1 Kings 10:22 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 10:22 mean?

1 Kings 10:22 describes how King Solomon had a fleet of ships, called the "navy of Tharshish," that sailed with the ships of Hiram. Every three years, these ships returned, bringing valuable and exotic goods such as gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. This verse highlights the great wealth and international connections of Solomon’s kingdom.

In the context of 1 Kings, this verse is part of a larger section describing Solomon’s extraordinary prosperity and the splendor of his reign. The writer is emphasizing how Solomon’s alliances, especially with Hiram of Tyre, brought not only riches but also rare animals and luxury items from distant lands, showing the reach and reputation of Israel at that time.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 10:22

• תַּרְשִׁישׁ (Tarshish): This place name is often understood as a distant port or region, possibly in the western Mediterranean. Its mention here suggests long-distance trade and access to far-off resources.
• שָׁנָה (shanah, "years"): The phrase "once in three years" indicates that these trading voyages were major undertakings, not routine trips, showing the scale and planning involved in Solomon’s trade.
• קוֹף (qof, "apes") and תֻּכִּיּים (tukkiyyim, "peacocks"): These words point to exotic animals, likely imported from faraway lands, underlining the uniqueness and luxury of the goods Solomon received.

Why 1 Kings 10:22 matters

• This verse helps clear up the scale of Solomon’s wealth, showing it was not just local but involved international trade and rare imports.
• The mention of Hiram’s navy alongside Solomon’s navy highlights the importance of alliances and cooperation with neighboring kingdoms.
• By listing specific goods, the verse connects Solomon’s reign to the broader ancient world, showing Israel’s place in global trade networks and the fulfillment of earlier promises of prosperity.