They sailed to Ophir and imported gold from there--420 talents--and delivered it to Solomon. They sailed to OphirThe phrase "They sailed to Ophir" indicates a significant maritime expedition undertaken by Solomon's fleet. The Hebrew root for "sailed" (אָבַר, 'abar) suggests a crossing or passage, emphasizing the journey's adventurous and exploratory nature. Ophir is a location shrouded in mystery, often associated with wealth and exotic goods. Historically, Ophir's exact location remains debated, with suggestions ranging from regions in Africa, Arabia, or even India. This journey reflects Solomon's expansive trade networks and his kingdom's reach, showcasing the fulfillment of God's promise of prosperity to Solomon. and imported gold from there
The act of importing gold signifies the wealth and opulence of Solomon's reign. The Hebrew word for "imported" (בּוֹא, bo) implies bringing in or entering, highlighting the successful acquisition of valuable resources. Gold, a symbol of wealth and divine blessing, was crucial for Solomon's building projects, including the Temple. This importation underscores the economic strength and international influence of Israel under Solomon's rule, aligning with the biblical theme of God's provision and blessing upon His chosen leaders. bringing 420 talents of gold
The specific mention of "420 talents of gold" quantifies the immense wealth acquired. A talent, in ancient measurements, was a substantial weight, approximately 75 pounds or 34 kilograms. Thus, 420 talents represent a massive amount of gold, reflecting the prosperity and grandeur of Solomon's kingdom. This wealth enabled Solomon to undertake grand projects and maintain a lavish court, fulfilling the biblical narrative of Israel's golden age under his leadership. to King Solomon
The phrase "to King Solomon" emphasizes the centrality of Solomon in this narrative. As the recipient of this wealth, Solomon's role as a wise and prosperous king is highlighted. The Hebrew root for "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) denotes authority and governance, underscoring Solomon's divinely appointed position. Solomon's wisdom and wealth are seen as direct blessings from God, fulfilling the covenant promises made to David. This wealth not only signifies material prosperity but also spiritual favor, as Solomon's reign is marked by peace and divine wisdom, serving as a foreshadowing of the ultimate reign of Christ, the King of Kings. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. He is the central figure in this passage, receiving the gold. 2. OphirA region famous for its wealth, particularly gold. The exact location is uncertain, but it is often associated with regions in Africa, Arabia, or India. 3. Hiram's FleetShips provided by Hiram, king of Tyre, which were used by Solomon's servants to sail to Ophir. This collaboration highlights the international alliances Solomon maintained. 4. 420 Talents of GoldA significant amount of gold, illustrating the wealth and prosperity of Solomon's reign. A talent is an ancient unit of weight, roughly equivalent to 75 pounds or 34 kilograms. 5. Servants of SolomonThese individuals were responsible for the expedition to Ophir, demonstrating the organized and expansive nature of Solomon's administration. Teaching Points God's Provision and BlessingSolomon's wealth, including the gold from Ophir, is a testament to God's provision and blessing upon his reign. It serves as a reminder that all prosperity ultimately comes from God. Wise StewardshipThe acquisition and use of resources like gold require wisdom and discernment. Believers are called to be wise stewards of the resources God provides. International CooperationSolomon's alliance with Hiram illustrates the importance of building positive relationships and partnerships. Christians are encouraged to work collaboratively with others for mutual benefit. The Temporary Nature of Earthly WealthWhile Solomon's wealth was immense, it serves as a reminder that earthly riches are temporary. Believers should focus on storing up treasures in heaven. The Pursuit of Wisdom Over WealthAlthough Solomon was wealthy, his greatest legacy is his wisdom. Christians should prioritize seeking wisdom and understanding over material wealth. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the wealth of Solomon, as demonstrated by the gold from Ophir, reflect God's blessings, and how can we recognize God's provision in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we practice wise stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us, similar to how Solomon managed his wealth? 3. How can the partnership between Solomon and Hiram inspire us to build positive and productive relationships in our personal and professional lives? 4. Considering the temporary nature of Solomon's wealth, how can we shift our focus from accumulating earthly riches to storing up treasures in heaven? 5. Reflecting on Solomon's legacy of wisdom, how can we prioritize the pursuit of wisdom in our daily decisions and interactions with others? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 10:11This verse further describes the wealth brought from Ophir, including almug wood and precious stones, emphasizing the prosperity during Solomon's reign. 2 Chronicles 8:18Chronicles also recounts the journey to Ophir, reinforcing the account of Solomon's wealth and the successful partnership with Hiram. Job 28:16This verse mentions the gold of Ophir, highlighting its renowned quality and value, which is used metaphorically to describe wisdom's worth. Psalm 45:9Refers to the gold of Ophir in the context of royal splendor, symbolizing wealth and majesty. People Amorites, Canaanites, David, Geber, Gibeon, Hiram, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Ophir, Perizzites, Pharaoh, Solomon, TamarPlaces Baalath, Beth-horon, Brook of Egypt, Cabul, Edom, Egypt, Eloth, Ezion-geber, Galilee, Gezer, Gibeon, Hazor, Jerusalem, Lebanon, Megiddo, Millo, Ophir, Red Sea, Tamar, TyreTopics 420, Bring, Delivered, Fetched, Gold, Got, Hundred, Imported, Ophir, Solomon, Talents, Thence, TwentyDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 9:28 5260 coinage 1 Kings 9:26-28 4333 gold 1 Kings 9:27-28 5517 seafaring Library Promises and Threatenings
'And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do. 2. That the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as He had appeared unto him at Gibeon. 3. And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before Me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put My name there for ever; and Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureGadara
There was a double Gadara. One at the shore of the Mediterranean sea: that was first called Gezer, 1 Kings 9:15. In Josephus, "Simon destroyed the city Gazara, and Joppe, and Jamnia."--And in the Book of the Maccabees, "And he fortified Joppe, which is on the sea, and Gazara, which is on the borders of Azotus." At length, according to the idiom of the Syrian dialect, Zain passed into Daleth; and instead of Gazara, it was called Gadara. Hence Strabo, after the mention of Jamnia, saith, "and there …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Whether Solicitude Belongs to Prudence?
