1 Kings 10:15

KJV

Beside [that he had] of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country.

KJV (with Strong's)

Beside that he had of the merchantmen {H582}{H8446}, and of the traffick {H4536} of the spice merchants {H7402}, and of all the kings {H4428} of Arabia {H6153}, and of the governors {H6346} of the country {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

besides that which came from sales taxes, customs duties and assessments collected by all the kings of the mixed peoples and by the district governors.

Berean Standard Bible

not including the revenue from the merchants, traders, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land.

American Standard Version

besides that which the traders brought, and the traffic of the merchants, and of all the kings of the mingled people, and of the governors of the country.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 10:15 details the diverse and extensive supplementary income streams that contributed to King Solomon's unparalleled wealth, beyond the 666 talents of gold he received annually from tribute. This verse highlights his vast economic influence, drawing revenue from independent merchant trade, the highly lucrative spice commerce, and tribute payments from various regional rulers, including the kings of Arabia and local governors. It paints a vivid picture of a sophisticated and far-reaching economic empire that solidified Israel's position as a dominant force in the ancient Near East during his reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the larger narrative in [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom"), which meticulously chronicles the apex of Solomon's reign, particularly his immense wealth, wisdom, and international renown. It immediately follows [1 Kings 10:14](/1_kings/10-14 "1 Kings 10:14 - Solomon's Annual Gold Income"), which specifies his primary annual income of 666 talents of gold. Verse 15 then elaborates on the *additional* sources of his wealth, demonstrating that his riches were not limited to direct tribute from vassal states but extended into various commercial ventures. This detailed accounting of his material prosperity serves to underscore the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon to grant him both wisdom and riches, as recorded in [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise to Solomon"). The passage as a whole sets the stage for the subsequent decline of Solomon, hinting at the potential dangers of excessive wealth and power, even when divinely bestowed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's kingdom was strategically located at the crossroads of major ancient trade routes, connecting Egypt, Mesopotamia, Arabia, and the Mediterranean. This geographical advantage allowed him to control and tax significant commercial traffic. The mention of "spice merchants" is particularly significant, as the spice trade (including frankincense, myrrh, and other aromatics) was incredibly lucrative in the ancient world, essential for religious rituals, perfumes, medicines, and culinary uses. These high-value commodities were transported across deserts from Arabia and through Israelite territory. The "kings of Arabia" likely refers to various tribal rulers or city-states in the Arabian Peninsula who either paid tribute to Solomon or engaged in commerce under his influence. "Governors of the country" could refer to local administrators within Israel's expanded territories or regional rulers of smaller, semi-independent states under Solomon's suzerainty. Solomon's economic policies included state-sponsored trade expeditions, control over key trade arteries, and the establishment of a powerful navy, all contributing to the vast wealth described.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme highlighted by this verse is the **Unprecedented Wealth and Prosperity** of Solomon's kingdom, showcasing a zenith of Israel's material glory. This wealth is presented as a direct manifestation of God's blessing and the fulfillment of His promises, reflecting the covenantal blessings for obedience found in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience"). Furthermore, the verse underscores **International Influence and Economic Power**, demonstrating Solomon's wide-reaching authority and the respect (or submission) he commanded from neighboring territories and commercial entities. The diverse income streams also point to a sophisticated and extensive **Economic Network**, indicating a highly organized and dynamic economy that leveraged Israel's strategic geographical position. While celebrating this prosperity, the broader narrative of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The History of the Kings of Israel and Judah") subtly introduces the **Dangers of Material Accumulation**, foreshadowing how such abundance could lead to spiritual compromise and deviation from God's law, as warned in [Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Deuteronomy 17:17 - Warning Against Accumulating Wealth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Traffick (Hebrew, _miçchâr'_):** From H4536, this term refers to trade or commercial activity. In this context, it specifically denotes the ongoing and systematic commercial exchanges from which Solomon derived revenue, particularly in relation to the highly profitable spice trade. It highlights the active and continuous nature of the economic benefit to the royal treasury.
