1 Kings 9:26
New International Version
King Solomon also built ships at Ezion Geber, which is near Elath in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea.

New Living Translation
King Solomon also built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, a port near Elath in the land of Edom, along the shore of the Red Sea.

English Standard Version
King Solomon built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.

Berean Standard Bible
King Solomon also assembled a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
King Solomon also built a fleet of ships at Ezion Geber, which is near Elath on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.

New American Standard Bible
King Solomon also built a fleet of ships in Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.

NASB 1995
King Solomon also built a fleet of ships in Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.

NASB 1977
King Solomon also built a fleet of ships in Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.

Legacy Standard Bible
King Solomon also made a fleet of ships in Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.

Amplified Bible
King Solomon built a fleet of ships in Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea (Sea of Reeds), in the land of Edom.

Christian Standard Bible
King Solomon put together a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea in the land of Edom.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
King Solomon put together a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea in the land of Edom.

American Standard Version
And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.

Contemporary English Version
He also had a lot of ships at Ezion-Geber, a town in Edom near Eloth on the Red Sea.

English Revised Version
And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
King Solomon also built a fleet near the Red Sea coast at Ezion Geber by Elath in Edom.

Good News Translation
King Solomon also built a fleet of ships at Eziongeber, which is near Elath on the shore of the Gulf of Aqaba, in the land of Edom.

International Standard Version
King Solomon also built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Reed Sea in the land of Edom.

Majority Standard Bible
King Solomon also assembled a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea.

NET Bible
King Solomon also built ships in Ezion Geber, which is located near Elat in the land of Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea.

New Heart English Bible
King Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion Geber, which is beside Eilat, on the shore of the Sea at the End, in the land of Edom.

Webster's Bible Translation
And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.

World English Bible
King Solomon made a fleet of ships in Ezion Geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And King Solomon has made a navy in Ezion-Geber, that is beside Eloth, on the edge of the Sea of Suph, in the land of Edom.

Young's Literal Translation
And a navy hath king Solomon made in Ezion-Geber, that is beside Eloth, on the edge of the Sea of Suph, in the land of Edom.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Solomon made a ship in Ezion-Geber, which is with Eloth, upon the lip of the sea of sedge in the land of Edom.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And king Solomon made a fleet in Asiongaber, which is by Ailath on the shore of the Red Sea in the land of Edom.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And king Solomon made a navy at Ezion Geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shores of the Red Sea, in the land of Idumea.

New American Bible
King Solomon also built a fleet at Ezion-geber, which is near Elath on the shore of the Red Sea in the land of Edom.

New Revised Standard Version
King Solomon built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And King Solomon built a ship in Ezion-geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Arwad.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And King Solomon made ships in EtsinuGabar that is with Eluth by the shore of the Sea of Reeds in the Land of Arud.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
even that for which king Solomon built a ship in Gasion Gaber near Aelath on the shore of the extremity of the sea in the land of Edom.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Numerous Achievements
25Three times a year Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar he had built for the LORD, burning incense with them before the LORD. So he completed the temple. 26King Solomon also assembled a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea. 27And Hiram sent his servants, men who knew the sea, to serve in the fleet with Solomon’s servants.…

Cross References
2 Chronicles 8:17-18
Then Solomon went to Ezion-geber and to Eloth on the coast of Edom. / So Hiram sent him ships captained by his servants, along with crews of experienced sailors. They went with Solomon’s servants to Ophir and acquired from there 450 talents of gold, which they delivered to King Solomon.

1 Kings 10:22
For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

1 Kings 5:6
Now therefore, order that cedars of Lebanon be cut down for me. My servants will be with your servants, and I will pay your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that there are none among us as skilled in logging as the Sidonians.”

1 Kings 22:48-49
Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail, because they were wrecked at Ezion-geber. / At that time Ahaziah son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, “Let my servants sail with your servants,” but Jehoshaphat refused.

2 Chronicles 9:21
For the king had the ships of Tarshish that went with Hiram’s servants, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

Isaiah 23:1-18
This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus. / Be silent, O dwellers of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon, whose traders have crossed the sea. / On the great waters came the grain of Shihor; the harvest of the Nile was the revenue of Tyre; she was the merchant of the nations. ...

Ezekiel 27:1-36
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, / “Now you, son of man, take up a lament for Tyre. / Tell Tyre, who dwells at the gateway to the sea, merchant of the peoples on many coasts, that this is what the Lord GOD says: You have said, O Tyre, ‘I am perfect in beauty.’ ...

Psalm 107:23-30
Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. / They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep. / For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea. ...

Acts 27:1-44
When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. / We boarded an Adramyttian ship about to sail for ports along the coast of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us. / The next day we landed at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul with consideration, allowing him to visit his friends and receive their care. ...

