2 Chronicles 9:21

KJV

For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the king's {H4428} ships {H591} went {H1980} to Tarshish {H8659} with the servants {H5650} of Huram {H2361}: every three {H7969} years {H8141} once {H259} came {H935} the ships {H591} of Tarshish {H8659} bringing {H5375} gold {H2091}, and silver {H3701}, ivory {H8143}, and apes {H6971}, and peacocks {H8500}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king had ships that could go to Tarshish with Huram's servants; once every three years the "Tarshish" ships came in, bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes and peacocks.

Berean Standard Bible

For the king had the ships of Tarshish that went with Hiram’s servants, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

American Standard Version

For the king had ships that went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram; once every three years came the ships of Tarshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 9:21 vividly portrays the unparalleled opulence and extensive global reach of King Solomon's reign, detailing his sophisticated maritime trade operations. This verse highlights the triennial arrival of a fleet of ships, operated in conjunction with King Huram of Tyre, laden with an extraordinary array of precious metals and exotic animals, underscoring the immense wealth and international connections that characterized this golden age of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a larger section (2 Chronicles 9:13-28) that meticulously catalogues the immense wealth, wisdom, and glory of King Solomon. It immediately follows descriptions of his vast gold and silver reserves, emphasizing the source of his material abundance and the sheer volume of precious metals in his kingdom, where silver was said to be as common as stones ([2 Chronicles 9:20](/2_chronicles/9-20 "2 Chronicles 9:20 - Solomon's Abundant Silver")). The account of these maritime voyages is also found in a parallel passage in [1 Kings 10:22](/1_kings/10-22 "1 Kings 10:22 - The Parallel Account of Solomon's Fleet"), reinforcing its significance. The Chronicler uses such details to present Solomon's reign as a pinnacle of divine blessing and national prosperity, serving as an ideal against which later kings would be measured.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's era (c. 970-931 BC) was a period of relative peace and significant economic expansion for Israel. His strategic alliance with Huram (Hiram), the skilled Phoenician king of Tyre, was crucial for these ambitious maritime ventures. The Phoenicians were renowned seafarers, and their expertise was indispensable for long-distance voyages. "Tarshish" likely refers to a distant port, possibly Tartessos in modern-day Spain, or it could be a general term for any far-off trading destination, signifying the extraordinary scope of Solomon's commercial empire. The importation of exotic animals and luxury goods was a common practice among powerful ancient Near Eastern monarchs, serving as a display of wealth, prestige, and dominion over vast resources.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the Chronicler's narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Unrivaled Prosperity** of Solomon's reign, emphasizing the sheer scale of wealth accumulated through international trade, distinguishing him as surpassing all other kings in riches and wisdom ([2 Chronicles 9:22](/2_chronicles/9-22 "2 Chronicles 9:22 - Solomon's Surpassing Wealth")). Secondly, it highlights Israel's **International Influence** and Solomon's diplomatic and commercial prowess, extending his kingdom's reach far beyond its immediate borders. Thirdly, while focusing on material aspects, the Chronicler implicitly presents this extraordinary prosperity as a direct manifestation of **Divine Blessing** and the fulfillment of God's promises to Solomon regarding wisdom and wealth, as initially recorded in [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches to Solomon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tarshish (Hebrew, _Tarshish'_):** The precise geographical location of Tarshish remains a subject of scholarly debate, with theories ranging from a port in modern-day Spain (Tartessos) to a general term for a distant, significant trading center accessible by sea. Regardless of its exact location, its mention here emphasizes the extraordinary distance and scale of Solomon's trade network, signifying the immense global reach of his kingdom and the exotic nature of the goods acquired.
* **Huram (Hebrew, _Churam'_):** Also known as Hiram in 1 Kings, Huram was the king of Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state renowned for its maritime prowess. His alliance with Solomon was instrumental, as his skilled mariners provided the navigational expertise necessary for these ambitious, long-distance voyages, highlighting the strategic international partnerships that underpinned Solomon's prosperity.
