Topical Encyclopedia The establishment of a navy under King Solomon represents a significant development in the history of Israel, reflecting both the kingdom's expansion and its increasing engagement in international trade and diplomacy. Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and wealth, recognized the strategic importance of a maritime force to enhance Israel's economic prosperity and political influence.Biblical Account The primary biblical account of Solomon's navy is found in 1 Kings 9:26-28 and 2 Chronicles 8:17-18. According to these passages, Solomon constructed a fleet of ships at Ezion-Geber, near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. This location was strategically chosen for its access to the Red Sea and the broader maritime routes leading to the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. 1 Kings 9:26-28 states: "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." 2 Chronicles 8:17-18 provides a parallel account: "Then Solomon went to Ezion-geber and to Eloth on the coast of Edom. So Hiram sent him ships commanded by his own servants, men who knew the sea. They went with Solomon’s servants to Ophir and acquired 450 talents of gold, which they brought back to King Solomon." Collaboration with Hiram of Tyre A key aspect of Solomon's naval enterprise was his collaboration with Hiram, the king of Tyre. Hiram was a long-standing ally of Israel, having previously assisted Solomon in the construction of the Temple by providing cedar and cypress timber, as well as skilled laborers (1 Kings 5:1-12). The partnership extended to the maritime domain, with Hiram supplying experienced sailors and possibly ships, which were crucial for the success of Solomon's naval expeditions. Trade and Wealth The primary purpose of Solomon's navy was to facilitate trade, particularly in precious commodities such as gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks, as mentioned in 1 Kings 10:22 : "For the king had the ships of Tarshish that went with the servants of Hiram. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks." The voyages to Ophir, a region of uncertain location but traditionally associated with the Arabian Peninsula or the east coast of Africa, were particularly lucrative. The substantial quantities of gold imported from Ophir contributed to Solomon's legendary wealth and the splendor of his reign. Significance Solomon's navy not only enhanced Israel's economic standing but also demonstrated the kingdom's growing sophistication and reach. The ability to engage in long-distance trade and to establish maritime routes underscored Israel's transition from a primarily agrarian society to a more complex and interconnected state. This development also reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East, where control of trade routes and access to exotic goods were vital for maintaining power and influence. In summary, Solomon's navy was a testament to his administrative acumen and his vision for Israel as a prosperous and influential kingdom. The biblical narrative highlights the importance of strategic alliances, such as that with Hiram of Tyre, and the role of maritime trade in the accumulation of wealth and the expansion of Israel's horizons during Solomon's reign. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 9:26And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Eziongeber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom. Nave's Topical Index Library A Royal Seeker after Wisdom Commerce Results of Transgression John 7:37-38. "Let any Man Come. " The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... Resources Is there any truth to the Bermuda Triangle conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the Navigators? | GotQuestions.org Why does the Bible allow slave owners to beat their slaves? | GotQuestions.org Navy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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