Jonah 1:3
Jonah, however, got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD.

Matthew 4:18-22
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. / “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” / And at once they left their nets and followed Him. ...

Mark 1:16-20
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. / “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” / And at once they left their nets and followed Him. ...

Luke 5:1-11
On one occasion, while Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret with the crowd pressing in on Him to hear the word of God, / He saw two boats at the edge of the lake. The fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. / Jesus got into the boat belonging to Simon and asked him to put out a little from shore. And sitting down, He taught the people from the boat. ...

John 21:1-14
Later, by the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus again revealed Himself to the disciples. He made Himself known in this way: / Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. / Simon Peter told them, “I am going fishing.” “We will go with you,” they said. So they went out and got into the boat, but caught nothing that night. ...

Acts 18:18-21
Paul remained in Corinth for quite some time before saying goodbye to the brothers. He had his head shaved in Cenchrea to keep a vow he had made, and then he sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. / When they reached Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews. / When they asked him to stay for a while longer, he declined. ...


Treasury of Scripture

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.

made a navy

2 Chronicles 8:12,17,18
Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch, …

Ezion-geber

1 Kings 22:48
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.

Numbers 33:35
And they departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Eziongaber.

Deuteronomy 2:8
And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

Eloth

2 Kings 14:22
He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.

shore [heb] lip

Jump to Previous
Ber Built Edge Edom Elath Eloth Ezion Eziongeber Ezion-Geber E'zion-Ge'ber Fleet Geber Navy Red Sea Sea-Force Ships Shore Solomon Suph
Jump to Next
Ber Built Edge Edom Elath Eloth Ezion Eziongeber Ezion-Geber E'zion-Ge'ber Fleet Geber Navy Red Sea Sea-Force Ships Shore Solomon Suph
1 Kings 9
1. God's covenant in a vision with Solomon
10. The mutual presents of Solomon and Hiran
15. In Solomon's works the Gentiles were his bondmen, the Israelites servants
24. Pharaoh's daughter removes to her house
25. Solomon's yearly solemn sacrifices
26. His navy fetches gold from Ophir














King Solomon also assembled a fleet of ships
Solomon's decision to build a fleet of ships marks a significant expansion of Israel's economic and political influence. This action reflects Solomon's wisdom and ambition to enhance trade and wealth, aligning with his reputation for prosperity and wisdom. The fleet was likely used for trade expeditions, particularly to Ophir, known for its gold. This initiative demonstrates Solomon's ability to leverage Israel's geographical position for economic gain, similar to how he utilized alliances and marriages to secure political stability.

at Ezion-geber
Ezion-geber is identified as a port city on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, part of the Red Sea. Archaeological evidence suggests it was a significant center for copper smelting and trade during Solomon's reign. The location was strategically chosen for its access to maritime routes, facilitating trade with distant lands. This site underscores Solomon's strategic acumen in selecting locations that would maximize Israel's trade potential.

which is near Eloth
Eloth, or Elat, is another port city close to Ezion-geber. Its mention highlights the importance of this region as a hub for trade and commerce. Historically, Eloth was a key location for trade routes connecting the Arabian Peninsula with the Levant. The proximity of Ezion-geber to Eloth suggests a network of ports that Solomon utilized to control and expand trade operations.

in Edom
Edom was a neighboring kingdom to the south of Israel, often in conflict with Israel. However, during Solomon's reign, Edom was under Israelite control, allowing Solomon to exploit its resources and strategic locations. This control over Edom reflects the extent of Solomon's kingdom and his ability to maintain peace and stability through political and military means.

on the shore of the Red Sea
The Red Sea was a crucial maritime route for ancient trade, connecting the Mediterranean with the Indian Ocean. By establishing a fleet here, Solomon tapped into the lucrative trade networks of the ancient world, including those reaching as far as Africa and India. This move not only increased Israel's wealth but also its influence in international trade. The Red Sea's mention emphasizes the global reach of Solomon's economic policies and the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a prosperous nation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. In this verse, he is expanding his influence through maritime trade.

2. Ezion-geber
A port city located near Eloth, on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, part of the Red Sea. It served as a strategic location for Solomon's fleet.

3. Eloth (Elat)
A city near Ezion-geber, also on the Gulf of Aqaba. It was an important trade hub in the region.

4. Land of Edom
A region south of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the descendants of Esau. It was under Israelite control during Solomon's reign.

5. Red Sea
A significant body of water that provided a route for trade and exploration. Solomon's fleet would have used this sea to reach distant lands.
Teaching Points
Wisdom in Leadership
Solomon's decision to build a fleet demonstrates strategic thinking and the importance of expanding trade and influence. Leaders today can learn from his example by seeking wisdom in decision-making and considering long-term impacts.

