they made your awning.