In the context of the Bible, the term "navy" refers to a fleet of ships, particularly those used for trade, exploration, or military purposes. The concept of a navy is primarily associated with the reigns of King Solomon and King Jehoshaphat, who are noted for their maritime endeavors.

Solomon's Navy

King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and wealth, established a formidable navy. This fleet played a crucial role in his expansive trade network, which contributed significantly to the prosperity of Israel during his reign. The Bible records Solomon's naval activities in 1 Kings 9:26-28 : "King Solomon also built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea. And Hiram sent his servants, men who knew the sea, to serve in the fleet with Solomon’s servants. They sailed to Ophir and imported gold from there—420 talents—and delivered it to Solomon."

Solomon's collaboration with Hiram, the king of Tyre, was instrumental in the success of his naval ventures. Hiram's men, experienced in maritime navigation, complemented Solomon's efforts, allowing the fleet to reach distant lands such as Ophir, known for its wealth in gold and other precious commodities.

Jehoshaphat's Naval Endeavors

King Jehoshaphat of Judah, like Solomon, sought to expand his kingdom's influence through maritime trade. However, his attempts were met with challenges. In 1 Kings 22:48 , it is noted: "Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail, because the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber."

Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahaziah, the king of Israel, in this naval enterprise was not favored by the Lord, as indicated by the prophet Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah, who prophesied against the alliance (2 Chronicles 20:37). The wrecking of the ships at Ezion-geber was seen as a divine judgment against this partnership.

Symbolism and Significance

In the biblical narrative, navies symbolize not only the economic and military strength of a nation but also the potential for alliances and the influence of foreign cultures. The construction and operation of a navy required significant resources, skilled labor, and strategic planning, reflecting the administrative capabilities of Israel's kings.

The biblical accounts of navies also serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking divine guidance in national endeavors. The successes and failures of these maritime ventures underscore the belief that prosperity and security ultimately depend on adherence to God's will.

Cultural and Historical Context

The mention of navies in the Bible reflects the broader historical context of the ancient Near East, where maritime trade routes were vital for economic prosperity. The Red Sea and the Mediterranean were crucial waterways for the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural influences among the civilizations of the region.

In summary, the biblical references to navies highlight the strategic importance of maritime activities in the ancient world and the theological implications of seeking God's favor in all national undertakings.1. (n.) A fleet of ships; an assemblage of merchantmen, or so many as sail in company.

2. (n.) The whole of the war vessels belonging to a nation or ruler, considered collectively; as, the navy of Italy.

3. (n.) The officers and men attached to the war vessels of a nation; as, he belongs to the navy.

NAVY

na'-vi.

See SHIPS AND BOATS, II, 1, (2).

TARSHISH, NAVY (SHIPS) OF

See SHIPS AND BOATS, II, 1, (2).

3794. ochuroma -- a stronghold, fortress
... Pompey inflicted a crushing defeat upon their navy off the rocky stronghold of
Coracesium on the confines of Cilicia and Pisidia" (, 833).]. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3794.htm - 7k590. oni -- ships, a fleet
... galley, navy of ships. Probably from 'anah (in the sense of conveyance); -a ship
or (collectively)a fleet -- galley, navy (of ships). see HEBREW 'anah. ...
/hebrew/590.htm - 6k

The Prophecy of the Perilous Times.
... fall." (RV Miller). How true this statement is appears from a recent speech
made by Secretary Daniels of the US Navy. In the course ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 the prophecy of the.htm

How to Tell a Story
... As an instance of this, there is a story of an annual dinner at which Mr. Choate
was set down for the toast, "The Navy," and Mr. Depew was to respond to "The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/how to tell a story.htm

Essay iii. Si Partem Tacuisse Velim, Quodeumque Relinquam, Majus ...
... He went into the navy at an early age from his own choice, and, as he himself told
me, in consequence of the deep impression and vivid images left on his mind ...
/.../confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay iii si partem tacuisse.htm

Genealogy
... Thomas Winkworth. A navy surgeon, & afterwards a silk manufacturer in partnership
with his brother Henry. + son. + son. ... Died Brother, went into the Navy. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/genealogy.htm

Commerce
... For we know (1 Kings 9:26, etc.; 2 Chronicles 8:17, etc.) that King Solomon built
a navy at Ezion-geber, on the Red Sea, which port David had taken. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

Essay vi. "The Way of Ancient Ordinance, Though it Winds, is yet ...
... Britain need not exceed 25,000 pounds, or at most 30,000 pounds annually: excluding
of course the expenditure connected with our own military and navy, and the ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay vi the way of.htm

The History of Solomon
... Silver was of no price in the days of King Solomon, for the navy of the king, with
the navy of Hiram, went in three years once into Tarsis and brought them ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of solomon.htm

The Hymns of Isaac Watts
... But remember the grandfather and observe Watts's rather warlike patriotism, his
pride in the sceptred isle', set in the silver sea', in the Navy which protects ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/the hymns of isaac watts.htm

With the Circus
... stupor and death. Tests in the army, navy, and arctic explorations have
definitely proved that alcohol is not a food. Alcohol will ...
/.../byrum/how john became a man/chapter viii with the circus.htm

The Wonderful Unity of the Bible Attests Its Divine Authorship
... Just as the scarlet thread runs through all the cordage of the British Navy,
so a crimson aura surrounds every page of God's Word. ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter seven the wonderful unity.htm

Navy (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The whole of the war vessels belonging to a nation or ruler, considered
collectively; as, the navy of Italy. ... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NAVY. na'-vi. ...
/n/navy.htm - 8k

Tarshish (24 Occurrences)
... PRECIOUS. TARSHISH, NAVY (SHIPS) OF. See SHIPS AND BOATS, II, 1, (2).
Multi-Version Concordance Tarshish (24 Occurrences). Genesis ...
/t/tarshish.htm - 17k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... The collective term for "a navy of ships" is 'oni (1 Kings 9:26; 1 Kings 10:22,
'oni Tharshish, "a navy (of ships) of Tarshish"; but Isaiah 33:21, 'oni shayit ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

Ivory (13 Occurrences)
... 18). It was brought by the caravans of Dedan (Isaiah 21:13), and from the
East Indies by the navy of Tarshish (1 Kings 10:22). Many ...
/i/ivory.htm - 17k

Hiram (21 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Kings 9:27 Hiram sent in the navy his servants, sailors who had
knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon. (WEB ...
/h/hiram.htm - 18k

Tharshish (3 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/t/tharshish.htm - 7k

Trading (24 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:22 For the king had at sea a navy of Tarshish with the navy of Hiram:
once every three years came the navy of Tarshish, bringing gold, and silver ...
/t/trading.htm - 13k

Peacock
... appearance of the bird in the Bible occurs in a summing-up of the wealth and majesty
of Solomon (1 Kings 10:22 "For the king had at sea a navy of Tarshish with ...
/p/peacock.htm - 11k

Peacocks (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:22 For the king had at sea a navy of Tarshish with the navy of Hiram:
once every three years came the navy of Tarshish, bringing gold, and silver ...
/p/peacocks.htm - 7k

Baboons (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:22 For the king had at sea a navy of Tarshish with the navy of Hiram:
once every three years came the navy of Tarshish, bringing gold, and silver ...
/b/baboons.htm - 7k

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