In the biblical context, the mention of apes is found in the account of King Solomon's extensive trade and wealth. The reference to apes is located in 1 Kings 10:22 and 2 Chronicles 9:21, where the scriptures describe the grandeur and opulence of Solomon's kingdom. The Berean Standard Bible states in 1 Kings 10:22: "For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks."

The inclusion of apes in Solomon's collections highlights the king's interest in exotic animals and his desire to showcase the wealth and reach of his kingdom. The apes, along with other treasures, were brought from distant lands, indicating the extensive trade networks that Solomon had established. These networks likely extended to regions known for their exotic wildlife, such as parts of Africa and India, where apes were more commonly found.

The Hebrew word used for "apes" in these passages is "קֹפִים" (qophim), which is believed to refer to a type of primate. While the exact species is not specified, it is generally thought to refer to monkeys or similar creatures that were considered exotic and valuable during that time.

Solomon's acquisition of apes and other rare animals can be seen as a reflection of his wisdom and understanding, as he sought to learn from and appreciate the diversity of God's creation. His collections would have served not only as a display of wealth but also as a means of studying and understanding the natural world, which was a significant aspect of his reign.

The presence of apes in Solomon's zoological collections also underscores the interconnectedness of the ancient world, where trade routes facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and knowledge. This exchange allowed for the introduction of foreign elements into Israel, enriching the cultural and intellectual life of the nation.

In summary, the mention of apes in Solomon's collections is a testament to the king's far-reaching influence and the prosperity of his reign. It reflects the biblical theme of dominion over creation and the pursuit of wisdom through the exploration and appreciation of the natural world.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.
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2 Chronicles 9:21
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.
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