* **Spice Merchants (Hebrew, _râkal'_):** From H7402, this word describes those who travel for trading, specifically in luxury goods like spices. This designation points to a highly specialized and incredibly valuable segment of ancient commerce. Solomon's ability to extract revenue from these merchants signifies his control over crucial trade routes and his participation in one of the most lucrative industries of the time, such as frankincense and myrrh.
* **Governors (Hebrew, _pechâh'_):** From H6346, this term refers to a prefect or governor of a city or small district. These individuals would have been local administrators or regional rulers within territories under Solomon's direct or indirect control. Their inclusion as a source of income indicates the vast administrative reach and economic extraction capabilities of Solomon's empire, as they remitted taxes or tribute to Jerusalem.
* **Country (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** From H776, this word denotes the earth at large or, more specifically, a land or country. In this context, it refers to the various territories under Solomon's dominion or influence, from which the governors collected and remitted revenue. It underscores the geographical breadth of Solomon's economic and political control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beside [that he had] of the merchantmen":** This phrase indicates an additional and significant source of income for Solomon, separate from the annual 666 talents of gold mentioned in the preceding verse. It refers to the revenue generated from general trade conducted by independent merchants (H582 `ʼĕnôwsh` and H8446 `tûwr`), likely through taxation, tariffs, or direct royal involvement in commercial enterprises. This suggests a diversified economic base beyond traditional tribute.
* **"and of the traffick of the spice merchants":** This specifies a particularly lucrative segment of the commercial activity. Solomon benefited significantly from the trade of high-value spices (H7402 `râkal`), which passed through his kingdom. This implies either direct taxation on these goods, control over the trade routes, or even royal participation in the spice trade itself, leveraging Israel's strategic geographical position.
* **"and of all the kings of Arabia":** This refers to tribute or payments received from various rulers (H4428 `melek`) in the Arabian Peninsula (H6153 `ʻereb`). These kings, likely from smaller city-states or tribal confederations, were either vassals of Solomon or paid him for safe passage through their territories, or to maintain peaceful relations and access to trade routes. It underscores Solomon's extensive regional influence and diplomatic power.
* **"and of the governors of the country":** This phrase likely refers to local administrators or regional rulers (H6346 `pechâh`) within territories under Solomon's direct or indirect control (H776 `ʼerets`). These governors would have remitted taxes, tribute, or other forms of revenue to the central royal treasury in Jerusalem, further demonstrating the vast administrative reach and economic extraction capabilities of Solomon's empire.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Enumeration** to systematically list the various sources of Solomon's wealth, creating a cumulative effect that emphasizes the sheer scale and diversity of his income. This detailed listing, following the specific figure of 666 talents, serves to impress upon the reader the unparalleled nature of his riches. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** or at least emphatic description in the comprehensive nature of "all the kings of Arabia" and "governors of the country," which, while likely factual in terms of influence, accentuates the totality of his dominion and economic reach. The use of **Synecdoche** can also be observed, where "kings of Arabia" and "governors of the country" represent not merely individuals but the entire domains, resources, and tribute they controlled, highlighting the extensive network from which Solomon drew his wealth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 10:15, by detailing the immense and varied sources of Solomon's wealth, powerfully illustrates the fulfillment of God's promise to grant him not only wisdom but also "riches and honor" ([1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "God's Promise to Solomon")). This unprecedented prosperity was a tangible sign of God's favor and a demonstration of the blessings available to a nation that sought Him. The diversity of income streams—from general merchants to specialized spice traders and tribute from foreign rulers—underscores the comprehensive nature of God's provision and Solomon's strategic genius in leveraging Israel's geographical and political position. However, this very prosperity also implicitly sets the stage for the theological tension that develops later in Solomon's reign. The Mosaic Law had explicitly warned future kings against accumulating excessive silver and gold, lest their hearts be turned away from God ([Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Warning Against Accumulating Wealth")). While this verse simply describes the extent of his wealth, it serves as a powerful reminder that material blessings, though from God, carry inherent spiritual dangers if not managed with humility and continued devotion.

