2 Chronicles 8:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Huram {H2361} sent {H7971} him by the hands {H3027} of his servants {H5650} ships {H591}{H591}, and servants {H5650} that had knowledge {H3045} of the sea {H3220}; and they went {H935} with the servants {H5650} of Solomon {H8010} to Ophir {H211}, and took {H3947} thence four {H702} hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572} talents {H3603} of gold {H2091}, and brought {H935} them to king {H4428} Solomon {H8010}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Huram sent some of his servants with ships, and others that were experienced sailors who understood the sea; they went with Shlomo's servants to Ofir and took from there fifteen tons of gold, which they brought back to King Shlomo.

Berean Standard Bible

So Hiram sent him ships captained by his servants, along with crews of experienced sailors. They went with Solomon’s servants to Ophir and acquired from there 450 talents of gold, which they delivered to King Solomon.

American Standard Version

And Huram sent him by the hands of his servants ships, and servants that had knowledge of the sea; and they came with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and fetched from thence four hundred and fifty talents of gold, and brought them to king Solomon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 8:18 vividly portrays a pivotal moment in King Solomon's reign, detailing the successful maritime expedition to Ophir, facilitated by his strategic alliance with King Huram of Tyre. This verse underscores the immense wealth acquired—specifically four hundred and fifty talents of gold—which contributed significantly to the unparalleled prosperity and grandeur of Solomon's kingdom, reflecting God's abundant blessing and the kingdom's extensive international reach.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of 2 Chronicles (chapters 8-9) that meticulously chronicles the consolidation and flourishing of Solomon's kingdom after the completion of the Temple and his royal palace (2 Chronicles 7). Having established his religious and administrative centers, Solomon turns his attention to economic expansion and securing his borders through various building projects and strategic alliances. The Chronicler emphasizes Solomon's divinely granted wisdom and wealth as foundational to his reign, with this expedition to Ophir serving as a concrete example of the vast resources at his disposal, paralleling accounts found in [1 Kings 9-10](/1_kings/9-10 "1 Kings 9-10 - Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom"). The acquisition of such immense wealth directly precedes the detailed description of Solomon's unparalleled glory and the Queen of Sheba's visit in 2 Chronicles 9, demonstrating the material basis for his renown.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was a network of burgeoning empires and trading nations. Tyre, under King Huram (also known as Hiram in [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Hiram's Alliance with Solomon")), was a dominant maritime power, renowned for its skilled sailors, shipbuilders, and extensive trade routes across the Mediterranean and possibly beyond. Solomon's alliance with Huram was a masterstroke of diplomacy, leveraging Tyre's naval expertise and access to distant markets. Long-distance trade expeditions, often undertaken by joint ventures, were common for acquiring exotic goods and precious metals. Ophir, though its exact location remains debated among scholars (theories include regions in Africa, India, or the Arabian Peninsula), was universally recognized as a fabled source of high-quality gold, making its successful procurement a testament to the scale and sophistication of Solomon's commercial enterprises and his kingdom's influence.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Chronicles 8:18 powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the Chronicler's narrative of Solomon's reign. Firstly, it highlights **International Cooperation**, showcasing the strategic and mutually beneficial alliance between Solomon and Huram, which was essential for Israel's economic prosperity and global reach. This partnership allowed Solomon to access resources and expertise far beyond his immediate borders. Secondly, the verse underscores **Solomon's Unparalleled Prosperity**, directly demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promise to grant Solomon "riches and wealth" ([2 Chronicles 1:12](/2_chronicles/1-12 "2 Chronicles 1:12 - God's Promise of Wealth to Solomon")). The acquisition of 450 talents of gold was an extraordinary sum, emphasizing the divine blessing upon his reign, which enabled his vast building projects, including the Temple, and his lavish lifestyle, as further detailed in [2 Chronicles 9:22](/2_chronicles/9-22 "2 Chronicles 9:22 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth"). Lastly, it emphasizes the importance of **Maritime Trade and Naval Power** in the ancient world, revealing the sophisticated economic infrastructure Solomon developed, moving Israel beyond a purely agrarian society into a significant player in global commerce.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Huram (Hebrew, _ḥîrām'_):** King of Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state known for its maritime prowess. Huram was a crucial ally to Solomon, providing not only materials like cedar and cypress timber for the Temple and palace ([2 Chronicles 2:3-10](/2_chronicles/2-3 "2 Chronicles 2:3-10 - Huram's Aid to Solomon")) but also skilled laborers and, as seen here, invaluable naval expertise and personnel for long-distance trade expeditions. His partnership was foundational to Solomon's economic success.
