2 Chronicles 9:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And the servants {H5650} also of Huram {H2361}, and the servants {H5650} of Solomon {H8010}, which brought {H935} gold {H2091} from Ophir {H211}, brought {H935} algum {H418} trees {H6086} and precious {H3368} stones {H68}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Huram's servants and Shlomo's servants, who had brought the gold from Ofir, now brought sandalwood and precious stones.

Berean Standard Bible

(The servants of Hiram and of Solomon who brought gold from Ophir also brought algum wood and precious stones.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 9:10 meticulously details the ongoing maritime trade ventures orchestrated jointly by the servants of King Huram of Tyre and King Solomon. These expeditions, which embarked from the renowned land of Ophir, were not solely responsible for the vast quantities of gold previously noted, but also introduced highly coveted algum trees and precious stones into Solomon's realm. This verse powerfully underscores the extensive reach of Solomon's international trade networks and highlights the divine abundance that facilitated his magnificent building endeavors and the unparalleled splendor of his kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the larger narrative of King Solomon's glorious reign, immediately following the climactic visit of the Queen of Sheba in [2 Chronicles 9:1-9](/2_chronicles/9-1-9 "2 Chronicles 9:1-9 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit to Solomon"). Her awe-struck assessment of Solomon's wisdom and wealth sets the stage for the specific details provided in verse 10, which elaborates on the sources of his immense riches. While [2 Chronicles 9:9](/2_chronicles/9-9 "2 Chronicles 9:9 - Gold from Ophir") mentions the gold brought from Ophir, verse 10 expands this by adding "algum trees and precious stones" to the list of valuable imports. This sequential and increasingly detailed description serves to emphasize the sheer abundance and diverse nature of the resources at Solomon's disposal, directly contributing to the grandeur described throughout [the chapter](/2_chronicles/9 "2 Chronicles 9 - Solomon's Riches and Glory"), particularly the construction and adornment of the Temple and his royal palace. The verse thus functions as a concrete illustration of the general prosperity highlighted in the preceding narrative.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon's reign (approximately 970-931 BC) represents a zenith of peace, prosperity, and international influence for the ancient kingdom of Israel. His strategic alliance with King Huram (also known as Hiram) of Tyre was a cornerstone of this era, as Tyre was a preeminent maritime power with established access to distant trade routes. This pivotal partnership enabled Solomon to engage in extensive overseas commerce, reaching legendary lands like Ophir, which was universally synonymous with immense wealth, especially gold. While its precise geographical location remains a subject of scholarly debate (theories range from East Africa to India or the Arabian Peninsula), Ophir symbolized the far-reaching extent of Solomon's economic empire. The "algum trees" (also referred to as "almug trees" in [1 Kings 10:11](/1_kings/10-11 "1 Kings 10:11 - Almug Trees from Ophir")) were a highly prized type of timber, likely a variety of sandalwood, valued for its fragrance, durability, and beautiful grain, making it essential for the luxurious furnishings and adornments of both the Temple and the royal palace.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes that permeate the biblical accounts of Solomon's reign. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Unparalleled Wealth and Divine Blessing**. Solomon's extraordinary prosperity, exemplified by the continuous influx of gold, rare timber, and precious stones, is consistently presented as a direct fulfillment of God's promises to bless him with riches and honor in response to his humble request for wisdom (e.g., [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon")). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Extensive International Trade and Alliances**. The joint venture with Huram's servants from Tyre showcases Solomon's sophisticated diplomatic and economic networks, which extended Israel's influence and brought exotic goods from distant lands, solidifying his status as a powerful regional leader. Finally, the specific mention of "algum trees" and "precipus stones" points to the theme of **Materials for Magnificence and Temple Building**. These imported commodities were not merely for personal enrichment but were crucial components used to adorn the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem (e.g., [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Building the Temple")) and his royal palace, contributing to the overall splendor that reflected God's glory on earth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Huram (Hebrew, _Chûwrâm'_):** Derived from a root meaning "whiteness," suggesting nobility, Huram refers to King Huram of Tyre. He was a powerful Phoenician monarch who maintained a strong, cooperative alliance with King Solomon. Huram was instrumental in providing skilled craftsmen, vast quantities of timber (especially cedar and cypress), and crucial naval support for Solomon's ambitious building projects, including the Temple and his royal palace. His direct involvement in these trade expeditions, as indicated by his "servants," highlights the strategic economic and political partnerships that were a hallmark of Solomon's reign.

