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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the king {H4428} had at sea {H3220} a navy {H590} of Tharshish {H8659} with the navy {H590} of Hiram {H2438}: once {H259} in three {H7969} years {H8141} came {H935} the navy {H590} of Tharshish {H8659}, bringing {H5375} gold {H2091}, and silver {H3701}, ivory {H8143}, and apes {H6971}, and peacocks {H8500}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king had a fleet of large "Tarshish" ships along with Hiram's fleet; once every three years the "Tarshish" fleet came in, bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes and peacocks.

Berean Standard Bible

For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 10:22 vividly illustrates the unparalleled opulence and global reach of King Solomon's reign, detailing the triennial voyages of his joint navy with Hiram of Tyre. These expeditions brought back a diverse array of precious commodities, including vast quantities of gold and silver, luxurious ivory, and exotic animals like apes and peacocks, underscoring the immense wealth and international influence that marked this period of Israelite history as a testament to divine blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of 1 Kings (chapters 9-10) that meticulously chronicles the zenith of Solomon's reign, particularly his immense wealth and wisdom, following the dedication of the Temple. Immediately preceding this verse, 1 Kings 10:14-21 details the extraordinary annual income of gold, the vast quantities of silver, and the lavish furnishings of Solomon's palace, including shields, the great ivory throne, and all his drinking vessels being made of pure gold. Verse 22 specifically highlights the source of some of these exotic materials, emphasizing the international trade networks that contributed to this unprecedented prosperity. The subsequent verses (1 Kings 10:23-29) continue to laud Solomon's surpassing wealth and wisdom, culminating in a description of his extensive chariot and horse trade, further solidifying the picture of a king whose riches and influence exceeded all others on earth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's era (c. 970-931 BC) was a period of relative peace and economic expansion for Israel, largely due to his strategic alliances and administrative prowess. The alliance with Hiram, King of Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state renowned for its maritime expertise and vast trade networks, was pivotal. Israel, primarily a land-based kingdom, gained access to deep-sea trade routes through this partnership. The mention of "Tharshish" (Tarshish) likely refers either to a distant port, possibly Tartessos in modern-day Spain, or more generally to large, ocean-going vessels capable of long-distance voyages. The "once in three years" timeframe underscores the immense distances traveled and the significant logistical challenges of ancient maritime trade. The imported goods—gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks—were highly prized luxury items, indicating trade connections stretching to regions like Ophir (possibly East Africa or India) for gold and ivory, and potentially India for the exotic animals, showcasing the truly global scope of Solomon's economic reach.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Kings. Firstly, it exemplifies the **unprecedented wealth and prosperity** of Solomon's kingdom, a direct fulfillment of God's promise to grant him riches in addition to wisdom because he did not ask for them directly (see [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise to Solomon")). This material abundance served as a tangible sign of divine favor. Secondly, it highlights Israel's **international trade and influence**, demonstrating how Solomon's wisdom and strategic alliances expanded the kingdom's reach far beyond its borders, establishing it as a significant player on the global stage. The partnership with Hiram and the extensive trade routes underscore the economic might and diplomatic prowess of Solomon's reign, as also evidenced by the Queen of Sheba's visit in [1 Kings 10:1-13](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1-13 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit"). Lastly, while showcasing the splendor, the narrative implicitly sets the stage for the **dangers of material prosperity** if not managed with continued devotion to God, a theme that tragically unfolds in Solomon's later life (e.g., [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry and Decline")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tharshish (תַּרְשִׁישׁ, _tarshish_):** This term is multifaceted. It can refer to a specific, distant port city, often identified with Tartessos in southern Spain, known for its mineral wealth. Alternatively, and perhaps more likely in this context, "ships of Tharshish" (or "navy of Tharshish") became a generic term for large, sturdy, ocean-going vessels capable of long voyages, regardless of their ultimate destination. The phrase signifies a fleet designed for extensive international trade, capable of navigating open seas and carrying substantial cargo over great distances.
* **Apes (קֹפִים, _qofim_):** The Hebrew word refers to monkeys or apes. Their inclusion in the cargo list, alongside gold, silver, and ivory, underscores the exotic and luxurious nature of the goods imported by Solomon's navy. These were not utilitarian items but rare, high-value commodities, likely intended for royal display, entertainment, or as symbols of immense wealth and power, indicating a taste for the unusual and the ability to acquire it from distant lands.
* **Peacocks (תֻּכִּיִּים, _tukkiyyim_):** These magnificent birds, native to India and Sri Lanka, were highly prized for their vibrant plumage. Like the apes, peacocks represent the ultimate in luxury and exoticism. Their presence in the cargo further emphasizes the vast geographical reach of Solomon's trade network and the extravagant tastes of his court. They were purely ornamental, signifying a kingdom that had transcended basic needs to indulge in the most exquisite and rare possessions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram:"** This clause establishes the unique naval capability of Solomon, not as an independent power, but through a strategic alliance. Solomon, whose kingdom was not traditionally a maritime power, leveraged the expertise and vessels of Hiram, the skilled Phoenician king of Tyre. The "navy of Tharshish" indicates a fleet specifically equipped for long-distance, deep-sea voyages, highlighting the expansive reach of their joint enterprise.
* **"once in three years came the navy of Tharshish,"** This phrase indicates the frequency and therefore the immense duration of these expeditions. A triennial voyage implies an incredibly long journey, spanning thousands of miles and requiring significant time for trade, loading, and return. It underscores the vast distances involved and the logistical complexity of maintaining such a trade route in the ancient world, further emphasizing the extraordinary nature of Solomon's wealth-generating ventures.
* **"bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks."** This final clause enumerates the specific, highly valuable, and exotic commodities brought back. Gold and silver represent immense monetary wealth. Ivory, derived from elephant tusks, was a precious material used for decorative arts and luxury furnishings. Apes and peacocks, as discussed in Key Word Analysis, were rare, exotic animals, purely for display and luxury. The collection of these items paints a vivid picture of unparalleled royal extravagance and the successful acquisition of the most coveted goods from across the known world.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey the grandeur of Solomon's reign. **Enumeration** is prominent, with the explicit listing of "gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks" creating a cumulative effect that emphasizes the sheer quantity and variety of wealth. This detailed cataloging serves to impress upon the reader the unparalleled luxury and exoticism of Solomon's court. **Hyperbole** is implicitly present, as the description of such vast and diverse riches, arriving regularly from the ends of the earth, contributes to an overall sense of Solomon's wealth being beyond ordinary measure, almost legendary. The very idea of a "navy of Tharshish" itself functions as a **symbol** of global reach and immense power, signifying a kingdom that commanded resources from far-flung lands. The exotic animals, in particular, serve as **symbols** of ultimate luxury and status, items that only the wealthiest and most powerful could acquire.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The extraordinary wealth described in 1 Kings 10:22 is a tangible manifestation of God's blessing upon Solomon, fulfilling the divine promise made in [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches to Solomon") that because Solomon sought wisdom first, he would also receive riches and honor. This prosperity reflects a period of divine favor and the flourishing of the kingdom under a wise ruler. However, the biblical narrative often presents wealth as a double-edged sword. While a sign of blessing, it also carries the inherent danger of leading one's heart away from God, as seen in Solomon's later life where his immense wealth and numerous foreign wives contributed to his spiritual decline. This verse, therefore, implicitly sets the stage for a crucial theological reflection on the stewardship of abundance and the ultimate source of true security and satisfaction.

