The answer is: Egypt

1 Kings 10:28 - Solomon's extensive trade with Egypt highlights the wealth and connections he cultivated during his reign. Interestingly, the horses from Egypt symbolize not just military strength but also luxury. This trade relationship mirrors Egypt's historical significance, noted in Exodus, as a place of both oppression and prosperity for Israel.

King Solomon’s relationship with Egypt wasn’t just about importing horses; it echoed a complex interplay between cultures and economies of the ancient Near East. While today, we view horses primarily as modes of transport or leisure activities, back in Solomon’s day, they were symbols of power and prestige. In fact, owning horses indicated not just wealth but military capability—Egyptian horses were considered some of the best in the ancient world, prized for their quality.

Historical records often describe how Solomon's rule was marked by flourishing trade, and his commercial savvy extended beyond horses to precious materials and goods, positioning him as a central figure in regional trade routes. Interestingly, the legendary Queen of Sheba, also entangled in this web of commerce, visited Solomon and brought with her jewels and spices that were famous across the lands, exemplifying the cross-cultural ties of the era.

Egypt’s previous backdrop in Israel’s history is profound and makes their trade a crucial theme in biblical times. From liberation narratives in Exodus to this trade in equine luxury, Egypt presented layers of richness in terms of international relations, especially from a perspective where connectedness and sharing resources could reveal narratives of strength, survival, and interdependence in ancient societies.

So next time you think of Solomon's horses from Egypt, consider the broader implications of a king blending might with diplomacy, forging lasting legacies in the interconnected world of ancient civilizations.