2 Chronicles 8:17

KJV

Then went Solomon to Eziongeber, and to Eloth, at the sea side in the land of Edom.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then went {H1980} Solomon {H8010} to Eziongeber {H6100}, and to Eloth {H359}, at the sea {H3220} side {H8193} in the land {H776} of Edom {H123}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo went to 'Etzyon-Gever and Elot on the shore of the sea in the land of Edom.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Solomon went to Ezion-geber and to Eloth on the coast of Edom.

American Standard Version

Then went Solomon to Ezion-geber, and to Eloth, on the sea-shore in the land of Edom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse highlights King Solomon's strategic expansion of his kingdom's influence and commercial reach by establishing a presence in the vital port cities of Eziongeber and Eloth, located on the Gulf of Aqaba in the land of Edom. It underscores his administrative acumen and the breadth of his economic endeavors, which were foundational to the immense wealth and prosperity that characterized his reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 8:17 is situated within a detailed account of King Solomon's reign, specifically following descriptions of his extensive building projects in Jerusalem and throughout Israel (2 Chron 8:1-11), his administrative organization of forced labor (2 Chron 8:7-10), and the relocation of Pharaoh's daughter (2 Chron 8:11). The preceding verses emphasize Solomon's domestic achievements and his establishment of a stable and prosperous kingdom. Verse 17 marks a transition from internal affairs to Solomon's international ventures, particularly his maritime trade. It serves as a crucial setup for the subsequent verse, [2 Chronicles 8:18](/2_chronicles/8-18 "2 Chronicles 8:18 - Solomon's Ships to Ophir"), which details the lucrative voyages to Ophir, demonstrating how Solomon's strategic access to these ports facilitated his vast commercial network.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Eziongeber (also spelled Ezion-geber) and Eloth (or Elath, modern-day Eilat/Aqaba area) were ancient port cities located at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, an arm of the Red Sea. Their geographical position made them indispensable hubs for trade routes connecting the Arabian Peninsula and Africa with the Levant. Historically, the land of Edom, where these cities were situated, was a kingdom east of the Arabah valley, often in conflict with Israel. However, King David had previously [subdued Edom](/2_samuel/8-14 "2 Samuel 8:14 - David Conquers Edom"), establishing garrisons there and effectively bringing it under Israelite control or strong influence. Solomon's ability to operate these ports signifies his continued dominion or a stable political alliance with Edom, allowing him unhindered access to crucial sea lanes for his burgeoning international trade. This access was vital for importing exotic goods, precious metals, and timber, which contributed significantly to Israel's wealth during his reign.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes of Solomon's reign. Firstly, it highlights **Solomon's Prosperity and Global Reach**, showcasing how his influence extended beyond Israel's immediate borders, enabling a vast maritime trade network that brought immense wealth to the kingdom, as further detailed in [2 Chronicles 9:21](/2_chronicles/9-21 "2 Chronicles 9:21 - Solomon's Extensive Trade and Wealth"). Secondly, it underscores **Strategic Geography and Administration**, demonstrating Solomon's understanding and utilization of vital geographical points for economic and political advantage. His careful management of resources and strategic planning are evident in his establishment of a naval presence. Thirdly, it speaks to **Divine Blessing and Fulfillment**, as Solomon's ability to control and utilize these ports, building upon David's conquest of Edom, can be seen as part of God's favor on his reign, fulfilling promises of prosperity and dominion for Israel. This access was a cornerstone of the unprecedented wealth and peace enjoyed during his time, reflecting the blessings promised to a king who walked in God's ways, as seen throughout [1 Kings 4](/1_kings/4 "1 Kings 4 - Solomon's Prosperity and Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eziongeber (Hebrew, _‘Etsyôn Geber'_):** An important port city located at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba. Its name possibly means "giant's backbone" or "wood of the giant," perhaps referring to a geological feature. This site was strategically critical for maritime trade routes connecting the Levant with the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa, making it a gateway for lucrative commerce.
* **Eloth (Hebrew, _‘Êlôt'_):** Also known as Elath or Eilat (modern-day Aqaba/Eilat region), this city was closely associated with Eziongeber, often considered its twin city or a nearby port. Its name is derived from the word for "terebinth tree" or "oak grove." Like Eziongeber, Eloth's coastal location was paramount for Solomon's naval operations and international trade, serving as a key point of departure and arrival for his merchant fleets.
* **Edom (Hebrew, _‘Ĕdôm'_):** A historical kingdom located southeast of Israel, inhabited by the descendants of Esau. The relationship between Israel and Edom was often fraught with conflict. However, under King David, Edom had been decisively subdued, allowing Israel to exert control over its territory, including the vital Red Sea ports. Solomon's presence in "the land of Edom" signifies Israel's continued dominion or strong influence, which was essential for maintaining secure trade routes and access to the Red Sea.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then went Solomon":** This phrase indicates a deliberate and purposeful action by King Solomon. It implies a strategic decision and an active engagement in the affairs of his kingdom, rather than a passive reception of trade. It highlights his role as an active administrator and visionary leader.
* **"to Eziongeber, and to Eloth":** This specifies the precise destinations of Solomon's journey or administrative focus. The mention of two distinct, yet geographically close, port cities underscores the importance of the region for his maritime ventures. It suggests a comprehensive engagement with the Red Sea coastal area, perhaps involving the establishment or reinforcement of naval facilities.
* **"at the sea side":** This phrase emphasizes the coastal nature of these locations, directly linking them to maritime activities. It clarifies why these particular cities were significant – their direct access to the sea was the foundation of Solomon's ability to conduct long-distance trade.
* **"in the land of Edom":** This geographical and political detail is crucial. It places Solomon's activities outside the traditional borders of Israel proper, within a territory that had historically been a rival. This signifies the extent of Solomon's dominion or influence, building on David's conquests, which allowed him to control or utilize these vital foreign territories for Israel's economic benefit.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Geographical Specificity**, precisely naming Eziongeber, Eloth, and Edom. This grounding in specific, identifiable locations lends historical verisimilitude to the narrative, emphasizing the tangible reality of Solomon's extensive kingdom and his strategic reach. Furthermore, the verse functions as a narrative **Transition**, smoothly shifting the reader's focus from Solomon's domestic building projects and administrative successes to his international trade and naval power. It sets the stage for the subsequent account of his lucrative ventures to Ophir, thereby providing **Foreshadowing** for the source of much of Solomon's legendary wealth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Solomon's strategic engagement with the Red Sea ports of Eziongeber and Eloth in the land of Edom is a testament to the comprehensive nature of God's blessing upon his reign. His unparalleled wisdom, granted by God, was not merely for judging disputes but also for astute administration, economic planning, and international relations. This verse demonstrates how divine favor manifested in practical opportunities, enabling Solomon to leverage geographical advantages and past military victories (David's conquest of Edom) for the prosperity of Israel. His reign represents a zenith of Israelite power, wealth, and influence, a partial fulfillment of the covenant promises given to Abraham regarding land and dominion, and to David concerning an enduring kingdom. It underscores that God's blessings often empower believers to exercise wisdom and diligence in practical affairs, leading to flourishing and the expansion of influence for His purposes.