* **Apes (Hebrew, _qôph'_):** These exotic primates, likely monkeys, were not native to Israel and would have been imported from distant lands, possibly India or Africa. Their presence in the royal inventory signifies extreme luxury and the king's ability to acquire rare and unusual treasures, serving as a clear status symbol for a monarch of unparalleled wealth and prestige.
* **Peacocks (Hebrew, _tukkiyyim'_):** Similarly, peacocks are indigenous to South Asia. Their inclusion in the cargo list further emphasizes the exotic and luxurious nature of Solomon's imports. These birds, prized for their vibrant plumage, were highly valued as ornamental animals, underscoring the king's extravagant taste and his capacity to procure the most unique and beautiful creatures from across the known world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram:"**: This clause establishes the primary actors and the destination of the voyages. It highlights that these were royal expeditions, indicating state-sponsored trade, and underscores the vital collaboration with King Huram of Tyre, whose experienced Phoenician mariners were essential for navigating the vast distances to Tarshish. This partnership demonstrates Solomon's strategic alliances and the international scope of his economic endeavors.
* **"every three years once came the ships of Tarshish"**: This phrase specifies the frequency of these voyages. The triennial cycle suggests a well-established, regular trade route, indicating the immense logistical planning and resources required for such long-distance maritime operations. The infrequency also emphasizes the considerable time it took to complete these journeys, further highlighting the remoteness of Tarshish and the extraordinary nature of the enterprise.
* **"bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks."**: This detailed enumeration of the cargo underscores the immense value and exotic nature of the imports. Gold and silver represent pure wealth, while ivory (elephant tusks) was a prized material for luxury goods and decorations. The inclusion of live animals like apes and peacocks signifies the ultimate display of royal extravagance, prestige, and the king's ability to acquire the rarest and most unusual treasures from the farthest corners of the earth, solidifying his reputation as the wealthiest monarch of his time.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several **Literary Devices** to amplify the grandeur of Solomon's reign in this verse. The most prominent is **Catalogue** or **List**, where the specific enumeration of "gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks" serves to impress upon the reader the vastness, diversity, and exotic nature of Solomon's accumulated wealth. This detailed listing creates a vivid mental image of overflowing abundance. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, typical of ancient Near Eastern royal accounts, as the Chronicler aims to present Solomon's reign as an unparalleled golden age. While the trade was undoubtedly real, the emphasis on "every three years" and the sheer volume and variety of exotic goods contribute to an almost mythical portrayal of royal splendor. Finally, the exotic animals like **Apes** and **Peacocks** function as powerful **Symbols** of royal prestige, unparalleled luxury, and the king's dominion over vast resources and distant lands, showcasing his unique access to the world's most coveted treasures.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, situated within the Chronicler's highly idealized portrayal of Solomon, serves as a powerful testament to God's ability to grant extraordinary material blessings and wisdom to His chosen leaders. Solomon's unprecedented wealth and global influence are presented not merely as human achievement but as a direct fulfillment of divine promises, particularly God's pledge to grant him riches and honor alongside wisdom ([1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches to Solomon")). The abundance of gold, silver, and exotic treasures symbolizes the peace and prosperity that God intended for Israel under a righteous king. However, while the Chronicler focuses on the positive aspects, the broader biblical narrative reminds us that such immense material prosperity, if not properly stewarded and if it leads to self-reliance rather than reliance on God, can become a spiritual snare, ultimately contributing to a king's moral and spiritual decline. This serves as a subtle theological warning about the transient nature of earthly treasures compared to enduring spiritual riches.

