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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

2 Chronicles 8:18 details a significant aspect of King Solomon's immense wealth and international trade, specifically his partnership with King Huram of Tyre. This verse highlights the successful acquisition of a vast quantity of gold, underscoring the prosperity and resources available during Solomon's reign in Jerusalem.

Context

This verse is situated within a section of 2 Chronicles that describes Solomon's administrative achievements, building projects, and the consolidation of his kingdom. Following the completion of the Temple and his own palace, Solomon engaged in extensive economic activities. His alliance with King Huram (also known as Hiram in 1 Kings), the ruler of the powerful maritime nation of Tyre, was crucial for these ventures. Huram provided not only materials like cedar and cypress timber but also skilled laborers and, as seen here, invaluable maritime expertise for long-distance trade expeditions. This particular expedition to Ophir, a legendary land known for its gold, demonstrates the scale of Solomon's commercial reach and his strategic use of alliances to enrich his kingdom, contributing to the opulence described elsewhere in the biblical narrative, such as 2 Chronicles 9:22.

Key Themes

  • International Cooperation: The verse showcases the strategic alliance between Solomon and Huram, emphasizing the benefits of peaceful diplomatic and commercial relations between nations. This partnership was vital for Israel's economic flourishing.
  • Solomon's Prosperity: The acquisition of 450 talents of gold from Ophir signifies the extraordinary wealth accumulated during Solomon's reign, a direct fulfillment of God's blessings upon him (1 Kings 3:13). This wealth supported his vast building projects, including the Temple, and his lavish lifestyle.
  • Maritime Trade: The mention of "ships" and "servants that had knowledge of the sea" highlights the importance of naval power and long-distance maritime trade in the ancient world. It underscores the sophisticated economic infrastructure Solomon developed.

Linguistic Insights

The term "talents" (Hebrew: kikkar) refers to a significant unit of weight, not a coin. A talent of gold was an extremely large quantity, estimated to be around 75-125 pounds (34-57 kg). Thus, 450 talents represents an immense fortune, potentially over 50,000 pounds (over 22,000 kg) of gold, demonstrating the scale of the wealth involved. The exact location of "Ophir" remains debated among scholars, with theories ranging from locations in Africa, India, or the Arabian Peninsula, but it was universally recognized as a source of high-quality gold.

Practical Application

This verse, while historical, offers several contemporary reflections:

  • Value of Strategic Partnerships: Just as Solomon benefited immensely from his alliance with Huram, individuals and organizations today can thrive through wise collaborations and leveraging diverse skills.
  • Stewardship of Resources: Solomon's wealth was given by God, and he used it for grand purposes, including the construction of the Temple. This reminds us of the responsibility to wisely manage the resources and opportunities God provides, whether material wealth, talents, or relationships.
  • God's Provision: The abundance of gold brought to Solomon illustrates God's faithfulness in providing for His people and fulfilling His promises, even in lavish ways. It encourages believers to trust in God's ability to provide for their needs and purposes.

In summary, 2 Chronicles 8:18 provides a snapshot of Solomon's era of unparalleled prosperity, fueled by strategic alliances and extensive international trade, all undergirding the glory of his reign and the kingdom of Israel.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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