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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Kings 10:1–13. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here an account of the visit which the queen of Sheba made to Solomon, no doubt when he was in the height of his piety and prosperity. Our Saviour calls her the queen of the south, for Sheba lay south of Canaan. The common opinion is that it was in Africa; and the Christians in Ethiopia, to this day, are confident that she came from their country, and that Candace was her successor, who is mentioned Act 8:27. But it is more probable that she came from the south part of Arabia the happy. It should seem she was a queen regent, sovereign of her country. Many a kingdom would have been deprived of its greatest blessings if a Salique law had been admitted into its constitution. Observe,
I.On what errand the queen of Sheba came - not to treat of trade or commerce, to adjust the limits of their dominions, to court his alliance for their mutual strength or his assistance against some common enemy, which are the common occasions of the congress of crowned heads and their interviews, but she came,
1.To satisfy her curiosity; for she had heard of his fame, especially for wisdom, and she came to prove him, whether he was so great a man as he was reported to be, Kg1 10:1. Solomon's fleet sailed near the coast of her country, and probably might put in there for fresh water; perhaps it was thus that she heard of the fame of Solomon, that he excelled in wisdom all the children of the east, and nothing would serve her but she would go herself and know the truth of the report.
2.To receive instruction from him. She came to hear his wisdom, and thereby to improve her own (Mat 12:42), that she might be the better able to govern her own kingdom by his maxims of policy. Those whom God has called to any public employment, particularly in the magistracy and ministry, should, by all means possible, be still improving themselves in that knowledge which will more and more qualify them for it, and enable them to discharge their trust well. But, it should seem, that which she chiefly aimed at was to be instructed in the things of God. She was religiously inclined, and had heard not only of the fame of Solomon, but concerning the name of the Lord (Kg1 10:1), the great name of that God whom Solomon worshipped and from whom he received his wisdom, and with this God she desired to be better acquainted. Therefore does our Saviour mention her enquiries after God, by Solomon, as an aggravation of the stupidity of those who enquire not after God by our Lord Jesus Christ, though he, having lain in his bosom, was much better able to instruct them.
II.With what equipage she came, with a very great retinue, agreeable to her rank, intending to try Solomon's wealth and generosity, as well as his wisdom, what entertainment he could and would give to a royal visitant, Kg1 10:2. Yet she came not as one begging, but brought enough to bear her charges, and abundantly to recompense Solomon for his attention to her, nothing mean or common, but gold, and precious stones, and spices, because she came to trade for wisdom, which she would purchase at any rate.
III.What entertainment Solomon gave her.
He despised not the weakness of her sex, blamed her not for leaving her own business at home to come so long a journey, and put herself and him to so much trouble and expense merely to satisfy her curiosity; but he made her welcome and all her train, gave her liberty to put all her questions, though some perhaps were frivolous, some captious, and some over-curious; he allowed her to commune with him of all that was in her heart (Kg1 10:2) and gave her a satisfactory answer to all her questions (Kg1 10:3), whether natural, moral, political, or divine. Were they designed to try him? he gave them such turns as abundantly satisfied her of his uncommon knowledge. Were they designed for her own instruction? (as we suppose most of them were), she received abundant instruction from him, and he made things surprisingly easy which she apprehended insuperably difficult, and satisfied her that there was a divine sentence in the lips of this king. But he informed her no doubt, with particular care, concerning God, and his law and instituted worship. He had taken it for granted (Kg1 8:42) that strangers would hear of his great name, and would come thither to enquire after him; and now that so great a stranger came we may be sure he was not wanting to assist and encourage her enquiries, and give her a description of the temple, and the officers and services of it, that she might be persuaded to serve the Lord whom she now sought.
IV.How she was affected with what she saw and heard in Solomon's court.
