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2 Chronicles 9:10

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

This verse provides a specific detail about the vast resources and international trade that characterized the reign of King Solomon. Following the description of the Queen of Sheba's visit, which highlighted Solomon's immense wealth and wisdom, this verse elaborates on the source of some of these precious materials.

It specifically mentions the ongoing joint maritime venture between Solomon's servants and those of King Huram (Hiram) of Tyre, focused on acquiring riches from the distant land of Ophir. While the previous verse (2 Chronicles 9:9) highlighted the gold, this verse adds the additional valuable commodities: "algum trees and precious stones." This trade was crucial for Solomon's magnificent building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem and his royal palace.

Key Themes

  • Unparalleled Wealth and Divine Blessing: The constant influx of gold, precious stones, and rare timber from Ophir underscored the extraordinary prosperity of Solomon's kingdom. This wealth was often seen as a direct fulfillment of God's promises to bless him with riches and honor, demonstrating the abundance available to those who seek God's wisdom.
  • Extensive International Trade and Alliances: This verse highlights the sophisticated network of trade routes and diplomatic relations that Solomon cultivated. His alliance with Huram of Tyre facilitated access to exotic goods from far-flung regions, enriching his kingdom and cementing his status as a powerful regional leader in ancient Israel.
  • Materials for Magnificence: The imported "algum trees" and "precious stones" were not merely commodities but essential components used to adorn the Temple, the palace, and to create luxurious items, contributing to the overall splendor and beauty of Solomon's reign, as described in 1 Kings 10:21.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "algum trees" (also known as "almug trees" in 1 Kings 10:11) refers to a type of precious wood, possibly sandalwood or red sandalwood, known for its fragrance, durability, and beautiful grain. This rare timber was highly valued and used for significant purposes, such as making musical instruments (harps and psalteries for the Temple singers) and ornate railings for the Temple and the king's palace (1 Kings 10:12).
  • "Ophir" is a legendary land synonymous with immense wealth, particularly gold. Its exact geographical location remains a subject of scholarly debate, with theories ranging from regions in Africa (like Somalia or Ethiopia) to India or the Arabian Peninsula. Regardless of its precise location, it symbolized the vast reach of Solomon's trade empire and the abundance of resources at his disposal, highlighting the unprecedented wealth of his kingdom.

Reflection

This verse, though brief, paints a vivid picture of the opulence and global connections of Solomon's kingdom. It reminds us of God's incredible provision when His people are in alignment with His will, as Solomon initially was. The abundance of resources, from gold to precious timber and stones, enabled Solomon to fulfill his divine mandate to build a magnificent Temple for the Lord, and to establish a kingdom that reflected God's glory on earth.

For us today, while we may not engage in literal trade expeditions for exotic timber, the principle of God's abundant provision for His purposes remains. It encourages us to recognize and appreciate the resources and opportunities God provides, whether material or spiritual, for the advancement of His kingdom and the flourishing of His people. The emphasis on precious earthly materials also subtly points to the even greater value of spiritual riches and wisdom, which are far more enduring than transient treasures, as highlighted in Proverbs 3:14.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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 8:18 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 9:28 (2 votes)

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