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.

Study Bible

For the king had the ships of Tarshish
The term "ships of Tarshish" refers to large, sea-going vessels capable of long voyages. Tarshish is often associated with a distant, wealthy region, possibly in the western Mediterranean, such as Tartessos in Spain. These ships symbolize the extensive trade networks and wealth during King Solomon's reign, highlighting his wisdom and ability to expand Israel's influence.

that went with Hiram’s servants
Hiram, the king of Tyre, was an ally of Solomon. This partnership underscores the political and economic alliances Solomon formed, which were crucial for his building projects, including the Temple. The collaboration with Hiram's skilled sailors and craftsmen reflects the mutual benefits of international cooperation in the ancient Near East.

and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive
The three-year cycle suggests long-distance trade routes that required significant time for travel and trade. This period indicates the extensive reach of Solomon's commercial enterprises and the logistical challenges of ancient maritime trade. It also reflects the patience and planning involved in maintaining such a vast network.

bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks
These items represent the wealth and exotic nature of the goods imported into Israel. Gold and silver were symbols of wealth and power, while ivory was a luxury item. Apes and peacocks, likely imported from regions like Africa or India, indicate the diversity and opulence of Solomon's court. This abundance fulfills the promises of prosperity found in earlier scriptures and foreshadows the wealth of the Messianic kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Solomon
The ruler of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem.

2. Tarshish
A distant port or region, often associated with wealth and trade, possibly located in the western Mediterranean.

3. Huram (Hiram)
The king of Tyre, an ally of Solomon, who provided materials and skilled labor for the construction of the Temple.

4. Ships of Tarshish
A fleet used for long voyages, symbolizing international trade and the wealth it brought to Solomon's kingdom.

5. Trade Goods
Gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks, representing the wealth and exotic nature of Solomon's trade endeavors.

Teaching Points

The Blessings of Wisdom and Obedience
Solomon's wealth and success in trade were a result of his God-given wisdom. When we seek God's wisdom and obey His commands, we can experience His blessings in our lives.

The Dangers of Materialism
While Solomon's wealth was a sign of God's blessing, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for material wealth to lead us away from God. We must guard our hearts against the love of money.

God's Sovereignty in Provision
The international trade and wealth of Solomon's kingdom demonstrate God's ability to provide abundantly for His people. We can trust in God's provision for our needs.

The Importance of Alliances
Solomon's partnership with Huram of Tyre shows the value of forming alliances that honor God and contribute to His purposes. We should seek relationships that encourage our faith and service to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's trade with Tarshish reflect God's blessing on his reign, and what can we learn about seeking God's wisdom in our own lives?

2. In what ways can material wealth become a distraction from our relationship with God, and how can we guard against this in our daily lives?

3. How does the partnership between Solomon and Huram illustrate the importance of godly alliances, and what are some ways we can form such partnerships today?

4. Considering the wealth and trade of Solomon's kingdom, how can we trust in God's provision for our needs, even when resources seem scarce?

5. How do the references to the ships of Tarshish in other scriptures (e.g., Isaiah 2:16) provide a broader understanding of God's sovereignty and the eventual humbling of human pride?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 10:22
This verse parallels 2 Chronicles 9:21, providing additional context about Solomon's wealth and trade.

Isaiah 2:16
Mentions the ships of Tarshish in the context of human pride and the eventual humbling of the nations before God.

Ezekiel 27:12
Describes the wealth of Tyre, a trading partner of Israel, highlighting the extensive trade networks of the ancient world.