* **Ophir (Hebrew, _ʼôpîr'_):** A legendary land renowned in antiquity for its abundant and high-quality gold, as well as precious stones and almug wood. While its exact geographical location remains a subject of scholarly debate, ranging from regions in East Africa, India, or the Arabian Peninsula, its mention immediately evokes images of immense wealth and distant, exotic lands. For the biblical audience, Ophir symbolized the ultimate source of material riches.
* **Talents (Hebrew, _kikkār'_):** A unit of weight, not a coin, representing a substantial quantity. In the ancient Near East, a talent typically weighed between 75 and 125 pounds (approximately 34-57 kg). Thus, 450 talents of gold would translate to an astonishing amount, potentially over 50,000 pounds (over 22,000 kg) of gold, highlighting the truly immense scale of the wealth acquired by Solomon and the unprecedented prosperity of his kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Huram sent him by the hands of his servants ships, and servants that had knowledge of the sea":** This clause highlights the crucial contribution of King Huram of Tyre to Solomon's maritime ventures. It emphasizes not only the provision of physical vessels ("ships") but, more importantly, the invaluable human capital: "servants that had knowledge of the sea." This indicates a specialized skill set, essential for navigating the open seas and conducting long-distance trade, underscoring the collaborative nature of the enterprise and Solomon's reliance on Huram's naval expertise.
* **"and they went with the servants of Solomon to Ophir":** This part of the verse details the joint nature of the expedition. Huram's skilled mariners accompanied Solomon's own servants, forming a combined crew. The destination, "Ophir," immediately signals the purpose of the voyage: the acquisition of precious metals, particularly gold. The journey to such a distant and fabled land speaks to the ambition and logistical capabilities of Solomon's kingdom.
* **"and took thence four hundred and fifty talents of gold, and brought [them] to king Solomon":** This final clause reveals the successful outcome of the expedition and its immense yield. The quantity "four hundred and fifty talents of gold" represents an extraordinary sum, signifying the vast wealth accumulated. The gold was then delivered directly to "king Solomon," emphasizing his central role as the recipient and beneficiary of this immense prosperity, which further solidified his kingdom's economic power and grandeur.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 2 Chronicles 8:18 to convey its profound significance. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, or perhaps more accurately, **Amplification**, in the sheer quantity of gold mentioned (450 talents). While likely historically accurate, the number serves to emphasize the unparalleled nature of Solomon's wealth and the divine favor bestowed upon him, elevating his reign to a legendary status. The mention of "Ophir" functions as **Symbolism**, representing a distant, almost mythical source of ultimate material riches, thereby enhancing the perception of Solomon's power and reach. The concise narrative style, focusing on the action and outcome, demonstrates **Narrative Economy**, efficiently conveying a massive undertaking and its successful conclusion within a single verse. Furthermore, the Chronicler's account here shows **Parallelism** with the earlier narrative in [1 Kings 9:26-28](/1_kings/9-26 "1 Kings 9:26-28 - Solomon's Fleet to Ophir"), a common technique used to affirm and expand upon the historical record, underscoring the consistent theme of Solomon's divinely blessed prosperity across biblical accounts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The acquisition of immense wealth by Solomon, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 8:18, is not merely a record of economic success but a profound theological statement. It stands as a tangible manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness and His lavish blessing upon Solomon and the nation of Israel. This prosperity was a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon, who had prioritized wisdom and God's kingdom above personal riches ([1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Wealth and Honor to Solomon")). The gold from Ophir contributed to the splendor of the Temple, the very dwelling place of God's presence, signifying that material blessings, when stewarded under divine guidance, can serve to glorify God and advance His purposes on earth. This narrative reminds us that God is the ultimate source of all wealth and resources, and He can provide abundantly to accomplish His will.

