1 Kings 10:11

KJV

And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the navy {H590} also of Hiram {H2438}, that brought {H5375} gold {H2091} from Ophir {H211}, brought in {H935} from Ophir {H211} great {H3966} plenty {H7235} of almug {H484} trees {H6086}, and precious {H3368} stones {H68}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hiram's fleet which had brought gold from Ofir now brought in from Ofir a large quantity of sandalwood and precious stones.

Berean Standard Bible

(The fleet of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir also brought from Ophir a great cargo of almug wood and precious stones.

American Standard Version

And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug-trees and precious stones.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse details the continued influx of immense wealth into King Solomon's kingdom, specifically highlighting the return voyages of Hiram's navy from the distant and fabled land of Ophir. Beyond the gold for which Ophir was renowned, these ships also brought an extraordinary abundance of highly prized almug trees and various precious stones, further underscoring the unprecedented prosperity and international reach of Solomon's reign, a period of unparalleled material splendor for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Kings 10:11 is situated within a larger section (1 Kings 9:26-10:29) that meticulously catalogues the extraordinary wealth, wisdom, and glory of King Solomon. Immediately preceding this verse, the narrative recounts the awe-inspiring visit of the Queen of Sheba, who was overwhelmed by Solomon's wisdom, his opulent palace, and the sheer abundance of his kingdom (1 Kings 10:1-10). This verse, therefore, serves as a specific illustration of the sources contributing to the very riches that astonished the Queen, particularly emphasizing the successful and lucrative maritime trade ventures established between Solomon and Hiram, King of Tyre, which had been introduced in [1 Kings 9:26-28](/1_kings/9-26 "1 Kings 9:26-28 - Solomon's Fleet and Trade"). The subsequent verse, [1 Kings 10:12](/1_kings/10-12 "1 Kings 10:12 - Use of Almug Wood"), clarifies the specific use of the almug trees, linking this material prosperity directly to the construction of the Temple and the royal palace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the zenith of the united monarchy of Israel under Solomon, a period characterized by significant international trade and diplomatic alliances. The alliance with Hiram, King of Tyre, was strategically crucial, as Tyre was a dominant maritime power in the ancient world, possessing the naval expertise and trade networks necessary for long-distance voyages. Ophir, though its precise geographical location remains a subject of scholarly debate (ranging from East Africa to India or the Arabian Peninsula), was universally recognized in antiquity as a legendary source of immense wealth, particularly gold, but also exotic woods and precious stones. The trade routes were extensive and perilous, making the successful and repeated voyages a testament to the might and reach of Solomon's kingdom and his alliance with Tyre. The acquisition of such exotic and valuable materials like almug trees and precious stones was a clear indicator of royal power, prestige, and economic dominance in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **unprecedented prosperity** under Solomon, portraying a kingdom blessed with an abundance of resources far beyond that of any previous Israelite monarch. This wealth is often presented as a direct result of Solomon's God-given wisdom and his adherence (at least initially) to God's commands, as seen in [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches to Solomon"). Secondly, it underscores the importance of **international relations and alliances**, demonstrating how strategic partnerships, like that with Hiram, facilitated economic growth and access to global resources. Thirdly, the verse subtly points to the theme of **divine provision for God's purposes**, as the subsequent verse reveals that these precious materials were used for the Temple and royal structures, signifying God's desire for His dwelling place and the king's abode to be adorned with the finest of creation, as also seen in the detailed instructions for the tabernacle in [Exodus 25:1-9](/exodus/25-1 "Exodus 25:1-9 - Offerings for the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ophir (Hebrew, _'Owphir'_):** A legendary land, often associated with immense wealth, particularly gold. Its exact location remains unknown, with theories placing it in various parts of Africa, India, or the Arabian Peninsula. The mention of Ophir immediately evokes images of distant, exotic lands and unparalleled riches, emphasizing the vastness of Solomon's trade network and the extraordinary nature of the goods obtained. It functions almost as a byword for ultimate wealth in the ancient world.
* **almug trees (Hebrew, _'algummîm'_ or _'almuggîm'_):** A highly prized and rare type of wood, also referred to as "algum trees" in the parallel account in [2 Chronicles 9:10-11](/2_chronicles/9-10 "2 Chronicles 9:10-11 - Ophir's Almug Wood"). Scholars generally identify this as red sandalwood or a similar fragrant, durable, and aesthetically pleasing timber. Its rarity and the distant origin from Ophir underscore its preciousness and exclusivity. The use of this wood for the Temple and Solomon's palace (as detailed in [1 Kings 10:12](/1_kings/10-12 "1 Kings 10:12 - Use of Almug Wood")) signifies the lavishness and high quality of Solomon's building projects, reflecting the peak of Israel's material glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the navy also of Hiram":** This phrase immediately connects the verse to the previously established alliance between King Solomon of Israel and King Hiram of Tyre. Hiram's navy was renowned for its seafaring prowess and extensive trade routes, making this partnership crucial for Solomon's ambitious ventures. It signifies a joint enterprise, leveraging Tyrian naval expertise for Israel's economic benefit.
* **"that brought gold from Ophir":** This clause highlights the primary commodity for which Ophir was famous—gold. The continuous bringing of gold from such a distant and fabled land underscores the sustained nature of this lucrative trade and the immense wealth accumulating in Solomon's treasury, reinforcing the narrative of his unparalleled riches.
* **"brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones":** This final clause expands the scope of the imported goods beyond just gold, revealing the acquisition of other highly valuable and exotic materials. "Great plenty" emphasizes the sheer abundance, not just of gold, but also of the rare almug wood and various precious stones. These items were not merely decorative but, as the subsequent verse indicates, served practical purposes in the construction of the Temple and royal buildings, symbolizing the lavishness and divine favor bestowed upon Solomon's reign.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey the magnitude of Solomon's wealth and international influence. **Hyperbole** is subtly present in the phrase "great plenty," suggesting an almost unimaginable abundance of these rare and valuable commodities, contributing to the overall impression of Solomon's unparalleled riches described throughout the chapter. **Symbolism** is evident in the specific mention of "almug trees" and "precious stones," which are not just materials but symbols of royal splendor, divine favor, and the exotic reach of Solomon's kingdom. These items, sourced from the fabled Ophir, evoke a sense of the extraordinary and the peak of Israel's material glory. Furthermore, the listing of "gold," "almug trees," and "precious stones" could be seen as a form of **merism**, where a few distinct categories are mentioned to represent the totality of the vast and diverse array of goods flowing into Solomon's kingdom, encompassing the most valuable and exotic items imaginable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, nestled within the account of Solomon's unparalleled wealth, serves as a powerful illustration of God's blessing upon a king who initially sought wisdom above riches. The abundance of gold, exotic woods, and precious stones signifies divine favor and the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon that he would have both wisdom and wealth (1 Kings 3:13). However, it also subtly foreshadows the potential pitfalls of such prosperity, as the accumulation of wealth and foreign alliances would later contribute to Solomon's spiritual decline. The materials themselves, especially the almug trees, being used for the Temple, underscore the principle that God's provision is often intended for His glory and the building of His kingdom, reminding believers of the call to steward resources for divine purposes.

