For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram's fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. For the king had the ships of TarshishThis phrase highlights the extensive maritime ventures of King Solomon. The "ships of Tarshish" were large, ocean-going vessels capable of long voyages. The term "Tarshish" is often associated with distant lands, possibly in the western Mediterranean, such as Spain. The Hebrew root "Tarshish" suggests a place of great wealth and resources, indicating Solomon's reach and influence extended far beyond Israel's borders. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon of wisdom and wealth, as seen in 1 Kings 3:13. at sea with the fleet of Hiram
Hiram, the king of Tyre, was a significant ally of Solomon. The alliance between Solomon and Hiram is a testament to the peaceful and prosperous relations that Solomon maintained with neighboring nations. The "fleet of Hiram" indicates a joint venture, combining Israelite and Phoenician maritime expertise. Historically, the Phoenicians were renowned sailors and traders, and their collaboration with Solomon underscores the strategic and economic acumen of Solomon's reign. Once every three years
This phrase suggests a well-organized and periodic trading expedition. The three-year cycle indicates the long distances traveled and the time required for such extensive voyages. It also reflects the patience and foresight in Solomon's economic strategies, ensuring a steady influx of wealth and exotic goods into his kingdom. This regularity in trade would have contributed to the stability and prosperity of Israel during Solomon's reign. the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks
The list of goods—gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks—illustrates the opulence and grandeur of Solomon's court. Gold and silver signify wealth and economic power, while ivory, apes, and peacocks represent luxury and the exotic. The Hebrew words for these items emphasize their rarity and value. Archaeological findings and historical records from surrounding regions confirm the trade of such goods, highlighting the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations. This abundance of wealth and luxury fulfilled the biblical portrayal of Solomon's wisdom and prosperity, as promised by God, and served as a testament to the blessings bestowed upon him for his faithfulness and dedication to building the Temple and leading Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of King David, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. 2. Ships of TarshishLarge, sea-going vessels associated with long voyages and trade, possibly referring to a specific type of ship or a fleet from a region known for its wealth. 3. HiramThe king of Tyre, an ally of Solomon, who provided materials and skilled labor for the construction of the Temple. 4. TarshishA distant port or region, possibly located in the western Mediterranean, known for its wealth and trade. 5. Trade GoodsGold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks, symbolizing the wealth and exotic nature of Solomon's trade network. Teaching Points God's Provision and BlessingSolomon's wealth and trade success are seen as a blessing from God, reflecting His provision for those who follow Him. Wisdom in StewardshipSolomon's ability to manage vast resources and trade networks demonstrates the importance of wisdom in stewardship. The Danger of WealthWhile wealth can be a blessing, it also poses spiritual dangers, as seen later in Solomon's life when his heart turns away from God. Global Influence and ResponsibilitySolomon's international trade highlights the potential for God's people to influence the world positively, but also the responsibility that comes with such influence. The Temporary Nature of Earthly RichesDespite Solomon's wealth, it serves as a reminder that earthly riches are temporary and should not be our ultimate pursuit. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's wealth and trade network reflect God's blessing, and what can we learn about God's provision in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we apply Solomon's wisdom in managing resources to our personal finances and stewardship today? 3. What are some potential spiritual dangers associated with wealth, and how can we guard our hearts against them? 4. How can Christians today use their influence and resources to positively impact the world, following Solomon's example of international trade? 5. Reflecting on the temporary nature of Solomon's riches, how can we prioritize eternal values over earthly wealth in our daily lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 9:21This verse parallels 1 Kings 10:22, providing additional context about Solomon's wealth and trade. Isaiah 2:16Mentions ships of Tarshish in the context of human pride and the eventual humbling of the proud. Ezekiel 27:12Describes the wealth of Tyre and its trade with Tarshish, highlighting the economic connections in the ancient world. Psalm 72:10A psalm attributed to Solomon, which speaks of kings bringing gifts, reflecting the wealth and influence of his reign. People Arabians, Aram, Hiram, Hittites, Ophir, Solomon, Tarshish, TharshishPlaces Egypt, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jerusalem, Kue, Ophir, Sheba, Shephelah, Syria, TarshishTopics Along, Apes, Baboons, Bearing, Bringing, Carrying, Fleet, Gold, Hiram, Ivory, Monkeys, Navy, Peacocks, Returned, Ships, Silver, Tarshish, Tarshish-fleet, Tarshish-ships, Tharshish, TradingDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 10:22 4339 ivory
5517 seafaring
7236 Israel, united kingdom 1 Kings 10:14-22 4303 metals 1 Kings 10:21-22 4363 silver
5407 merchants Library Coming to the King.
"And King Solomon gave unto the Queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty."--1 Kings x. 13. The beautiful history recorded in the chapter from which the above words are quoted is deeply instructive to those who have learned to recognise CHRIST in the Scriptures. The reference to this narrative by our LORD Himself was surely designed to draw our attention to it, and gives it an added interest. The blessings, too, received by the Queen …
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of BlueA Royal Seeker after Wisdom
'And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions. 2. And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. 3. And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. 4. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Gift
"There came no more such abundance of spices as those which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon."--1 Kings x. 10. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 "What dost thou bring me, O my Queen? Love maketh thy steps to fly." Lord, to Thee my jewel I bring, Greater than mountains high; Broader than all the earth's broad lands, Heavier than the ocean sands, And higher it is than the sky: Deeper it is than the depths of the sea, And fairer than the sun, Unreckoned, as if the stars …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) Of the Weight of Government; and that all Manner of Adversity is to be Despised, and Prosperity Feared.
So much, then, have we briefly said, to shew how great is the weight of government, lest whosoever is unequal to sacred offices of government should dare to profane them, and through lust of pre-eminence undertake a leadership of perdition. For hence it is that James affectionately deters us, saying, Be not made many masters, my brethren (James iii. 1). Hence the Mediator between God and man Himself--He who, transcending the knowledge and understanding even of supernal spirits, reigns in heaven …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death.
This estate has three degrees:--1st, From the day of death to the resurrection; 2d, From the resurrection to the pronouncing of the sentence; 3d, After the sentence, which lasts eternally. As soon as ever the regenerate man hath yielded up his soul to Christ, the holy angels take her into their custody, and immediately carry her into heaven (Luke xvi. 22), and there present her before Christ, where she is crowned with a crown of righteousness and glory; not which she hath deserved by her good works, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return "Let any Man Come. "
[7] "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."--John 7:37-38. THE text which heads this paper contains one of those mighty sayings of Christ which deserve to be printed in letters of gold. All the stars in heaven are bright and beautiful; yet even a child can see that "one star differeth from another in glory" …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 10:22 NIV1 Kings 10:22 NLT1 Kings 10:22 ESV1 Kings 10:22 NASB1 Kings 10:22 KJV
1 Kings 10:22 Commentaries
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