17 They imported a chariot from Egypt for six hundred shekels
17 They imported a chariot from Egypt for 600 shekels
17 Chariots from Egypt went for fifteen pounds of silver and a horse for about three and three-quarters of a pound of silver. Solomon carried on a brisk horse-trading business with the Hittite and Aramean royal houses.
17 They also acquired and imported from Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for one hundred and fifty; thus, through their agents,
17 At that time chariots from Egypt could be purchased for 600Â pieces of silver, and horses for 150Â pieces of silver. They were then exported to the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Aram.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 1:17
Chapter Contents
Solomon's choice of wisdom, His strength and wealth.
SOLOMON began his reign with a pious, public visit to God's altar. Those that pursue present things most eagerly, are likely to be disappointed; while those that refer themselves to the providence of God, if they have not the most, have the most comfort. Those that make this world their end, come short of the other, and are disappointed in this also; but those that make the other world their end, shall not only obtain that, and full satisfaction in it, but shall have as much of this world as is good for them, in their way. Let us then be contented, without those great things which men generally covet, but which commonly prove fatal snares to the soul.