* [2 Chronicles 9:10-11](/2_chronicles/9-10 "2 Chronicles 9:10-11 - Parallel Account of Almug Wood")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")
* [Haggai 2:8](/haggai/2-8 "Haggai 2:8 - The Silver and Gold Are Mine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 10:11 invites us to reflect on the nature of true prosperity and the stewardship of resources. Solomon's immense wealth, though a divine blessing, ultimately became a snare when his heart turned away from God. This prompts us to consider our own relationship with material possessions: are they seen as ends in themselves, or as means to glorify God and serve His purposes? The verse reminds us that all resources, whether great or small, ultimately belong to God, and we are merely stewards. Our wisdom, like Solomon's, should be sought from God first, for it is true wisdom that enables us to manage blessings rightly and discern the difference between abundance that serves God and abundance that leads to idolatry. The exotic nature of the goods also speaks to the global reach of God's kingdom and the diverse ways in which He provides for His people and His work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I view the material blessings in my life: as personal accumulation or as resources for God's kingdom?**
* **In what ways might my pursuit of wealth or comfort distract me from my primary devotion to God?**
* **How can I better steward the "almug trees and precious stones" (my unique gifts, resources, and opportunities) that God has entrusted to me for His glory?**
* **What does Solomon's story teach me about the relationship between wisdom, wealth, and spiritual faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What was Ophir and why was it so important?**