Objection 1: It would seem that solicitude does not belong to prudence. For solicitude implies disquiet, wherefore Isidore says (Etym. x) that "a solicitous man is a restless man." Now motion belongs chiefly to the appetitive power: wherefore solicitude does also. But prudence is not in the appetitive power, but in the reason, as stated above [2746](A[1]). Therefore solicitude does not belong to prudence. Objection 2: Further, the certainty of truth seems opposed to solicitude, wherefore it is related …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Prophecy Pertains to Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that prophecy does not pertain to knowledge. For it is written (Ecclus. 48:14) that after death the body of Eliseus prophesied, and further on (Ecclus. 49:18) it is said of Joseph that "his bones were visited, and after death they prophesied." Now no knowledge remains in the body or in the bones after death. Therefore prophecy does not pertain to knowledge. Objection 2: Further, it is written (1 Cor. 14:3): "He that prophesieth, speaketh to men unto edification." Now speech …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether it is Lawful to Give and Receive Money for Spiritual Actions?
Objection 1: It seems that it is lawful to give and receive money for spiritual actions. The use of prophecy is a spiritual action. But something used to be given of old for the use of prophecy, as appears from 1 Kings 9:7,8, and 3 Kings 14:3. Therefore it would seem that it is lawful to give and receive money for a spiritual action. Objection 2: Further, prayer, preaching, divine praise, are most spiritual actions. Now money is given to holy persons in order to obtain the assistance of their prayers, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Seven Seas According to the Talmudists, and the Four Rivers Compassing the Land.
"Seven seas (say they) and four rivers compass the land of Israel. I. The Great Sea, or the Mediterranean. II. The sea of Tiberias. III. The sea of Sodom. IV. The lake of Samocho... The three first named among the seven are sufficiently known, and there is no doubt of the fourth:--only the three names of it are not to be passed by. IV. 1. The Sibbichaean. The word seems to be derived from a bush. 2. ... 3. ... V. Perhaps the sandy sea. Which fits very well to the lake of Sirbon, joining the commentary …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica How to Split a Kingdom
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt); 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Greater Prophets.
1. We have already seen (Chap. 15, Nos. 11 and 12) that from Moses to Samuel the appearances of prophets were infrequent; that with Samuel and the prophetical school established by him there began a new era, in which the prophets were recognized as a distinct order of men in the Theocracy; and that the age of written prophecy did not begin till about the reign of Uzziah, some three centuries after Samuel. The Jewish division of the latter prophets--prophets in the more restricted sense of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Beginning at Jerusalem
The whole verse runs thus: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." The words were spoken by Christ, after he rose from the dead, and they are here rehearsed after an historical manner, but do contain in them a formal commission, with a special clause therein. The commission is, as you see, for the preaching of the gospel, and is very distinctly inserted in the holy record by Matthew and Mark. "Go teach all nations," …
John Bunyan—Jerusalem Sinner Saved The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
"If any one wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south." Such was the saying, by which Rabbinical pride distinguished between the material wealth of Galilee and the supremacy in traditional lore claimed for the academies of Judaea proper. Alas, it was not long before Judaea lost even this doubtful distinction, and its colleges wandered northwards, ending at last by the Lake of Gennesaret, and in that very city of Tiberias which at one time had been reputed unclean! …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
OR, GOOD NEWS FOR THE VILEST OF MEN; BEING A HELP FOR DESPAIRING SOULS, SHOWING THAT JESUS CHRIST WOULD HAVE MERCY IN THE FIRST PLACE OFFERED TO THE BIGGEST SINNERS. THE THIRD EDITION, IN WHICH IS ADDED, AN ANSWER TO THOSE GRAND OBJECTIONS THAT LIE IN THE WAY OF THE THEM THAT WOULD BELIEVE: FOR THE COMFORT OF THEM THAT FEAR THEY HAVE SINNED AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST. BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. London: Printed for Elizabeth Smith, at the Hand and Bible, on London Bridge, 1691. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 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 A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to Christians to be Holy. By John Bunyan.
Holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever.'--[Psalm 93:5] London, by B. W., for Benj. Alsop, at the Angel and Bible, in the Poultrey. 1684. THE EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This is the most searching treatise that has ever fallen under our notice. It is an invaluable guide to those sincere Christians, who, under a sense of the infinite importance of the salvation of an immortal soul, and of the deceitfulness of their hearts, sigh and cry, "O Lord of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 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 9:28 NIV1 Kings 9:28 NLT1 Kings 9:28 ESV1 Kings 9:28 NASB1 Kings 9:28 KJV
1 Kings 9:28 Commentaries
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