Divers things are here mentioned which she admired, the buildings and furniture of his palace, the provision that was made very day for his table (when she saw that perhaps she wondered where there were mouths for all that meat, but when she saw the multitude of his attendants and guests she was as ready to wonder where was the meat for all those mouths), the orderly sitting of his servants, every one in his place, and the ready attendance of his ministers, without any confusion, their rich liveries, and the propriety with which his cup-bearers waited at his table. These things she admired, as adding much to his magnificence. But, above all these, the first thing mentioned (which contained all) is his wisdom (Kg1 10:4), of the transcendency of which she now had incontestable proofs: and the last thing mentioned, which crowned all, is his piety, the ascent by which he went up to the house of the Lord, with what gravity and seriousness, and an air of devotion in his countenance, he appeared, when he went to the temple to worship God, with as much humility then as majesty at other times. Many of the ancient versions read it, The burnt-offerings which he offered in the house of the Lord; she observed with what a generous bounty he brought his sacrifices, and with what a pious fervour he attended the offering of them; never did she see so much goodness with so much greatness. Every thing was so surprising that there was no more spirit in her, but she stood amazed; she had never seen the like.
V.How she expressed herself upon this occasion.
1.She owned her expectation far out-done, though it was highly raised by the report she heard, Kg1 10:6, Kg1 10:7. She is far from repenting her journey or calling herself a fool for undertaking it, but acknowledges it was well worth her while to come so far for the sight of that which she could not believe the report of. Usually things are represented to us, both by common fame and by our own imagination, much greater than we find them when we come to examine them; but here the truth exceeded both fame and fancy. Those who, through grace, are brought to experience the delights of communion with God will say that the one-half was not told them of the pleasures of Wisdom's ways and the advantages of her gates. Glorified saints, much more, will say that it was a true report which they heard of the happiness of heaven, but that the thousandth part was not told them, Co1 2:9.
2.She pronounced those happy that constantly attended him, and waited on him at table: "Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants (Kg1 10:8); they may improve their own wisdom by hearing thine." She was tempted to envy them and to which herself one of them. Note, It is a great advantage to be in good families, and to have opportunity of frequent converse with those that are wise, and good, and communicative. Many have this happiness who know not how to value it. With much more reason may we say this of Christ's servants, Blessed are those that dwell in his house, they will be still praising him.
3.She blessed God, the giver of Solomon's wisdom and wealth, and the author of his advancement, who had made him king,
(1.)In kindness to him, that he might have the larger opportunity of doing good with his wisdom: He delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel, Kg1 10:9. Solomon's preferment began in the prophet's calling him Jedidiah, because the Lord loved him, Sa2 12:25. It more than doubles our comforts if we have reason to hope they come from God's delight in us. It was his pleasure concerning thee (so it may be read) to set thee on the throne, not for thy merit's sake, but because it so seemed good unto him.
(2.)In kindness to the people, because the Lord loved Israel for ever, designed them a lasting bliss, long to survive him that laid the foundations of it. "He has made thee king, not that thou mayest live in pomp and pleasure, and do what thou wilt, but to do judgment and justice." This she kindly reminded Solomon of, and no doubt he took it kindly. Both magistrates and ministers must be more solicitous to do the duty of their places than to secure the honours and profits of them. To this she attributes his prosperity, not to his wisdom, for bread is not always to the wise (Ecc 9:11), but whoso doeth judgment and justice, it shall be well with him, Jer 22:15. Thus giving of thanks must be made for kings, for good kings, for such kings; they are what God makes them to be.
VI.How they parted.
1.She made a noble present to Solomon of gold and spices, Kg1 10:10. David had foretold concerning Solomon that to him should be given of the gold of Sheba, Psa 72:15. The present of gold and spices which the wise men of the east brought to Christ was signified by this, Mat 2:11. Thus she paid for the wisdom she had learned and did not think she bought it dearly. Let those that are taught of God give him their hearts, and the present will be more acceptable than this of gold and spices. Mention is made of the great abundance Solomon had of his own, notwithstanding she presented and he accepted this gold. What we present to Christ he needs not, but will have us so to express our gratitude. The almug-trees are here spoken of (Kg1 10:11, Kg1 10:12) as extraordinary, because perhaps much admired by the queen of Sheba.
