When Kings Disobey: Trusting Horses Over God

In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 17:16 contradicts 1 Kings 10:26-28 and 2 Chronicles 1:16-17. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..

The Bible provides numerous guidelines and principles designed to guide the decisions and behaviors of its followers. A critical instruction found in Deuteronomy 17:16 reveals an exemplary piece of advice from Moses. Here, God commands that any future king of Israel should not collect vast numbers of horses nor return to Egypt to obtain more. This directive was not merely about avoiding material excess; it signified the importance of relying on God rather than returning to "Egypt," a metaphor for reverting back to old ways of slavery and dependence.

However, the grandeur of King Solomon's reign presents a stark contradiction to this divine command. In 1 Kings 10:26-28, Solomon is recorded to have amassed a considerable collection of horses and chariots, prominently sourced from Egypt. This accumulation represented not only wealth and power but also a distinct disregard for God's specific instruction through Moses. This narrative is further corroborated by 2 Chronicles 1:16-17, where Solomon's horse imports from Egypt and other regions are detailed.

The crux of this contradiction lies in the symbolic dichotomy between divine instruction and human ambition. Imagine a parent advising their child not to indulge in excessive sweets because it could harm their health, only for the child to later fill up their room with candy. Here, the child misses the essential lesson of moderation and health, just as Solomon, despite his wisdom, overlooked the deeper implication of trusting and depending on divine guidance over earthly possessions and alliances.

By examining these scripture passages, we are prompted to question: where do we place our trust? Is it in God, who provides and guides, or in the tangible symbols of power that seem to offer security? Solomon's actions remind us of the perpetual temptation to pursue power and security without acknowledging the overarching principles we are called to follow.