* [Deuteronomy 17:16-17](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Warnings for Kings")
* [Proverbs 3:13-16](/proverbs/3-13 "The Value of Wisdom")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 10:22 invites us to reflect on the nature of true prosperity and the source of all blessings. While Solomon's material wealth was undeniably impressive and a direct result of God's favor, the broader narrative of his life serves as a profound reminder that earthly riches, however vast, are ultimately fleeting and can even become a snare if not held loosely and stewarded for God's glory. The passage prompts us to examine our own desires: do we seek wisdom and righteousness above all else, trusting God for our provision, or do we prioritize the accumulation of material possessions? It challenges us to consider what constitutes true "treasure" in our lives and whether our pursuits align with God's eternal purposes. Ultimately, this verse, while showcasing earthly splendor, points us toward the greater spiritual riches found in a relationship with God, which are imperishable and eternally satisfying.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's immense wealth challenge or confirm your understanding of God's blessings?**
* **In what ways might the pursuit of material wealth, even if divinely given, distract us from our ultimate devotion to God?**
* **What are the "apes and peacocks" in your life—the luxuries or exotic desires—that might subtly shift your focus from spiritual priorities?**
* **How can we practice wise stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us, ensuring they serve His kingdom rather than becoming idols?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "navy of Tharshish" for Solomon's kingdom?**