2.Solomon was not behind-hand with her: He gave her whatsoever, she asked, patterns, we may suppose, of those things that were curious, by which she might make the like; or perhaps he gave her his precepts of wisdom and piety in writing, besides that which he gave her of his royal bounty, Kg1 10:13. Thus those who apply to our Lord Jesus will find him not only greater than Solomon, and wiser, but more kind; whatsoever we ask, it shall be done for us; nay, he will, out of his divine bounty, which infinitely exceeds royal bounty, even Solomon's, do for us more than we are able to ask or think.
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Summary
This verse meticulously details the ongoing, highly successful maritime trade ventures undertaken by King Solomon in partnership with Hiram, King of Tyre. It highlights the return voyages of Hiram's fleet from the fabled land of Ophir, not only laden with the renowned gold for which Ophir was famous, but also bringing an extraordinary abundance of highly coveted almug trees and various precious stones. This influx of exotic and valuable materials further underscores the unprecedented prosperity, international reach, and material splendor that characterized King Solomon's reign, marking a zenith of economic power for ancient Israel.
Context
Literary Context
1 Kings 10:11 is situated within a broader narrative (1 Kings 9:26-10:29) that comprehensively chronicles the zenith of King Solomon's reign, emphasizing his unparalleled wisdom, immense wealth, and global renown. Immediately preceding this verse, the account details the awe-inspiring visit of the Queen of Sheba, who, after testing Solomon with hard questions, was utterly overwhelmed by his God-given wisdom, the splendor of his court, and the sheer abundance of his kingdom (1 Kings 10:1-10). This verse, therefore, serves as a concrete illustration of the sources contributing to the very riches that astonished the Queen, specifically elaborating on the lucrative maritime trade established between Solomon and Hiram, King of Tyre, which was initially introduced in 1 Kings 9:26-28. The subsequent verse, 1 Kings 10:12, directly clarifies the specific and significant uses of the almug trees and precious stones, linking this material prosperity directly to the construction of the Temple and the royal palace, thereby integrating the economic details into the larger narrative of Solomon's building projects and his divinely blessed reign.
Historical & Cultural Context
The historical setting is the golden age of the united monarchy of Israel under King Solomon, a period marked by extensive international trade, sophisticated diplomacy, and significant architectural achievements. The alliance with Hiram, King of Tyre, was a strategic masterstroke, as Tyre was the preeminent maritime power of the ancient Near East, possessing the naval expertise, ship-building capabilities, and established trade networks essential for long-distance voyages. Ophir, though its precise geographical location remains a subject of considerable scholarly debate (with theories ranging from East Africa, specifically the Horn of Africa, to parts of India or the Arabian Peninsula), was universally recognized in antiquity as a legendary source of immense wealth. It was particularly famous for its gold, but also for exotic woods and precious stones. The successful and repeated voyages to such a distant and perilous destination underscore the remarkable reach and economic might of Solomon's kingdom and the effectiveness of his alliance with Tyre. The acquisition of rare and valuable commodities like almug trees and precious stones was not merely an economic feat but a powerful cultural indicator of royal power, prestige, and unparalleled economic dominance in the ancient world.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it vividly portrays the theme of unprecedented prosperity under Solomon, depicting a kingdom blessed with an abundance of resources far exceeding that of any previous Israelite monarch. This wealth is consistently presented as a direct consequence of Solomon's God-given wisdom and his initial adherence to God's covenant, as promised in 1 Kings 3:13. Secondly, the verse highlights the critical importance of international relations and strategic alliances, demonstrating how partnerships, particularly with maritime powers like Tyre, were instrumental in facilitating economic growth and access to global resources. Thirdly, it subtly points to the theme of divine provision for God's purposes. The very materials brought from Ophir, as the subsequent verse reveals, were utilized for the construction and adornment of the Temple and royal structures, symbolizing God's desire for His dwelling place and the king's abode to be adorned with the finest of creation, echoing the detailed instructions for the tabernacle's construction in Exodus 25:1-9.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The King of Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state renowned for its naval prowess and extensive trade networks. Hiram was a crucial ally to Solomon, providing not only skilled craftsmen and laborers but also the ships and expertise necessary for long-distance maritime trade, including the voyages to Ophir. His involvement underscores the international scope of Solomon's enterprises and the strategic alliances that bolstered his kingdom's wealth.