* [1 Kings 10:22](/1_kings/10-22 "1 Kings 10:22 - Parallel Account of Solomon's Fleet")
* [Proverbs 3:13-16](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13-16 - The Superiority of Wisdom Over Riches")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid depiction of Solomon's extraordinary wealth and global reach in 2 Chronicles 9:21 invites us to reflect on the nature of blessings, stewardship, and the true source of lasting prosperity. While God abundantly blessed Solomon, this passage also subtly reminds us of the potential pitfalls of immense material wealth. For the modern believer, it prompts us to consider how we perceive and pursue "riches." Is our focus on accumulating earthly treasures that are fleeting, or on seeking heavenly treasures that endure? God's provision for Solomon was intended to glorify Him and advance His purposes, such as the building of the Temple. Similarly, any resources or blessings we receive are ultimately from God and are to be stewarded for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom, not merely for personal accumulation or indulgence. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts regarding material possessions and to cultivate a spirit of gratitude, generosity, and dependence on God, rather than on our wealth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of God's provision and blessing in my own life?**
* **In what ways might material prosperity, even when divinely given, become a spiritual snare or distraction, as it did for Solomon later in his reign?**
* **How can I steward the resources and opportunities God has given me in a way that truly honors Him and advances His kingdom, rather than merely accumulating for myself?**

### FAQ
**What was Tarshish, and why was it significant to Solomon's trade?**

Answer: The precise geographical location of "Tarshish" is a subject of ongoing scholarly debate. It is often identified with Tartessos, an ancient port city in southern Spain, or it may have been a general term for any distant, significant trading center accessible by sea, particularly in the western Mediterranean. Its significance to Solomon's trade lies in the immense distance it represented, symbolizing the extraordinary global reach of his commercial empire. Voyages to Tarshish underscored his unprecedented wealth, influence, and ability to establish long-distance trade routes, bringing exotic and highly valuable goods from far-off lands to Israel. This demonstrated his kingdom's unparalleled prosperity and international standing, as also noted in [1 Kings 10:22](/1_kings/10-22 "1 Kings 10:22 - Solomon's Fleet").

**Why are "apes" and "peacocks" specifically mentioned in the cargo list?**

Answer: The specific mention of "apes" and "peacocks" highlights the extreme luxury and exotic nature of the imports. These animals were not native to Israel and would have been incredibly rare and expensive to acquire, likely sourced from distant regions like India or Africa. Their presence in the royal inventory served as clear indicators of immense wealth, royal prestige, and the king's unique ability to procure the most unusual and valuable treasures from around the world. They were ultimate status symbols, demonstrating Solomon's unrivaled opulence and his dominion over vast resources.

**How does this verse relate to the overall narrative of Solomon's reign in the Bible?**

Answer: This verse encapsulates the zenith of Solomon's material prosperity and global influence, portraying a period of unprecedented wealth, peace, and international connections for Israel. The Chronicler emphasizes this as a direct result of God's blessing upon Solomon's wisdom and obedience, presenting his reign as an ideal golden age. While the verse focuses on the splendor, the broader biblical narrative (especially in [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Idolatry and Decline")) also reveals that this immense wealth and foreign influence, coupled with his many foreign wives, eventually contributed to Solomon's spiritual decline and the introduction of idolatry into Israel. Thus, 2 Chronicles 9:21 stands as a high point of material glory, but also implicitly foreshadows the dangers of unchecked prosperity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unparalleled wealth and glory of Solomon, as vividly depicted in 2 Chronicles 9:21, serve as a type and shadow pointing to the far greater, eternal riches found in Jesus Christ. Solomon's kingdom, though magnificent, was earthly and temporal, eventually succumbing to division and decline. His wisdom, though divinely granted, ultimately failed to prevent his own spiritual compromise. In contrast, Jesus is the true King, whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), and whose reign is eternal and incorruptible. He is the one of whom it is said, "something greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - The Queen of the South and Greater Than Solomon")). While Solomon's ships brought gold, silver, and exotic animals, Christ offers spiritual treasures that do not fade—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")). He is the ultimate source of all wisdom, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). The material abundance of Solomon's reign, impressive as it was, ultimately pales in comparison to the spiritual abundance and eternal inheritance that believers receive through faith in Christ, the true and everlasting King.

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

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.

2 Chronicles 20:36

And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Eziongeber.

2 Chronicles 20:37

Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

Job 39:13

¶ [Gavest thou] the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?

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.