1 Kings 9:28

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And they came {H935} to Ophir {H211}, and fetched {H3947} from thence gold {H2091}, four {H702} hundred {H3967} and twenty {H6242} talents {H3603}, and brought {H935} it to king {H4428} Solomon {H8010}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They went to Ofir and took from there gold, fourteen tons of it, which they brought back to King Shlomo.

Berean Standard Bible

They sailed to Ophir and imported gold from there—420 talents—and delivered it to Solomon.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 9:28 vividly portrays the immense wealth and global reach of King Solomon's reign, detailing the successful return of a maritime expedition from the fabled land of Ophir, laden with an astonishing 420 talents of gold. This verse encapsulates the peak of Solomon's material prosperity, a direct outcome of his strategic alliances and ambitious trade ventures, which solidified his kingdom's reputation as a center of unparalleled riches in the ancient world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically following the completion of his monumental building projects—the magnificent [Temple of the Lord](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple") and his opulent royal palace, which together took twenty years to build ([1 Kings 9:10](/1_kings/9-10 "1 Kings 9:10 - Completion of Building Projects")). The immediate context details Solomon's alliance with Hiram, King of Tyre, a crucial partnership that facilitated his ambitious maritime endeavors. Just prior to this, [1 Kings 9:26](/1_kings/9-26 "1 Kings 9:26 - Solomon Builds a Fleet at Ezion-geber") describes Solomon's construction of a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, a port on the Gulf of Aqaba, an arm of the Red Sea. The preceding verse, [1 Kings 9:27](/1_kings/9-27 "1 Kings 9:27 - Hiram's Servants Assist Solomon's Fleet"), highlights the joint nature of these expeditions, with Hiram's seasoned sailors providing expert guidance to Solomon's own servants, underscoring the collaborative effort behind this remarkable acquisition of wealth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient world was driven by trade, and maritime routes were vital for long-distance commerce. Solomon's strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes, coupled with his alliance with the Phoenicians (renowned seafarers), positioned Israel as a significant economic power. Ophir, though its precise location remains a subject of scholarly debate (theories range from East Africa, India, to the Arabian Peninsula), was universally recognized in antiquity as a legendary source of the highest quality gold. The sheer quantity of gold mentioned—420 talents—would have been an almost unimaginable sum, reflecting not only Solomon's immense personal wealth but also the economic might and administrative capacity of his kingdom. Such an expedition would have required significant investment, advanced shipbuilding, sophisticated navigation, and robust diplomatic relations, all indicative of Solomon's unparalleled influence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the narrative of Solomon's reign. Firstly, it underscores **Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth and Glory**, directly fulfilling God's promise to grant him riches and honor because he sought wisdom above all else ([1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon")). This prosperity elevated Jerusalem's status as a global hub of commerce and luxury. Secondly, it highlights **International Trade and Strategic Alliances**, demonstrating Solomon's shrewd diplomacy and his kingdom's extensive reach through joint ventures like that with Tyre. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Blessing and Human Responsibility**. While God's blessing was evident in this abundance, the Law of Moses had warned future kings against accumulating excessive silver and gold for themselves ([Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Deuteronomy 17:17 - Warning Against Kings Multiplying Wealth")), a command Solomon would eventually struggle to uphold, foreshadowing the complexities and potential pitfalls of immense prosperity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ophir (Hebrew, _'Owphiyr'_):** A legendary land renowned in the ancient world for its abundant and high-quality gold. While its exact geographical location remains uncertain, it was a distant and exotic place, symbolizing immense wealth and the far-reaching extent of Solomon's trade empire. Its mention here emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the expedition and the preciousness of its cargo.
* **Talents (Hebrew, _kikkār'_):** This term refers to a unit of weight, not a denomination of coin, and was the largest unit of weight in the ancient Near East. An ancient Israelite talent of gold is generally estimated to be approximately 75 pounds (or about 34 kilograms). Therefore, 420 talents would amount to over 31,500 pounds (nearly 16 metric tons) of gold, an astounding fortune for a single expedition. It's worth noting that the parallel account in [2 Chronicles 8:18](/2_chronicles/8-18 "2 Chronicles 8:18 - Parallel Account of Gold from Ophir") records 450 talents, a minor discrepancy that does not diminish the emphasis on the colossal quantity of gold.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they came to Ophir":** This phrase indicates the successful completion of the outward journey of Solomon's fleet, a testament to the advanced navigational skills of the Phoenician and Israelite sailors. It implies a perilous but triumphant voyage to a distant, fabled land, underscoring the ambition and scope of Solomon's enterprises.
* **"and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents":** This clause details the primary purpose and astonishing success of the expedition. The specific mention of "gold" as the cargo, coupled with the immense quantity of "four hundred and twenty talents," immediately conveys the extraordinary value and scale of the acquisition. This was not merely a trade mission but a monumental influx of precious metal.
* **"and brought [it] to king Solomon":** This final phrase emphasizes the ultimate destination and beneficiary of this vast wealth. The gold was not for the general populace or the sailors, but directly for the king, reinforcing his central role in the kingdom's prosperity and his personal accumulation of riches. It culminates the narrative of the successful voyage with the delivery of its invaluable cargo to the monarch.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Specific Detail** and **Hyperbole** (or at least, the depiction of immense scale) to convey Solomon's wealth and the grandeur of his reign. The precise enumeration of "four hundred and twenty talents" of gold, rather than a vague description, lends a sense of factual accuracy and emphasizes the staggering quantity. While not strictly hyperbole in the sense of exaggeration, the sheer enormity of the sum functions similarly to impress upon the reader the unparalleled nature of Solomon's riches, almost to the point of being unbelievable. The mention of "Ophir" itself carries a **Symbolism** of distant, legendary wealth and exotic lands, contributing to the epic scope of Solomon's kingdom and his global influence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The acquisition of such vast wealth for King Solomon, as detailed in 1 Kings 9:28, serves as a powerful testament to God's abundant blessing upon him, fulfilling the divine promise of riches and honor given in response to Solomon's request for wisdom ([1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches to Solomon")). This prosperity was intended not merely for personal aggrandizement but to glorify God through the construction of the Temple and the establishment of a kingdom that reflected divine order and blessing. However, this immense material blessing also introduces a theological tension, as the Mosaic Law explicitly warned future kings against accumulating excessive gold and silver for themselves, lest their hearts be turned away from the Lord ([Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Deuteronomy 17:17 - Warning Against Kings Accumulating Excessive Wealth")). Thus, Solomon's wealth, while a sign of God's favor, also becomes a thematic precursor to the challenges and eventual spiritual decline that would mark the latter part of his reign, highlighting the delicate balance between divine provision and human stewardship.

