1 Kings 10:28-29
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It's easy to see Solomon's wealth, but this verse subtly highlights his dependence on foreign trade for military might – specifically, acquiring horses from distant lands. Notice how his traders didn't just buy them, but "received them from Kue at a price," revealing a complex, costly, and potentially vulnerable supply chain for his kingdom's strength.
And Solomon’s import of horses was from Egypt and Kue, and the king’s traders received them from Kue at a price. A chariot could be imported from Egypt for 600 shekels of silver and a horse for 150, and so through the king’s traders they were exported to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Solomon's vast wealth and influence are on full display as the narrative details his flourishing kingdom, from his magnificent temple to his personal riches. This verse fits into a section describing the extensive trade networks Solomon established, particularly his lucrative horse trade with Egypt and a region called Kue. Right after this, the focus shifts to the queen of Sheba's visit, impressed by all this evidence of Solomon's prosperity and God's blessing upon him.
We often picture ancient Israel as isolated, but this verse pulls back the curtain on a surprisingly connected world. Solomon wasn't just ruling; he was wheeling and dealing on a massive scale.
A King's Business
This verse highlights that Solomon's wealth and influence weren't just built on divine favor, but also on shrewd economic strategy. Importing horses from places like Egypt (a known power and horse-breeding center) and Kue (likely a region in Asia Minor involved in trade) shows Israel's deep integration into the international marketplace.
The Price of Power
The detail that "the king's traders received them from Kue at a price" is crucial. It underscores that these weren't gifts; they were commodities. Solomon's administration was actively engaged in trade, purchasing goods to bolster his kingdom's military might and prestige. This wasn't small-time bartering; it was state-sponsored commerce.
Horses in the ancient world weren't just for transportation; they were symbols of power, wealth, and military advantage. But for Israel, they also carried a hidden spiritual warning.
Symbols of Might
In the ancient Near East, a powerful cavalry was essential for defense and projection of power. Egypt, in particular, was renowned for its horses and chariots, making them a highly prized import for any ruler wanting to enhance their military strength and international standing. Solomon's acquisition of these horses signals his ambition and his focus on earthly power structures.
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A Deuteronomic Warning
However, this trade touches on a significant concern raised in the Law of Moses. Deuteronomy 17:16 warns kings against multiplying horses for themselves, stating, 'The LORD has said to you, “You must not go back that way again.”' This prohibition was rooted in the fear that relying on military might (like horses from Egypt) would lead Israel to trust in human strength and foreign alliances rather than in the LORD their God. Solomon's extensive horse trade, therefore, hints at a potential drift away from that foundational principle.
Understand the original words
sheqel · Hebrew Noun
A unit of weight used for measuring precious metals in antiquity; it served as the standard medium of exchange in economic transactions.
The verse highlights the vast reach of Solomon's economic influence, connecting Israel to powerful empires like Egypt and emerging powers in Anatolia for crucial resources like horses, essential for military strength and prestige.
c. 1000 BC - 931 BC— this verse
Reign of King Solomon
Solomon ruled over a prosperous and expansive Israel, marked by significant building projects and international trade.
c. 1070 BC - 945 BC
New Kingdom Egypt's Stable Period
Egypt experienced a period of renewed strength and stability under the 21st and 22nd Dynasties, facilitating trade and military might.
c. 1000 BC - 700 BC
Rise of Anatolian City-States
Regions like Cilicia (likely Kue) were home to various independent kingdoms and city-states, playing roles in regional trade networks.
c. 970 BC - 931 BC
Solomon's Trade Expeditions
Solomon actively engaged in international trade, including the lucrative horse trade with Egypt and likely other regions like Cilicia.
This passage warns Israel’s future king against multiplying horses, highlighting the potential dangers of relying on earthly power and foreign alliances that Solomon's actions seem to ignore.
Isaiah 31:1This prophecy condemns those who go down to Egypt for help, especially relying on horses and chariots, echoing the potential spiritual compromise in Solomon's extensive trade for horses.
Psalm 20:7In contrast to reliance on horses and chariots, this psalm declares trust in the Lord, underscoring the spiritual principle Solomon may have overlooked in his pursuit of military strength through foreign trade.
2 Chronicles 1:16This verse directly complements 1 Kings 10:28 by detailing the massive scale of Solomon's horse trade, stating that chariots were imported from Egypt and horses from various regions, emphasizing the immense cost and volume involved.
It's easy to see Solomon's wealth, but this verse subtly highlights his dependence on foreign trade for military might – specifically, acquiring horses from distant lands. Notice how his traders didn't just buy them, but "received them from Kue at a price," revealing a complex, costly, and potentially vulnerable supply chain for his kingdom's strength.
Solomon's vast wealth and influence are on full display as the narrative details his flourishing kingdom, from his magnificent temple to his personal riches. This verse fits into a section describing the extensive trade networks Solomon established, particularly his lucrative horse trade with Egypt and a region called Kue. Right after this, the focus shifts to the queen of Sheba's visit, impressed by all this evidence of Solomon's prosperity and God's blessing upon him.
Solomon's vast wealth and influence are on full display as the narrative details his flourishing kingdom, from his magnificent temple to his personal riches. This verse fits into a section describing the extensive trade networks Solomon established, particularly his lucrative horse trade with Egypt and a region called Kue. Right after this, the focus shifts to the queen of Sheba's visit, impressed by all this evidence of Solomon's prosperity and God's blessing upon him.
"And Solomon’s import of horses was from Egypt and Kue, and the king’s traders received them from Kue at a price. A chariot could be imported from Egypt for 600 shekels of silver and a horse for 150, and so through the king’s traders they w…" — It's easy to see Solomon's wealth, but this verse subtly highlights his dependence on foreign trade for military might – specifically, acquiring horses from distant lands. Notice how his traders di…
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Last reviewed October 2026
