1 Kings 10:14-29
Summary for 1Kgs 10:14-29: 10:14-29 a To further describe Solomon’s splendor, the writer builds upon the details of the queen’s visit (10:1-13 b), describing Solomon’s wise use of wealth in his palace complex (10:14-21 c) and concluding with the far-reaching effects of Solomon’s wisdom in commercial arrangements (10:22-29 d).Summary for 1Kgs 10:14-15: 10:14-15 e about 25 tons: The large amount of gold came from Solomon’s various enterprises and taxes; he also levied tolls upon merchants and traders who passed through his kingdom.
Summary for 1Kgs 10:16-17: 10:16-17 f Although such shields were typically designed to accommodate infantry (large shields) or archers (smaller shields), these shields probably had ceremonial uses.
Summary for 1Kgs 10:18-21: 10:18-21 g Solomon obtained ivory through commercial ventures with Hiram. Ancient Near Eastern kings often used lion figures as symbols of royal power and divine protection of the throne.
10:22 h fleet of trading ships of Tarshish: The Hebrew term designates a type of merchant ship.
• Phoenician sailors manned Solomon’s fleet, which put out to sea from Ezion-geber (9:26-28 i; see Isa 23:1 j).
• apes, and peacocks: Archaeology provides ample evidence that kings imported such creatures. Apparently these animals were desired for their novelty and exotic nature and because they reflected conquest of distant lands.
10:26 k 1,400 chariots: Prior to Solomon, chariots were not a significant part of Israel’s army. In fact, Deut 17:16 l condemns kings for accumulating horses rather than relying on God. Although archaeological confirmation of the presence of chariots in Solomon’s day is debated, his chariot cities are commonly identified as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer (1 Kgs 9:15 m, 19 n). The Assyrian king Shalmaneser III reported facing a heavy contingent of enemy chariots at the Battle of Qarqar (853 BC), 2,000 of which were supplied by King Ahab of Israel.
Summary for 1Kgs 10:28-29: 10:28-29 o In addition to his own accumulation, Solomon apparently served as a middleman, exchanging horses and chariots between the Egyptians to the south and the Syrians and Anatolians to the north.
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