1 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 28
And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
Original Language Analysis
וּמוֹצָ֧א
brought
H4161
וּמוֹצָ֧א
brought
Strong's:
H4161
Word #:
1 of 11
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
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מִקְוֵ֖ה
and linen yarn
H4723
מִקְוֵ֖ה
and linen yarn
Strong's:
H4723
Word #:
6 of 11
something waited for, i.e., a collection, i.e., (of water) a pond, or (of men and horses) a caravan or drove
סֹֽחֲרֵ֣י
merchants
H5503
סֹֽחֲרֵ֣י
merchants
Strong's:
H5503
Word #:
7 of 11
to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate
Cross References
Deuteronomy 17:16But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.2 Chronicles 9:28And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.Isaiah 36:9How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?Proverbs 7:16I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & 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 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.