Answer: The "navy of Tharshish" was profoundly significant because it represented Solomon's unprecedented reach and economic power. As Israel was not traditionally a maritime nation, this fleet, built and operated in partnership with the expert Phoenician sailors of Tyre under King Hiram, allowed Solomon to engage in long-distance sea trade. This capability brought immense quantities of exotic and precious goods—gold, silver, ivory, and rare animals—into Israel, contributing to Solomon's legendary wealth and solidifying his international influence. It symbolized the fulfillment of God's promise to make Solomon exceedingly rich and renowned, far beyond any king before or after him, as detailed in [1 Kings 10:23](/1_kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23 - Solomon's Surpassing Wealth").

**Why did these voyages take "once in three years"?**

Answer: The "once in three years" timeframe highlights the extraordinary distances and logistical challenges involved in ancient maritime trade. Given the technology of the era—sailing ships dependent on winds, without modern navigation—a round trip to distant regions like Ophir (possibly in East Africa or India) or Tarshish (in the far west) would indeed take an immense amount of time. This period would account for the actual sailing, potential stops at various ports, time spent trading and loading cargo, and the return journey. It underscores the vastness of Solomon's trade network and the significant investment of time, resources, and effort required to acquire such valuable and exotic commodities.

**What do the specific goods mentioned (gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks) signify?**

Answer: The specific goods listed—gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks—are not merely a list of commodities; they are powerful symbols of unparalleled wealth, luxury, and global reach. Gold and silver represent the foundation of immense financial prosperity. Ivory was a highly prized material for decorative arts and royal furnishings, signifying exquisite craftsmanship and affluence. The apes and peacocks, being exotic animals from distant lands, were purely luxury items. They served no practical purpose but were acquired for their rarity, beauty, and the prestige they conferred upon the owner. Their presence in the royal cargo underscores Solomon's extravagant tastes and his ability to command the rarest and most coveted treasures from across the known world, showcasing a kingdom at the pinnacle of its material glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 10:22 depicts the zenith of Solomon's earthly glory and material wealth, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, who embodies a far greater and eternal kingdom. Solomon's temporary riches, though divinely bestowed, were but a shadow of the inexhaustible spiritual treasures found in Christ. Solomon's wisdom brought him earthly renown and material prosperity, but Christ *is* the very wisdom of God (see [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom")). The gold, silver, ivory, and exotic animals brought to Solomon symbolize the transient glories of this world, whereas Christ offers imperishable riches: "treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:20](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Treasures in Heaven")). Solomon's kingdom, though vast, was earthly and eventually divided; Christ's kingdom is spiritual and eternal, encompassing all nations and enduring forever (as prophesied in [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion")). The "navy of Tharshish" brought goods from the ends of the earth to Solomon, but Christ, through His atoning work, draws people from every tribe, tongue, and nation into His eternal family, offering a salvation more precious than gold (see [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")). Thus, the earthly splendor of Solomon's reign serves as a magnificent, yet ultimately limited, foreshadowing of the boundless and everlasting glory of Christ and His spiritual kingdom.

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 22:48

Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.

Genesis 10:4

And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.

2 Chronicles 20:36

And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Eziongeber.

2 Chronicles 20:37

Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

Psalms 72:10

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

Psalms 48:7

Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

Isaiah 66:19

And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, [to] Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, [to] Tubal, and Javan, [to] the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.