King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 10:28 Mean?

1 Kings 10:28 in the King James Version says “And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price. An...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 10:28 · King James Version

Context

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

29

And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means. by their: Heb. by their hand

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Commentaries3 scholars

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

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וּמוֹצָ֧א1 of 11

“brought”

H4161

a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex

הַסּוּסִ֛ים2 of 11

“had horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר3 of 11
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לִשְׁלֹמֹ֖ה4 of 11

“And Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם5 of 11

“out of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

מִקְוֵ֖ה6 of 11

“and linen yarn”

H4723

something waited for, i.e., a collection, i.e., (of water) a pond, or (of men and horses) a caravan or drove

סֹֽחֲרֵ֣י7 of 11

“merchants”

H5503

to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ8 of 11

“the king's”

H4428

a king

יִקְח֥וּ9 of 11

“received”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִקְוֵ֖ה10 of 11

“and linen yarn”

H4723

something waited for, i.e., a collection, i.e., (of water) a pond, or (of men and horses) a caravan or drove

בִּמְחִֽיר׃11 of 11

“at a price”

H4242

price, payment, wages

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 10:28 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 10:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 17:162 Chronicles 9:28Isaiah 31:1-3Isaiah 36:9Proverbs 7:162 Chronicles 1:16-17

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
KueRegion · Modern: Adana · 37.00°N, 35.33°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in 1 Kings 10 →

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