1 Kings 10 22

1 Kings 10:22 kjv

For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

1 Kings 10:22 nkjv

For the king had merchant ships at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years the merchant ships came bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and monkeys.

1 Kings 10:22 niv

The king had a fleet of trading ships at sea along with the ships of Hiram. Once every three years it returned, carrying gold, silver and ivory, and apes and baboons.

1 Kings 10:22 esv

For the king had a fleet of ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years the fleet of ships of Tarshish used to come bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

1 Kings 10:22 nlt

The king had a fleet of trading ships of Tarshish that sailed with Hiram's fleet. Once every three years the ships returned, loaded with gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

1 Kings 10 verses

1 Kings 10 22 Meaning

1 Kings 10:22 describes the extensive and remarkable maritime trade operations conducted by King Solomon. It highlights his unprecedented wealth and the luxury items he acquired through long-distance voyages. The verse portrays a unique commercial alliance between Solomon and Hiram, the King of Tyre, facilitating voyages that, over a three-year cycle, brought an array of valuable and exotic goods—gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks—into Israel. This showcases the peak of Solomon's power, prosperity, and international influence.

1 Kings 10 22 Context

This verse is found within the narrative of Solomon's opulent and renowned reign, particularly after the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit. Chapters 9 and 10 of 1 Kings detail the splendor, wisdom, and unprecedented wealth of Solomon, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to him (1 Ki 3:13). The naval expeditions, facilitated by an alliance with King Hiram of Tyre, enabled Israel to participate in and benefit from the vast international trade networks of the ancient world. Specifically, 1 Kings 9:26-28 mentions Solomon's navy being built at Ezion-geber on the Red Sea coast, setting the stage for these lucrative ventures. This context underscores the peak of Israel's national prosperity and global influence under Solomon, prior to his later spiritual deviations.

1 Kings 10 22 Word analysis

• For the king: Refers to King Solomon (Hebrew: Shlomo). His reign marked a period of immense national prosperity and peace, largely attributed to God's blessing due to his early choice for wisdom (1 Ki 3:9-13).
• had at sea: Indicates active involvement in maritime commerce, which was not a traditional Israelite strength but facilitated by foreign alliance.
• a navy of Tharshish: (Hebrew: aniyoth Tarshish, 'ships of Tarshish'). This likely refers to large, deep-sea vessels capable of long voyages, rather than necessarily originating from the geographical location of Tarshish (whose exact location is debated, possibly in Spain or a general term for distant, maritime trade). The phrase implies robust ships fit for extensive journeys and carrying substantial cargo.
• with the navy of Hiram: Highlights the crucial strategic alliance with Hiram, King of Tyre. Tyre was a leading Phoenician maritime power, renowned for its shipbuilding, navigational expertise, and seafaring knowledge. Hiram's assistance was indispensable for Solomon's naval ventures.
• once in three years: Denotes the remarkable duration and difficulty of these voyages. This suggests very distant origins for the goods, extensive trade routes, reliance on specific seasonal winds, and significant logistical efforts.
• came the navy of Tharshish: Reaffirms the regularity and success of these demanding expeditions, indicating a well-established and productive trade system.
• bringing gold, and silver: These metals were the primary measures of wealth and luxury. Solomon's reign saw an unprecedented influx of gold (1 Ki 10:14) and silver becoming so common it was "as common as stones" (1 Ki 10:27).
• ivory: (Hebrew: shenhabim). Elephant tusks, highly prized for elaborate carvings, furniture inlay, and artistic pieces. It was a luxury material signifying status and wealth, likely imported from Africa or India.
• and apes: (Hebrew: qofim). Monkeys, exotic animals valued as curiosities or pets by the elite, demonstrating a taste for the exotic and the far reach of Solomon's influence.
• and peacocks: (Hebrew: tukkiyyim). Exotic birds, admired for their magnificent plumage. Their importation underscores the sheer extravagance and grandeur associated with Solomon's court, likely originating from India.

Words-group analysis

• "a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram": This phrase underlines the unprecedented scope of Solomon's trading empire. It emphasizes the collaboration between Israel and the Phoenicians, combining Solomon's administrative and strategic prowess with Hiram's superior naval technology and maritime skills. This partnership allowed Israel to become a significant player in the ancient world's global economy.
• "bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks": This detailed list of imports vividly illustrates the nature of Solomon's wealth. It wasn't merely local agricultural produce or tribute, but highly valuable raw materials and exotic luxury items. This shows a demand for non-essential goods, signifying not just economic prosperity but extreme opulence and an almost imperial taste for rare commodities from distant lands. It reflects a peak of material blessing and international connection.

1 Kings 10 22 Bonus section

The mention of a "navy of Tarshish" signifies more than just a place of origin; it often implies large, seaworthy vessels suitable for venturing beyond the familiar Mediterranean coastline, possibly into the Indian Ocean via the Red Sea, or even indicating ships built to reach distant Tarshish (wherever it truly was). This implies sophisticated shipbuilding and navigation for the era. The collection of goods—especially ivory, apes, and peacocks—points strongly to trade with regions like East Africa (e.g., Punt or Ophir as noted in other texts) or even India. These were items of pure luxury, demonstrating that Solomon's wealth far exceeded basic necessities, allowing for immense discretionary spending and a display of power unrivaled in the region. The description also highlights Israel's uncharacteristic engagement in international long-distance sea trade, usually dominated by the Phoenicians.

1 Kings 10 22 Commentary

1 Kings 10:22 serves as a pivotal summary of King Solomon's extraordinary material prosperity, illustrating the sheer scale and reach of his kingdom. Through strategic alliance with Hiram of Tyre and sophisticated maritime operations, Solomon accessed an unprecedented array of wealth and luxury goods. The three-year cycle of the "navy of Tarshish" underscores the immense distances traveled and the advanced logistical capabilities involved. The list of imports—gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks—reveals not only an abundance of resources but also a royal court characterized by lavish extravagance. While presented as a sign of divine blessing on Solomon's wisdom and obedience, these verses also subtly introduce the worldly temptations and material accumulation that would later contribute to his spiritual compromises, highlighting the Old Testament warning against a king excessively multiplying wealth and foreign luxuries (Deut 17:16-17). This verse, therefore, represents the zenith of Solomon's earthly glory before the decline.