King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 1:16 Mean?

2 Chronicles 1:16 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. So...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 1 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. Solomon: Heb. the going forth of the horses which was Solomon's”

2 Chronicles 1:16 · KJV

Context

14

And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

15

And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the vale for abundance. made: Heb. gave

16

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

17

And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their means. means: Heb. hand

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Divine blessing through seeking God wholeheartedly. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Solomon Seeks Wisdom at Gibeon point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

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

מִקְוֵ֥א6 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

מִקְוֵ֥א9 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

יִקְח֖וּ10 of 11

“received”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

בִּמְחִֽיר׃11 of 11

“at a price”

H4242

price, payment, wages

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 1:16 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 2 Chronicles 1:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 10:28-292 Chronicles 9:28

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 2 Chronicles 1 →

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