* [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "God's Promise to Solomon")
* [Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Warning Against Accumulating Wealth")
* [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "The Blessing of the Lord Makes Rich")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Solomon's vast wealth in 1 Kings 10:15 invites us to reflect on the nature of prosperity and its implications for our lives. While Solomon's riches were a divine blessing, they also served as a test of his faithfulness. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is the ultimate source of all blessings, including material provision. It challenges us to consider how we view and manage the resources God entrusts to us. Are we accumulating wealth for personal gain and prestige, or are we stewarding it for God's purposes and the good of others? The diversity of Solomon's income streams also highlights the principle of diligence and wise management; he was not passive in receiving blessings but actively engaged in trade and governance. Ultimately, true prosperity, from a biblical perspective, extends beyond mere material accumulation to encompass spiritual richness, integrity, and a heart devoted to God. This passage calls us to examine our priorities, ensuring that our pursuit of success and security aligns with God's will and does not lead us away from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the diversity of Solomon's income streams challenge my understanding of God's provision and human responsibility in stewardship?**
* **What are the potential spiritual dangers of accumulating wealth, even when it is a blessing from God?**
* **In what ways can I leverage my resources, talents, or influence to honor God and bless others, rather than solely for personal gain?**
* **How does the pursuit of material prosperity compare with the pursuit of wisdom and spiritual growth in my own life?**

### FAQ
**What was the "traffick of the spice merchants" and why was it so important?**

Answer: The "traffick of the spice merchants" refers to the highly lucrative trade in aromatic resins and spices, such as frankincense and myrrh, which were primarily sourced from the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa. These commodities were extremely valuable in the ancient world, used for religious rituals (e.g., incense in temples), medicinal purposes, perfumes, and embalming. Israel's strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes, including the "Incense Route," allowed Solomon to control and tax this commerce heavily. His ability to benefit from this trade underscored his economic power and control over key commercial arteries in the ancient Near East, contributing significantly to his immense wealth as described in [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom").

**Who were the "kings of Arabia" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "kings of Arabia" likely refers to the rulers of various Arabian tribal confederations, city-states, or kingdoms located to the south and east of Israel. These would have been independent or semi-independent entities that either paid tribute to Solomon as a dominant regional power, or engaged in trade agreements that benefited his kingdom, or paid for safe passage through their territories. Their inclusion in the list of Solomon's income sources emphasizes his wide-reaching influence and the extent of his political and economic sway beyond the immediate borders of Israel, as also seen in the visit of the [Queen of Sheba](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon"), who was likely from a South Arabian kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 10:15 vividly portrays the zenith of Solomon's earthly kingdom, overflowing with material wealth and international acclaim, it ultimately points to a greater King and a more enduring kingdom. Solomon's riches, though divinely granted, were temporal and ultimately could not prevent the spiritual decline of his heart or the eventual division of his kingdom. He was a type, a foreshadowing, of the true King, Jesus Christ. Christ is the one who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), and whose wealth is not measured in gold and spices but in the immeasurable riches of His grace and glory ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Riches of His Grace")). Unlike Solomon, who accumulated wealth through trade and tribute, Christ's reign is established through self-sacrifice, offering spiritual riches to those who believe, paying the ultimate price for our redemption ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ Became Poor for Our Sake")). The "kings of Arabia" and "governors of the country" paying tribute to Solomon find their ultimate fulfillment in every tribe, tongue, people, and nation bowing before the Lamb of God, acknowledging Him as Lord ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - Worthy Is the Lamb")). Christ is the true wisdom and the true wealth, offering an eternal inheritance that far surpasses any earthly kingdom ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")).

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

Isaiah 21:13

¶ The burden upon Arabia. In the forest in Arabia shall ye lodge, O ye travelling companies of Dedanim.

2 Chronicles 9:13

¶ Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;

2 Chronicles 9:14

Beside [that which] chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.

1 Chronicles 9:24

In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.

Psalms 72:10

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

Galatians 4:25

For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.