Topical Bible: Ship: Built by Solomon

◄ Ship: Built by Solomon ►

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The construction of ships during the reign of King Solomon is a significant aspect of his extensive and prosperous kingdom. Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, expanded Israel's influence and trade through maritime ventures, which were unprecedented in the history of Israel up to that time.

Biblical Account

The primary biblical reference to Solomon's shipbuilding activities 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 strategic location provided access to the Red Sea and facilitated trade with distant lands.

1 Kings 9:26-28 states: "King Solomon also built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth in the land of 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 echoes this 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

The construction and operation of Solomon's fleet were made possible through a partnership with Hiram, the king of Tyre. Hiram was a skilled and experienced maritime leader, and his collaboration with Solomon was crucial for the success of these naval endeavors. Hiram provided not only the necessary materials, such as cedar and cypress timber, but also skilled sailors and shipbuilders who were knowledgeable about the sea.

This alliance with Hiram highlights the importance of international cooperation and trade during Solomon's reign. The Phoenicians, known for their seafaring expertise, played a vital role in the development of Israel's maritime capabilities.

Purpose and Achievements

The primary purpose of Solomon's fleet was to facilitate trade and acquire wealth. The ships sailed to Ophir, a region famous for its gold, and returned with substantial quantities of this precious metal. The exact location of Ophir remains a topic of debate among scholars, with suggestions ranging from regions in Africa to the Arabian Peninsula or even India.

The successful voyages to Ophir and the acquisition of gold significantly contributed to Solomon's wealth and the prosperity of his kingdom. This maritime trade allowed Israel to engage in commerce with distant lands, bringing in not only gold but also other valuable goods and exotic items, which are mentioned in other biblical passages.

Significance in Solomon's Reign

The construction of ships and the establishment of a fleet were emblematic of Solomon's broader efforts to expand Israel's influence and economic power. His reign is often characterized by peace, prosperity, and grand architectural projects, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The development of a maritime presence further underscored Solomon's ambition and the reach of his kingdom.

Solomon's ships symbolize the intersection of wisdom, wealth, and international cooperation. They reflect the king's ability to harness resources and expertise from beyond Israel's borders, thereby enhancing the nation's standing among the ancient Near Eastern powers.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 9:26
And 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.
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2 Chronicles 8:17
Then went Solomon to Eziongeber, and to Eloth, at the sea side in the land of Edom.
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Library

The Story of Solomon and his Temple
... It was built on Mount Moriah, one of the hills of Jerusalem. ... Solomon was indeed a
great king, and it was said that he was also ... [Illustration: Ship in Solomon's ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of solomon and.htm

The Fall of Solomon
... This ship went down when the voyage was nearly over ... Solomon was wise, but Christ
is 'Wisdom.' Solomon built a Temple, but also altars to false gods overtopping ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the fall of solomon.htm

The Word was in the Beginning, IE , in Wisdom, which Contained all ...
... For Wisdom says in Solomon: [4545] "God created me the beginning of His ways, for
His works ... For I consider that as a house or a ship is built and fashioned ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/22 the word was in.htm

And ii.
... in the lower town, supposed to have been built by Solomon ... follows the example of
the Song of Solomon, where it ... main-mast, as it were, of the ship, which, since ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

Nineveh.
... Within were huge palaces, built of the same bricks ... by sailing to Tarshish in a
Phoenician ship, he underwent ... in the Temple, which Moses and Solomon had ordained ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ix nineveh.htm

The Survival of the Fittest.
... At the command of the god he built a great ... he took off the cover of the ship and
found ... in their various fields by the following persons: Solomon, Caesar Borgia ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study iv the survival of.htm

Making Haste to be Rich.
... years, he expanded with wonderful rapidity, built himself a ... That Solomon spoke truly,
when he said, 'He that ... next week become possessor of a ship, and entered ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/making haste to be rich.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... to Hercules and the chiefs that sailed with Jason in the ship Argo, are ... high priest
was the first who ministered in the temple which Solomon built, being the ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

How those are to be Admonished who do not Even Begin Good Things ...
... overthrown, and rise afterwards the more firmly built in good ... it were, in the condition
of a ship ascending against ... is that it is said through Solomon, He that ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxxiv how those are.htm

On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs.
... is added the name of David, by whom Solomon was begotten ... body of Christ; "and the
ways of a ship crossing the ... The Gentiles, that is to say, are built upon Christ ...
/.../on proverbs from the commentary.htm