A legendary and highly sought-after region, primarily famous as a source of immense quantities of high-quality gold. Its exact geographical location remains uncertain, with scholarly theories placing it in various distant lands such as East Africa, India, or the Arabian Peninsula. The mention of Ophir immediately conjures images of remote, exotic lands and unparalleled riches, emphasizing the vastness of Solomon's trade network and the extraordinary nature of the goods obtained. It functions as a byword for ultimate wealth and distant, valuable resources in the ancient world.
A highly prized and rare type of wood, also referred to as "algum trees" in the parallel account in 2 Chronicles 9:10-11. Scholars generally identify this as red sandalwood or a similar fragrant, durable, and aesthetically pleasing timber. Its rarity and 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) signifies the lavishness and high quality of Solomon's building projects, reflecting the peak of Israel's material glory and the divine provision for sacred and royal structures.
Verse Breakdown
"And the navy also of Hiram"
This opening phrase immediately establishes the key partnership between King Solomon and King Hiram of Tyre. It highlights that the successful acquisition of these immense riches was not solely an Israelite endeavor but a joint enterprise, leveraging Tyre's renowned seafaring expertise and extensive trade routes. This alliance was foundational to Solomon's ambitious economic and building projects.
"that brought gold from Ophir"
This clause emphasizes the primary and most famous commodity for which Ophir was known: gold. The continuous nature of the "bringing" (implied by the ongoing trade relationship) underscores the sustained and immense accumulation of wealth in Solomon's treasury, reinforcing the narrative of his unparalleled riches and the vast reach of his economic influence.
"brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones"
This final, expansive clause broadens the scope of the imported goods beyond just gold, revealing the acquisition of other highly valuable and exotic materials. The phrase "great plenty" signifies the sheer abundance and extraordinary volume of these rare commodities—not just gold, but also the highly prized almug wood and various precious stones. These items, as the subsequent verse indicates, were not merely decorative but served practical and symbolic purposes in the construction of the Temple and royal buildings, further symbolizing the lavishness, divine favor, and global connections bestowed upon Solomon's reign.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey the extraordinary nature 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. This exaggeration contributes to the overall impression of Solomon's unparalleled riches described throughout the chapter, elevating his reign to a legendary status. Symbolism is evident in the specific mention of "almug trees" and "precious stones," which are not merely materials but potent symbols of royal splendor, divine favor, and the exotic, far-reaching influence of Solomon's kingdom. These items, sourced from the fabled Ophir, evoke a sense of the extraordinary and represent the pinnacle of Israel's material glory. Furthermore, the listing of "gold," "almug trees," and "precious stones" can be interpreted as a form of merism, where a few distinct and highly valuable 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 from across the known world.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse, deeply embedded within the account of Solomon's unparalleled wealth, serves as a powerful illustration of God's abundant blessing upon a king who, at the outset of his reign, prioritized wisdom over riches. The influx of gold, exotic woods, and precious stones signifies divine favor and the tangible fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon that he would receive both wisdom and wealth (compare 1 Kings 3:13). However, this very prosperity also subtly foreshadows the potential pitfalls and spiritual dangers inherent in the accumulation of immense wealth and the forging of numerous foreign alliances, factors that would later contribute to Solomon's spiritual decline. The fact that these precious materials, especially the almug trees, were designated for the construction and adornment of the Temple underscores the profound theological principle that God's provision, particularly in abundance, is ultimately intended for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. This serves as a timeless reminder to believers of the sacred call to steward all resources, whether material or spiritual, for divine purposes and not for selfish gain.
