King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 10:26 Mean?

1 Kings 10:26 in the King James Version says “And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousan... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.

1 Kings 10:26 · KJV


Context

24

And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. sought to: Heb. sought the face of

25

And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.

26

And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.

27

And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore trees that are in the vale, for abundance. made: Heb. gave

28

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
  2. What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיֶּֽאֱסֹ֣ף1 of 20

gathered together

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

שְׁלֹמֹה֮2 of 20

And Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

הָרֶ֔כֶב3 of 20

chariots

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

פָּֽרָשִׁ֑ים4 of 20

and horsemen

H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

וַֽיְהִי5 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ל֗וֹ6 of 20
H0
אֶ֖לֶף7 of 20

thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְאַרְבַּע8 of 20

and four

H702

four

מֵאוֹת֙9 of 20

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

הָרֶ֔כֶב10 of 20

chariots

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וּשְׁנֵים11 of 20

and twelve

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עָשָׂ֥ר12 of 20
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אֶ֖לֶף13 of 20

thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

פָּֽרָשִׁ֑ים14 of 20

and horsemen

H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

וַיַּנְחֵם֙15 of 20

whom he bestowed

H5148

to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)

בְּעָרֵ֣י16 of 20

in the cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הָרֶ֔כֶב17 of 20

chariots

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וְעִם18 of 20
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ19 of 20

and with the king

H4428

a king

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃20 of 20

at Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 10:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 10:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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