Topical Bible: Solomon: Commerce of

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Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel, is renowned not only for his wisdom but also for his extensive commercial enterprises. His reign, which is often considered the golden age of Israel, was marked by significant economic prosperity and international trade. Solomon's commercial activities were instrumental in establishing Israel as a major economic power in the ancient Near East.

Trade Alliances and Maritime Ventures

One of Solomon's most notable commercial achievements was his alliance with Hiram, king of Tyre. This partnership was crucial for Solomon's trade endeavors, as Tyre was a prominent maritime power. According to 1 Kings 5:1-12, Hiram supplied Solomon with cedar and cypress timber from Lebanon, which was essential for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. In return, Solomon provided Hiram with wheat and olive oil, establishing a mutually beneficial trade relationship.

Solomon's maritime ventures extended beyond the Mediterranean. He built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom (1 Kings 9:26). This fleet, manned by Hiram's experienced sailors, embarked on voyages to Ophir, bringing back gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks (1 Kings 10:22). The exact location of Ophir remains uncertain, but it is believed to have been a region rich in natural resources, possibly located in Africa or the Indian subcontinent.

Land Trade and Economic Infrastructure

Solomon's commercial activities were not limited to maritime trade. He also developed extensive land trade routes, facilitating the exchange of goods with neighboring regions. The strategic location of Israel, at the crossroads of major trade routes connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe, enabled Solomon to capitalize on the flow of goods through his kingdom.

To support his commercial enterprises, Solomon undertook significant infrastructure projects. He fortified key cities, such as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer (1 Kings 9:15), which served as administrative and military centers, ensuring the security of trade routes. Additionally, Solomon's construction of store cities and chariot cities (1 Kings 9:19) further enhanced the kingdom's capacity to manage and distribute goods.

Wealth and Economic Policies

Solomon's commercial success resulted in immense wealth for the kingdom of Israel. The biblical account in 1 Kings 10:14-15 states that the weight of gold that came to Solomon annually was 666 talents, excluding revenue from merchants, traders, and the kings of Arabia and governors of the land. This wealth enabled Solomon to maintain a lavish court and undertake grand building projects, including the construction of the Temple and his royal palace.

Solomon's economic policies included the imposition of taxes and forced labor, which were used to fund his ambitious projects. While these policies contributed to the kingdom's prosperity, they also placed a heavy burden on the people, leading to discontent that would later contribute to the division of the kingdom after Solomon's death.

International Relations and Trade Goods

Solomon's commercial activities fostered diplomatic relations with other nations. The visit of the Queen of Sheba, as recorded in 1 Kings 10:1-13, highlights the international recognition of Solomon's wealth and wisdom. Sheba, likely located in the region of modern-day Yemen, was known for its trade in spices, gold, and precious stones. The exchange of gifts between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba underscores the importance of trade in establishing and maintaining international alliances.

The goods traded during Solomon's reign were diverse and included gold, silver, precious stones, spices, horses, and chariots. Solomon's importation of horses and chariots from Egypt and Kue (1 Kings 10:28-29) not only enhanced his military capabilities but also facilitated trade with these regions.

In summary, Solomon's commerce was a cornerstone of his reign, contributing to the economic prosperity and international prestige of Israel. His strategic alliances, maritime ventures, and infrastructure development laid the foundation for a thriving economy, making Solomon one of the most celebrated figures in biblical history for his commercial acumen.

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1 Kings 9:28
And they came to Ophir, and fetched from there gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.
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1 Kings 10:11,12,22,28,29
And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.
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2 Chronicles 1:16,17
And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
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2 Chronicles 8:17,18
Then went Solomon to Eziongeber, and to Eloth, at the sea side in the land of Edom.
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2 Chronicles 9:13-22,28
Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and three score and six talents of gold;
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Library

Commerce
... the Sabbatic and of the Jubilee year would have brought all extended commerce to
a ... Only on one occasion, during the reign of Solomon, do we find anything like ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

Solomon's Reign.
... Solomon married a daughter of Pharoah and carried on with Egypt an extensive commerce
and for his wife's sake no doubt introduced the worship of Egyptian gods. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xii solomons reign.htm

A Greater than Solomon
... was a great ruler and governor"a man wise in politics, in social economy, and in
commerce"wise in all human respects. But a greater than Solomon is present ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/a greater than solomon.htm

Pride of Prosperity
... being one of the greatest kings that ever wielded a scepter, Solomon became a ... Commerce
with other nations brought them into intimate contact with those who had ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 3 pride of prosperity.htm

Kings
... Much of the story of Solomon, eg, is unmistakably historical"his luxury,
his effeminacy, his commerce, his unscrupulousness. But ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/kings.htm

Results of Transgression
... aggrandizement. Solomon sought to strengthen his position politically by
building fortified cities at the gateways of commerce. He ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

How to Split a Kingdom
... No doubt, the luxury and splendour of Solomon's brilliant reign had an under ... of the
benefits of the peaceful reign, which had brought security and commerce. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/how to split a kingdom.htm

Of the Divine Providence in General.
... and resolved to send to Hiram for fit timber, to begin commerce with Peru ... only the
disposition but also the creation and good government of Solomon were called ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iii of the divine.htm

I have Put Off My Coat; How Shall I Put it On? I have Washed My ...
Song of Songs of Solomon. ... so that there is nothing in me that is not wholly devoted
to my Well-beloved, how shall I again defile them by commerce with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/3 i have put off.htm

For Lo! the Winter is Past, the Rain is Over and Gone.
Song of Songs of Solomon. ... through by the rains, and overwhelmed by the tempests and
snows of sins and imperfections, so easily contracted in commerce with the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/11 for lo the winter.htm