Answer: Ophir was a legendary and extremely wealthy region, primarily known as a source of high-quality gold, but also for precious stones and exotic woods like almug trees. Its exact geographical location is unknown and debated by scholars, with theories ranging from East Africa (like Somalia or Ethiopia), to parts of India, or the Arabian Peninsula. Its importance lay in its reputation as a distant and seemingly inexhaustible source of immense riches, making voyages there highly profitable and a symbol of unparalleled wealth and international trade reach for King Solomon's kingdom. The mention of Ophir in [1 Kings 9:28](/1_kings/9-28 "1 Kings 9:28 - Solomon's Gold from Ophir") and here in [1 Kings 10:11](/1_kings/10-11 "1 Kings 10:11 - Ophir's Almug Trees and Stones") underscores the vastness of Solomon's economic power.

**What were almug trees, and what were they used for?**

Answer: Almug trees (also called algum trees in [2 Chronicles 9:10](/2_chronicles/9-10 "2 Chronicles 9:10 - Algum Wood from Ophir")) were a highly prized and exotic timber, generally believed to be a type of red sandalwood or a similar fragrant, durable, and beautiful wood. Its rarity and distant origin from Ophir made it extremely valuable. According to [1 Kings 10:12](/1_kings/10-12 "1 Kings 10:12 - Use of Almug Wood"), these trees were used to make "pillars for the house of the Lord, and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for singers." This indicates their use in both the sacred Temple and the royal palace, as well as for musical instruments, highlighting their aesthetic and acoustic qualities, and further demonstrating the lavishness of Solomon's reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unparalleled wealth, wisdom, and glory of King Solomon, so vividly depicted in 1 Kings 10:11, serve as a profound foreshadowing of the far greater and eternal glory of Jesus Christ. While Solomon's kingdom was enriched with "great plenty of almug trees and precious stones" from distant Ophir, pointing to his earthly dominion and material splendor, Christ's kingdom is built upon immeasurable spiritual riches. The Queen of Sheba traveled from the ends of the earth to witness Solomon's wisdom and glory, but Jesus Himself declared that "one greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - One Greater Than Solomon")). The physical materials brought for Solomon's Temple, including the precious almug wood, hint at the true spiritual Temple that is Christ Himself ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple")) and the living stones (believers) that comprise His spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones for a Spiritual House")). The vastness of Solomon's wealth, though impressive, was temporal and ultimately led to his kingdom's division; Christ's spiritual riches are eternal, inexhaustible, and bring about an everlasting kingdom, purchased not with gold or silver, but with His precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")). In Christ, we find a wisdom that surpasses Solomon's, a glory that outshines any earthly king, and a provision that satisfies the deepest longings of the soul, far more precious than any gold or almug tree.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 9:27

And Hiram sent in the navy his servants, shipmen that had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon.

1 Kings 9:28

And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought [it] to king Solomon.

2 Chronicles 9:10

And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.

2 Chronicles 9:11

And the king made [of] the algum trees terraces to the house of the LORD, and to the king's palace, and harps and psalteries for singers: and there were none such seen before in the land of Judah.

Psalms 45:9

Kings' daughters [were] among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.

2 Chronicles 2:8

Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants [shall be] with thy servants,

2 Chronicles 8:18

And Huram sent him by the hands of his servants ships, and servants that had knowledge of the sea; and they went with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and took thence four hundred and fifty talents of gold, and brought [them] to king Solomon.