What is the meaning of 1 Kings 10:11?

The fleet of Hiram

“The fleet of Hiram…” (1 Kings 10:11)

• Hiram, king of Tyre, had earlier supplied cedar and craftsmen for Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 5:1-12).

• His mariners possessed the nautical expertise Israel lacked, making the joint venture possible (1 Kings 9:27).

• Scripture presents this partnership as factual history, underscoring God’s provision through international cooperation (2 Chronicles 2:3-16).

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that brought gold from Ophir

“…that brought gold from Ophir…” (1 Kings 10:11)

• Ophir was famed for fine gold (Job 22:24; Psalm 45:9).

• Solomon’s earlier expedition had already yielded “four hundred and twenty talents of gold” (1 Kings 9:28).

• The text highlights God’s material blessing on Solomon’s reign, fulfilling the promise of prosperity for obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-12).

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also brought from Ophir

“…also brought from Ophir…” (1 Kings 10:11)

• The repeated mention of Ophir stresses both the reliability of the trading route and the abundance God provided.

• It shows that divine blessing was not a one-time event but an ongoing supply (1 Chronicles 29:12).

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a great cargo of almug wood

“…a great cargo of almug wood…” (1 Kings 10:11)

• Almug (or algum) was rare, durable, and beautiful, suitable for temple and palace furnishings (2 Chronicles 9:11).

• The wood’s arrival enabled Solomon to craft “supports for the LORD’s temple and for the royal palace, and lyres and harps for the singers” (1 Kings 10:12).

• Its use in worship instruments ties material wealth directly to honoring God (Psalm 150:3-5).

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and precious stones

“…and precious stones.” (1 Kings 10:11)

• Gemstones enhanced the splendor of Jerusalem, foreshadowing the future glory of God’s dwelling with His people (Isaiah 54:11-12; Revelation 21:18-21).

• Their inclusion testifies that all of creation’s beauty can and should be devoted to the Lord (Exodus 28:17-21).

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summary

1 Kings 10:11 records a real maritime expedition that brought extraordinary resources—gold, almug wood, and gemstones—into Solomon’s kingdom. Each item underlines God’s tangible blessing, the fulfillment of covenant promises, and the channeling of worldly wealth toward worship and the beautifying of God’s house.