* **Ophir (Hebrew, _ʼÔwphîyr'_):** Of uncertain derivation, Ophir is a legendary land frequently mentioned in biblical texts as a primary source of immense wealth, particularly gold. It is also identified as the name of a son of Joktan, linking it to ancient genealogies. While its precise geographical location remains unknown and debated among scholars, its inclusion here emphasizes the extraordinary scale and global reach of Solomon's trade empire, painting a vivid picture of unparalleled prosperity derived from the far-flung corners of the known world.

* **Algum (Hebrew, _ʼalgûwmmîym'_):** This term refers to "sticks of algum wood," a precious and rare type of timber. It is likely a transposition for "almug," as found in parallel accounts. This wood, often identified as sandalwood, was highly valued for its durability, fine grain, aromatic qualities, and aesthetic beauty. This timber was not merely decorative; it was used for significant purposes within the Temple and the king's palace, including the creation of musical instruments (harps and lyres for the Temple singers) and ornate railings or supports, underscoring its high value and specialized use.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the collaborative nature of the enterprise. It highlights a joint venture between two powerful kings, Solomon of Israel and Huram of Tyre, signifying a robust diplomatic and economic alliance. The specific mention of "servants" underscores the vast logistical and human resources mobilized for these extensive maritime expeditions, indicating a well-organized and large-scale operation.

* **"which brought gold from Ophir":** This clause provides essential context by referencing the primary and most famous commodity brought from Ophir, namely gold. It serves as a direct link back to previous mentions of Ophir's gold (e.g., [2 Chronicles 9:9](/2_chronicles/9-9 "2 Chronicles 9:9 - Gold from Ophir")), reinforcing the idea of a continuous and highly profitable trade route that supplied the kingdom's immense wealth. This continuous supply of gold was a key indicator of Solomon's prosperity.

* **"brought algum trees and precious stones":** This final clause expands the scope of the imports, revealing the diversity of valuable resources obtained from these expeditions. The addition of "algum trees" (a type of precious timber) and "precious stones" demonstrates that the trade was not limited to gold but encompassed a range of rare and valuable commodities. These materials were essential for the construction, adornment, and luxury of Solomon's kingdom, particularly the magnificent Temple and his royal palace, showcasing the comprehensive nature of his economic reach.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Enumeration** by explicitly listing specific valuable commodities—gold, algum trees, and precious stones. This detailed cataloging serves to emphasize the vastness, diversity, and exotic nature of Solomon's acquired wealth, creating a vivid mental image of the riches flowing into Jerusalem. Within the broader narrative context of Solomon's reign, there is also a subtle use of **Hyperbole**, where the sheer volume and exotic nature of the imports from a legendary land like Ophir contribute to portraying his wealth as unparalleled and almost mythical, surpassing that of all other kings. Furthermore, the mention of "servants" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the servants who execute the trade) represents the whole (the extensive trade infrastructure, economic power, and diplomatic alliances of both King Solomon and King Huram's kingdoms).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse is rich with profound theological implications, serving as a powerful testament to God's abundant provision and the faithful fulfillment of His promises to Solomon. The influx of immense wealth—gold, precious timber, and rare stones—was not merely a result of human ingenuity or strategic alliances, but a direct manifestation of God's blessing upon a king who initially sought wisdom above all else. This divine favor enabled Solomon to fulfill his mandate to build a magnificent Temple for the Lord, a physical representation of God's dwelling among His people and a symbol of His glory. However, the verse also subtly invites reflection on the nature of true wealth; while earthly treasures are temporary and can fade, the spiritual riches of wisdom, a right relationship with God, and obedience to His commands are enduring and of eternal value.