Reflection and Application
1 Kings 10:11 invites us to a profound reflection on the true nature of prosperity, the potential dangers of material abundance, and the sacred responsibility of stewardship. Solomon's immense wealth, though initially a divine blessing, ultimately became a significant snare, contributing to his heart turning away from God later in his reign. This narrative prompts us to critically examine our own relationship with material possessions: do we view them as ends in themselves, or as God-given means to glorify Him and serve His eternal purposes? The verse powerfully reminds us that all resources, whether vast or seemingly insignificant, ultimately belong to God, and we are merely temporary stewards. Our pursuit of wisdom, like Solomon's, should primarily be directed towards God, for it is true, divine wisdom that enables us to manage blessings rightly, discern the subtle difference between abundance that facilitates God's work and abundance that leads to idolatry, and maintain a heart solely devoted to Him. The exotic and far-flung origins of the goods also speak to the global reach of God's kingdom and the diverse, often unexpected, ways in which He provides for His people and His redemptive work in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was Ophir and why was it so important?
Ophir was a legendary and exceptionally wealthy region, primarily renowned as a source of high-quality gold, but also for precious stones and exotic woods like almug trees. Its precise geographical location remains unknown and is a subject of ongoing scholarly debate, with theories ranging from East Africa (such as Somalia or Ethiopia), to various parts of India, or the Arabian Peninsula. Its profound importance lay in its reputation as a distant, fabled, and seemingly inexhaustible source of immense riches, making voyages there highly profitable and a powerful symbol of unparalleled wealth and extensive international trade reach for King Solomon's kingdom. The repeated mention of Ophir, both in 1 Kings 9:28 and here in 1 Kings 10:11, consistently underscores the vastness and global scope of Solomon's economic power and influence.
What were almug trees, and what were they used for?
Almug trees (also referred to as algum trees in the parallel account of 2 Chronicles 9:10) were a highly prized and exotic timber, generally believed by scholars to be a type of red sandalwood or a similar fragrant, durable, and aesthetically beautiful wood. Its extreme rarity and distant origin from Ophir made it exceptionally valuable and exclusive. According to 1 Kings 10:12, these precious trees were specifically used to construct "pillars for the house of the Lord, and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for singers." This indicates their significant use in both the sacred Temple and the opulent royal palace, as well as for crafting musical instruments, highlighting their aesthetic, structural, and acoustic qualities. Their use further demonstrates the lavishness and divine blessing characteristic of Solomon's reign, signifying the highest quality materials for both sacred and royal purposes.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The unparalleled wealth, profound wisdom, and extraordinary glory of King Solomon, so vividly depicted in 1 Kings 10:11, serve as a profound and multifaceted foreshadowing of the far greater, eternal, and spiritual glory embodied in Jesus Christ. While Solomon's earthly kingdom was enriched with "great plenty of almug trees and precious stones" from distant Ophir, symbolizing his temporal dominion and material splendor, Christ's eternal kingdom is built upon immeasurable spiritual riches, purchased not with perishable gold but with His own precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). The Queen of Sheba traveled from the ends of the earth to witness Solomon's earthly wisdom and glory, yet Jesus Himself unequivocally declared that "one greater than Solomon is here" (Matthew 12:42). The physical materials brought for Solomon's Temple, including the precious almug wood, hint at the true spiritual Temple that is Christ Himself, in whom God dwells fully (John 2:19-21), and the living stones (believers) who comprise His spiritual house, built upon the cornerstone of Christ (1 Peter 2:5). The vastness of Solomon's wealth, though impressive, was ultimately temporal and led to his kingdom's division; Christ's spiritual riches are eternal, inexhaustible, and establish an everlasting kingdom of righteousness and peace, providing true and lasting satisfaction that surpasses any earthly treasure (Philippians 4:19). In Christ, we find a wisdom that infinitely surpasses Solomon's, a glory that outshines any earthly king, and a divine provision that satisfies the deepest longings of the soul, proving Himself to be infinitely more precious than any gold, almug tree, or precious stone ever imported.