Utilizing Resources
Solomon used the natural resources and geographical advantages available to him. Believers are encouraged to recognize and utilize the resources God has provided in their own lives for His glory.

Collaboration and Partnership
Solomon's collaboration with Hiram of Tyre shows the value of forming alliances and partnerships. Christians can apply this by working together with others in ministry and community efforts.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The inclusion of Edom under Israelite control during Solomon's reign reminds us of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to fulfill His promises.

Stewardship and Accountability
Solomon's wealth and resources came with the responsibility of stewardship. Believers are called to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to them.(26) Ezion-geber.--This place is first noticed in Numbers 33:35 and Deuteronomy 2:8 as a station in the wanderings of the Israelites, reached not long before their entrance into Canaan. It lies at the head of the Gulf of Akabah, the nearest point of the Red Sea, on the edge of the mountain country of Edom. Its very name ("the giant's backbone") indicates the nature of the country around it, which (it has been noted) could hardly have itself supplied timber for ship-building. But from 2Chronicles 8:18 it appears that the ships, or the materials from which they were built, were sent from Tyre.

Verse 26. - And king Solomon made a navy of ships [Heb. ךאנִי, a collective noun, classis. The chronicler paraphrases by ךאנִיות, plural. This fact finds a record here, probably because it was to the voyages of this fleet that the king was indebted for the gold which enabled him to erect and adorn the buildings recently described. (As to form, etc., of the ships, see Dict. Bib. 2. p. 1014). But no historian could pass over without notice an event of such profound importance to Israel as the construction of its first ships, which, next to the temple, was the great event of Solomon's reign] in Ezion-geber [lit., the backbone of a man (or giant). Cf. Numbers 33:35; Deuteronomy 2:8; 2 Kings 4:22; 2 Chronicles 8:17. The name is probably due, like Shechem (see note on 1 Kings 12:25) to a real or fancied resemblance in the physical geography of the country to that part of the human body. Stanley (S. and P. p. 84) speaks of "the jagged ranges on each side of the gulf." Akaba, the modern name, also means back. 2 Chronicles l.c. says Solomon went to Ezion-geber, which it is highly probable he would do], which is beside [Heb. אֵת = aloud (Gesen., Lex. s.v.)] Eloth [lit., trees akin to Elim, where were palm trees (Exodus 15:27; Exodus 16:1). The name is interesting as suggesting that Solomon may have found some of the timber for the construction of his fleet here. A grove of palm trees "still exists at the head of the gulf of Akaba" (Stanley S. and P. p. 20). Palms, it is true, are not adapted to shipbuilding, but other timber may have grown there in a past age. But see note on ver. 27. For Elath, see Porter, p. 40; Deuteronomy 2:8; 2 Samuel 8:14 (which shows how it passed into the hand of Israel); 2 Kings 8:20; 2 Kings 14:22; 2 Kings 16:6. It gave a name to the Elanitic Gulf, now the Gulf of Akaba], on the shore [Heb. lip] of the Red sea [Heb. Sea of Rushes. LXX. ἡ ἐρυθρὰ θάλασσα. The redness is due to subaqueous vegetation. "Fragments of red coral are forever being thrown up from the stores below, and it is these coral-line forests which form the true 'weeds' of this fantastic sea" (Stanley, S. and P. p. 83). There is also apparently a bottom of red sandstone (ib. p. 6, note). It is divided by the Sinaitic peninsula into two arms or gulfs, the western being the Gulf of Suez, and the eastern the Gulf of Akabah. The former is 130 miles, the latter 90 miles long], in the land of Edom. [The subjugation of Edom is mentioned 2 Samuel 8:14.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
King
הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Solomon
שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

also assembled
עָשָׂה֩ (‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

a fleet of ships
וָאֳנִ֡י (wā·’o·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 590: Ships, a fleet

at Ezion-geber,
גֶּ֨בֶר (ge·ḇer)
Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6100: Ezion-geber -- a city on the shore of the Gulf of Aqaba

which
אֲשֶׁ֧ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

is near
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

Eloth
אֵל֛וֹת (’ê·lō·wṯ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 359: Eloth -- 'grove of lofty trees'

[in]
בְּאֶ֥רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

Edom,
אֱדֽוֹם׃ (’ĕ·ḏō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 123: The name of a condiment

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the shore
שְׂפַ֥ת (śə·p̄aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin

of the Red
ס֖וּף (sūp̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5488: A reed, the papyrus

Sea.
יַם־ (yam-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin


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OT History: 1 Kings 9:26 King Solomon made a navy of ships (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 9:25
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