* [1 Kings 10:11](/1_kings/10-11 "1 Kings 10:11-12 - The Use of Almug Wood in the Temple and Palace")
* [Proverbs 3:13](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13-15 - The Superiority of Wisdom to Riches")
* [Haggai 2:8](/haggai/2-8 "Haggai 2:8 - The Lord's Ownership of Silver and Gold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Solomon's extraordinary wealth, vividly exemplified by the exotic imports in [2 Chronicles 9:10](/2_chronicles/9-10 "2 Chronicles 9:10 - Solomon's Imports from Ophir"), offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is the ultimate source of all resources, and He often provides abundantly for the accomplishment of His divine purposes. Solomon's wealth was not merely for personal luxury or aggrandizement, but was instrumental in building the Temple, a sacred place of worship and a tangible symbol of God's presence among His people. This narrative challenges us to critically examine how we steward the resources—whether material possessions, intellectual capacities, spiritual gifts, or time—that God has graciously entrusted to us. Are we using our "gold from Ophir," our "algum trees," and our "precipus stones" for the advancement of God's kingdom, for acts of worship, for serving others, and for generous giving? Furthermore, the transient nature of earthly wealth, even that of a king as rich as Solomon, points us toward the enduring value of spiritual riches, prompting us to invest our lives in what truly lasts for eternity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our modern understanding of wealth and its ultimate purpose in the life of a believer?**
* **In what specific ways might God be providing particular "resources" (talents, opportunities, material blessings) in our lives today, and how are we aligning their use with His kingdom purposes?**
* **What "Ophir" do we tend to seek most in our lives—the source of our greatest perceived value or security—and how does it compare to the true, lasting riches found in Christ?**

### FAQ
**What were "algum trees" and how were they used?**

Answer: "Algum trees," also referred to as "almug trees" in the parallel account in [1 Kings 10:11](/1_kings/10-11 "1 Kings 10:11 - Almug Trees from Ophir"), refer to a highly prized and rare type of timber, most likely a variety of sandalwood or red sandalwood. This wood was esteemed for its beautiful grain, exceptional durability, and aromatic qualities. In Solomon's time, it was used for significant and luxurious purposes, including the construction of musical instruments (specifically harps and lyres for the Temple singers) and for creating ornate railings, supports, or other decorative elements within the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem and Solomon's royal palace, as further detailed in [1 Kings 10:12](/1_kings/10-12 "1 Kings 10:12 - Use of Almug Wood for Musical Instruments and Railings").

**Where was Ophir located?**

Answer: The exact geographical location of Ophir remains one of the enduring mysteries of biblical archaeology and geography. It is consistently described in biblical texts as a distant land renowned for its immense wealth, particularly gold, but also for precious stones and rare timber like the algum trees mentioned here. Scholars have proposed various theories for its location, ranging from regions in East Africa (such as Somalia or Ethiopia) to India or the Arabian Peninsula, and even the Arabian Peninsula itself. Despite the lack of definitive archaeological evidence, Ophir served as a powerful symbol of the vast reach of Solomon's trade network and the unprecedented abundance of resources at his disposal, underscoring the extraordinary wealth and international influence of his kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unparalleled wealth, wisdom, and glory of Solomon's kingdom, so vividly depicted in [2 Chronicles 9:10](/2_chronicles/9-10 "2 Chronicles 9:10 - Solomon's Imports from Ophir"), serve as a profound foreshadowing of the far greater spiritual riches and eternal glory found in Jesus Christ. Solomon's physical Temple, meticulously constructed with precious materials like gold, algum trees, and precious stones, points to Christ as the ultimate cornerstone of a new, spiritual Temple—the Church—built not with perishable materials but with living stones, believers united in Him (e.g., [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones for a Spiritual House")). While the Queen of Sheba traveled great distances to witness Solomon's earthly wisdom and wealth, Jesus Himself declared that "something greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - Something Greater Than Solomon")). Christ embodies the ultimate wisdom, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom and Knowledge")). The "gold from Ophir" and the "precious stones" that adorned Solomon's kingdom, though magnificent, pale in comparison to the "unsearchable riches of Christ" ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - The Unsearchable Riches of Christ")) that are freely offered to all who believe. Ultimately, Solomon's earthly reign, though glorious, was temporary and flawed; Christ's kingdom is eternal, and His provision for His people is not merely material but spiritual, offering redemption, righteousness, and everlasting life.

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 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.

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.