* [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches to Solomon")
* [2 Chronicles 8:18](/2_chronicles/8-18 "2 Chronicles 8:18 - Parallel Account of Gold from Ophir")
* [Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Deuteronomy 17:17 - Warning Against Kings Accumulating Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 9:28 offers a profound opportunity for reflection on the nature of blessing, prosperity, and stewardship. Solomon's unparalleled wealth, a direct result of God's favor and his wise administration, initially served to glorify God through the construction of the Temple and the establishment of a kingdom that drew nations to Jerusalem. This reminds us that God is capable of providing abundantly, not just for our needs, but for His purposes and the advancement of His kingdom. However, the narrative of Solomon's later life also serves as a cautionary tale: immense material blessings, if not managed with spiritual discernment and humility, can become a snare. The pursuit and accumulation of wealth can subtly shift our affections from the Giver to the gift, leading to idolatry and a departure from God's commands. True and lasting riches are not found in earthly treasures, which are fleeting, but in spiritual wisdom, a right relationship with God, and a life lived in obedience to His will. We are called to be faithful stewards of whatever resources God entrusts to us, ensuring that our prosperity serves His glory and the good of others, rather than becoming an end in itself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's acquisition of wealth challenge or confirm my understanding of God's blessings?**
* **In what ways might material prosperity become a spiritual danger in my own life or community?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the importance of wise stewardship of resources, whether abundant or scarce?**
* **How can I ensure that my pursuit of success or provision remains aligned with God's purposes and does not lead to idolatry?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Ophir in the ancient world?**