* [1 Kings 9:26-28](/1_kings/9-26 "1 Kings 9:26-28 - Solomon's Fleet at Eziongeber")
* [Deuteronomy 2:8](/deuteronomy/2-8 "Deuteronomy 2:8 - Israel's Passage by Elath")
* [2 Samuel 8:14](/2_samuel/8-14 "2 Samuel 8:14 - David Subdues Edom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's deliberate journey to Eziongeber and Eloth reminds us that divine blessing often accompanies diligent human effort and strategic foresight. His reign, marked by unprecedented prosperity, was not merely a result of passive reception but active stewardship of God-given resources and opportunities. For believers today, this verse challenges us to consider how we are stewarding the "ports" and "lands" God has entrusted to us—our talents, resources, relationships, and spheres of influence. Are we actively seeking out and leveraging the strategic opportunities God provides, not merely for personal gain, but for the flourishing of our communities and the advancement of His kingdom? Solomon's example encourages us to combine spiritual wisdom with practical administration, recognizing that our abilities and circumstances can be used to further God's purposes and bless others, reflecting His goodness in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we recognize and utilize the "Eziongebers" and "Eloths" in our own lives—the strategic opportunities God provides for growth, service, or influence?**
* **In what ways can our "prosperity" (whether material, relational, or spiritual) be leveraged for God's purposes, rather than solely for personal gain?**
* **How does Solomon's diligent administration challenge us to be good stewards of the resources and talents we have been given, seeking to maximize their potential for God's glory?**

### FAQ
**Why were Eziongeber and Eloth so important to Solomon?**

Answer: Eziongeber and Eloth were critically important to King Solomon because of their strategic location as port cities on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, an arm of the Red Sea. This position made them indispensable hubs for maritime trade routes that connected the Levant with the rich markets of the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa. Access to these ports allowed Solomon to launch his vast merchant fleets, enabling him to import exotic goods, precious metals (like the gold from Ophir mentioned in [2 Chronicles 8:18](/2_chronicles/8-18 "2 Chronicles 8:18 - Solomon's Ships to Ophir")), and other valuable commodities, which were foundational to his immense wealth and the prosperity of his kingdom.

**What was Israel's relationship with Edom at this time?**

Answer: At the time of Solomon's reign, the land of Edom, where Eziongeber and Eloth were located, was under Israelite control or strong influence. King David, Solomon's father, had previously [subdued Edom](/2_samuel/8-14 "2 Samuel 8:14 - David Conquers Edom") and established garrisons there, effectively bringing it into the sphere of Israelite dominion. This political control was crucial for Solomon, as it ensured secure access to these vital port cities and the trade routes emanating from them, without fear of hostile interference from the Edomites. This stability was a key factor in Solomon's ability to conduct his extensive maritime trade.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's reign, marked by unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and international influence, serves as a significant type and shadow of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. While Solomon's dominion was earthly, temporal, and ultimately flawed, Christ's reign is eternal, spiritual, and perfect. Solomon's strategic journey to Eziongeber and Eloth, establishing access to distant lands for material gain, foreshadows Christ's spiritual dominion over all nations, gathering people from every tribe, tongue, and nation into His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). The wisdom Solomon exercised in administration and trade, though great, pales in comparison to Christ, who is the very wisdom of God incarnate ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")) and in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). The immense wealth and prosperity accumulated by Solomon point to the immeasurable spiritual riches found in Christ, who, though He was rich, yet for our sake became poor, so that we through His poverty might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Sacrifice Makes Us Rich")). The peace and security that facilitated Solomon's trade, established through strategic control and alliances, ultimately point to the true and lasting peace found in the kingdom of God, which is established not by human might but by Christ's sacrifice on the cross, reconciling all things to Himself ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Thus, Solomon's temporal glory serves as a dim reflection of the far greater and eternal glory of Christ, the true King of kings, whose dominion extends to the ends of the earth and whose spiritual riches are inexhaustible.

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 Kings 14:22

He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.

Deuteronomy 2:8

¶ And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

2 Kings 16:6

At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day.

Numbers 33:35

And they departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Eziongaber.

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.

1 Kings 9:26

And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Eziongeber, which [is] beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom.

1 Kings 9:27

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