Old Testament
1 Kings 10:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, which he stationed in the chariot cities and with him in Jerusalem.
Compare translations
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.
What 1 Kings 10:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see King Solomon building a powerful military force. He gathered a significant number of chariots and horsemen, totaling 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen. This shows his commitment to strengthening his kingdom and ensuring its security. Solomon strategically stationed these forces in various cities designed for chariots, as well as in Jerusalem, the heart of his reign. This military buildup reflects not only his wealth but also his desire for stability and control. Solomon's actions highlight the importance of preparation and organization in leadership. By having a strong military presence, he aimed to protect his people and maintain peace in his territory. This passage reminds us that effective leadership often requires careful planning and resources to safeguard what we value most. Solomon's example encourages us to think about how we can prepare for challenges in our own lives, whether personal or professional, by gathering the right tools and support.
How to apply 1 Kings 10:26 to your life
Consider how you can prepare for challenges in your life. Just as Solomon gathered resources for his kingdom, think about what tools or support you need to achieve your goals. Planning and organization can help you feel more secure and ready for whatever comes your way. Take time to assess your needs and gather what you require to succeed. Remember, preparation is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving peace of mind in your endeavors.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Solomon's story: Solomon's Riches (1 Kings 10:14–29)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Solomon
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Kings 10:26
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Kings 10:26
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 10:26 mean?
1 Kings 10:26 describes King Solomon's military strength by detailing the number of chariots and horsemen he amassed. This reflects his efforts to secure his kingdom and maintain stability through a well-organized military presence.
What is the significance of chariots and horsemen in 1 Kings 10:26?
Chariots and horsemen were crucial for military power in ancient times. In 1 Kings 10:26, Solomon's large number of chariots and horsemen indicates his wealth and strategic planning for defense and control over his territory.
How does 1 Kings 10:26 relate to leadership?
1 Kings 10:26 illustrates the importance of preparation and resource management in leadership. Solomon's military buildup shows that effective leaders must plan and organize to protect their people and ensure stability.
What can we learn from Solomon's actions in 1 Kings 10:26?
From Solomon's actions, we learn the value of gathering resources and planning for challenges. His example encourages us to assess our needs and prepare adequately to achieve our goals and maintain security.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.