* [1 Kings 10:14](/1_kings/10-14 "1 Kings 10:14 - Solomon's Annual Gold Income")
* [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 8:18, while describing an ancient king's wealth, offers timeless principles for contemporary reflection and application. Solomon's strategic alliance with Huram highlights the value of wise partnerships and leveraging diverse skills for mutual benefit. In our personal and corporate lives, recognizing and collaborating with others who possess complementary strengths can lead to greater effectiveness and impact. Furthermore, the immense wealth brought to Solomon serves as a powerful reminder of God's capacity for abundant provision. It challenges us to consider our own resources—whether financial, relational, or spiritual—not as ends in themselves, but as gifts from God to be stewarded wisely for His glory and the good of His kingdom. Just as Solomon used his wealth to build the Temple, we are called to align our resources with God's purposes, remembering that true prosperity is found in faithfulness and generosity, not merely accumulation. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ability to provide for our needs and to use what He has given us to bless others and advance His work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's pursuit and acquisition of wealth, facilitated by international partnerships, challenge or affirm our modern understanding of prosperity and global engagement?**
* **In what ways can we, like Solomon, leverage strategic partnerships and diverse skills in our own lives or communities for purposes that honor God?**
* **Considering the immense quantity of gold brought to Solomon, how does this account inform our stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us, whether material wealth, talents, or opportunities?**

### FAQ

**What was a "talent" of gold, and how much was 450 talents?**

Answer: A "talent" (Hebrew: _kikkār_) was a significant unit of weight in the ancient world, not a coin. Its exact weight varied slightly by region and period, but it typically ranged from 75 to 125 pounds (approximately 34-57 kilograms). Therefore, 450 talents of gold would represent an astonishing quantity, potentially over 50,000 pounds (more than 22,000 kilograms) of pure gold. This immense sum underscores the unparalleled wealth and economic power of King Solomon's kingdom, making it one of the wealthiest empires of its time, as also noted in [1 Kings 10:14](/1_kings/10-14 "1 Kings 10:14 - Solomon's Annual Gold Income").

**Where was Ophir located?**

Answer: The precise location of Ophir remains one of the most enduring mysteries in biblical geography. While universally recognized as a source of high-quality gold, precious stones, and rare woods, its exact whereabouts are debated by scholars. Theories range widely, suggesting locations in East Africa (e.g., modern-day Somalia or Ethiopia), India (e.g., the Malabar Coast), or various sites within the Arabian Peninsula. Despite the lack of a definitive answer, the mention of Ophir in the biblical text consistently signifies a distant, exotic, and immensely rich land, emphasizing the extensive reach of Solomon's trade network and the vastness of his resources.

**Who was King Huram, and why was his partnership with Solomon so important?**

Answer: King Huram (also known as Hiram in [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Hiram, King of Tyre")) was the powerful ruler of Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast. Tyre was renowned for its advanced maritime capabilities, skilled craftsmen, and extensive trade routes. His partnership with Solomon was critically important because it provided Israel with access to resources and expertise it lacked. Huram supplied high-quality timber (cedar and cypress) and skilled artisans for the construction of the Temple and Solomon's palace ([2 Chronicles 2:3-10](/2_chronicles/2-3 "2 Chronicles 2:3-10 - Huram's Aid to Solomon")). Crucially, as seen in 2 Chronicles 8:18, he also provided ships and experienced mariners, enabling Solomon to engage in long-distance maritime trade expeditions to places like Ophir. This strategic alliance was a cornerstone of Solomon's economic prosperity and contributed significantly to the grandeur and international standing of his kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly glory, wisdom, and unparalleled wealth of Solomon, vividly displayed in the acquisition of gold from Ophir, serve as a profound foreshadowing of the far greater spiritual riches and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. While Solomon's kingdom was magnificent, it was ultimately temporal and flawed. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the true and ultimate King, far surpassing Solomon in every conceivable way. Jesus Himself declared that "something greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - Queen of the South and Jesus")), implying that the wisdom and glory of His kingdom infinitely transcend anything seen in Solomon's reign. The vast quantity of gold brought to Solomon points to the immeasurable spiritual treasures found in Christ, "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")). Through Christ, believers are blessed not with earthly talents of gold, but with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing")). His kingdom is not built with perishable gold, but with eternal 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 ultimate fulfillment of Solomon's golden age is found in the New Jerusalem, whose streets are pure gold ([Revelation 21:21](/rev_21/21 "Revelation 21:21 - New Jerusalem's Gold")), symbolizing the divine glory and unblemished perfection of Christ's eternal reign, from whose fullness "we have all received, grace upon grace" ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - From His Fullness We Have Received")).

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 9:10

And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.

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;

Ecclesiastes 2:8

I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, [as] musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

1 Kings 10:22

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.

1 Kings 9:27

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

1 Kings 9:28

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