1Ki 9:26 | MHM | STEP | v. 26-28 : Solomon built a fleet of trading ships at Ezion-geber, near the Red Sea (1 Kings 9:26 ). The port had belonged to the Edomites until David conquered them (Numbers 33:35 ). Solomon’s ships traded with Ophir, likely in the region of modern-day Sri Lanka or India, and brought back large amounts of gold (1 Kings 9:28 ). He partnered with Hiram’s sailors, who had more experience at sea (1 Kings 9:27 ). This shows how nations can help each other through trade and sharing skills. Solomon became wealthy through trade, but his father David gained even more by winning battles (1 Chronicles 22:14; 29:4 ). Even so, Solomon taught that the merchandise of wisdom is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold (Proverbs 3:14 ). Wisdom is the greatest treasure.

‏ 1 Kings 9:26

v. 26-28: Solomon built a fleet of trading ships at Ezion-geber, near the Red Sea (1 Kings 9:26 ^a). The port had belonged to the Edomites until David conquered them (Numbers 33:35 ^b). Solomon’s ships traded with Ophir, likely in the region of modern-day Sri Lanka or India, and brought back large amounts of gold (1 Kings 9:28 ^c). He partnered with Hiram’s sailors, who had more experience at sea (1 Kings 9:27 ^d). This shows how nations can help each other through trade and sharing skills.

Solomon became wealthy through trade, but his father David gained even more by winning battles (1 Chronicles 22:14; 29:4 ^e). Even so, Solomon taught that the merchandise of wisdom is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold (Proverbs 3:14 ^f). Wisdom is the greatest treasure.