Answer: Ophir was a legendary and highly sought-after source of gold in the ancient world, renowned for the quality and abundance of its precious metal. Its exact geographical location remains debated among scholars, with theories placing it in various regions such as East Africa (e.g., modern-day Somalia or Ethiopia), India, or the Arabian Peninsula. Regardless of its precise location, its mention in biblical texts like [1 Kings 9:28](/1_kings/9-28 "1 Kings 9:28 - Solomon's Gold from Ophir") and [Job 28:16](/job/28-16 "Job 28:16 - The Value of Wisdom Compared to Ophir's Gold") signifies immense wealth and distant, exotic origins. For Solomon, access to Ophir's gold underscored his kingdom's vast economic power and extensive international trade network, particularly through his alliance with the Phoenicians.

**How much gold was 420 talents, and why is there a discrepancy with 2 Chronicles?**

Answer: A "talent" was a unit of weight, not a coin, and was the largest measure of weight in the ancient Near East. While its exact equivalent varied slightly, a talent of gold is generally estimated to be approximately 75 pounds (or about 34 kilograms). Therefore, 420 talents of gold would amount to over 31,500 pounds, or nearly 16 metric tons, an astonishing and almost unimaginable quantity of gold from a single expedition. The parallel account in [2 Chronicles 8:18](/2_chronicles/8-18 "2 Chronicles 8:18 - Parallel Account of Gold from Ophir") states that 450 talents of gold were brought from Ophir. This minor discrepancy is common in ancient texts and does not undermine the overall message of Solomon's immense wealth. Scholars suggest various reasons for such differences, including different accounting methods, scribal variations, or perhaps even different expeditions being referenced. Both accounts, however, emphasize the colossal quantity of gold brought to King Solomon.

**Did Solomon's immense wealth align with God's will for Israel's kings?**

Answer: Initially, Solomon's wealth was a direct fulfillment of God's promise to bless him with riches and honor because he sought wisdom above all else ([1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches to Solomon")). This prosperity was intended to contribute to the glory of God's kingdom, enabling the construction of the Temple and establishing Jerusalem as a center of divine blessing. However, the Mosaic Law contained specific warnings for future kings of Israel, cautioning them against multiplying horses, wives, and especially silver and gold for themselves, "lest his heart turn away" from the Lord ([Deuteronomy 17:16-17](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16-17 - Warnings for Kings")). As Solomon's reign progressed, he would indeed accumulate vast quantities of gold and silver, along with many horses and foreign wives, ultimately leading to his heart being turned away from God ([1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry")). Thus, while the initial blessing of wealth was divine, Solomon's subsequent handling of it highlights the dangers of prosperity when it leads to disobedience and idolatry, demonstrating that God's will involves not just provision, but also responsible and faithful stewardship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unparalleled earthly wealth of King Solomon, epitomized by the vast quantities of gold from Ophir, serves as a powerful type and shadow pointing to the infinitely greater and enduring riches found in Jesus Christ. Solomon's kingdom, though glorious and materially prosperous, was ultimately temporal and flawed, eventually succumbing to division and decline due to his own spiritual compromises ([1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")). In contrast, Christ's kingdom is not of this world, yet it is eternal and incorruptible ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). The gold brought to Solomon, while impressive, was a finite earthly treasure; the "unsearchable riches of Christ" are spiritual, boundless, and eternal ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - The Unsearchable Riches of Christ")). Jesus is the true wisdom that Solomon sought, indeed "something greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - The Queen of the South and Greater Than Solomon")), offering not just earthly prosperity but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). The gold of Ophir foreshadows the spiritual splendor of the New Jerusalem, whose streets are of pure gold, like transparent glass, yet whose true glory is the presence of God and the Lamb, where no earthly sun or moon is needed ([Revelation 21:21-23](/revelation/21-21 "Revelation 21:21-23 - The New Jerusalem")). Thus, Solomon's material glory points us to the transcendent, spiritual glory of Christ, in whom all true and lasting treasures are found.

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

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.

1 Chronicles 29:4

[Even] three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses [withal]:

1 Kings 10:11

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

Psalms 45:9

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

Isaiah 13:12

I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.

Job 28:16

It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

Job 22:24

Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the [gold] of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.