Topical Bible: Holy Land: Extensive Commerce of, in Solomon's Reign

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Topical Encyclopedia

During the reign of King Solomon, the Holy Land experienced a period of unprecedented prosperity and extensive commerce. Solomon, the son of David, was renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and expansive building projects, which included the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign, which is often dated to the 10th century BC, marked a golden age for Israel, characterized by peace, stability, and economic growth.

Trade and Alliances

Solomon's strategic alliances played a crucial role in the expansion of commerce. One of the most significant alliances was with Hiram, the king of Tyre. This partnership facilitated the exchange of goods and resources, particularly the procurement of cedar and cypress timber from Lebanon, essential for Solomon's building projects. As recorded in 1 Kings 5:10-12 , "So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted, and Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand cors of wheat as food for his household, and twenty thousand baths of pure olive oil. Solomon did this for Hiram year after year."

Maritime Ventures

Solomon's reign also saw the development of a formidable maritime presence. He established a fleet of ships at Ezion-Geber, near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. This fleet, in collaboration with Hiram's sailors, embarked on voyages to Ophir, bringing back gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. As noted in 1 Kings 9:26-28 , "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—four hundred and twenty talents—and delivered it to Solomon."

Wealth and Luxury

The wealth accumulated through trade and tribute during Solomon's reign was immense. The king's annual income in gold alone was six hundred sixty-six talents, excluding revenue from merchants, traders, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land (1 Kings 10:14-15). This wealth enabled Solomon to indulge in luxury and splendor, as evidenced by his throne of ivory overlaid with gold, and his vast collection of chariots and horses imported from Egypt and Kue (1 Kings 10:18-29).

Cultural and Economic Influence

Solomon's extensive commerce not only enriched the kingdom but also positioned Israel as a significant cultural and economic hub in the ancient Near East. The influx of wealth and foreign goods contributed to a flourishing of the arts and sciences, attracting visitors and dignitaries from distant lands, including the famous visit of the Queen of Sheba. Her visit, as described in 1 Kings 10:1-13 , highlights the widespread fame of Solomon's wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom.

Conclusion

The extensive commerce during Solomon's reign was a testament to his administrative acumen and the divine favor upon Israel. This period of economic prosperity and cultural exchange left a lasting legacy on the Holy Land, influencing its history and development for generations to come.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 9:26-28
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 10:22-29
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon, the defection ... of the Nile, and of this commerce
the Phoenicians ... masters; the remainder followed the land-routes, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm