Ophir
Far across the seas from ancient Israel lay Ophir, a distant region whose gold and almug trees supplied the materials that beautified the temple and palace under Solomon. Fleets dispatched by the king returned with these treasures, demonstrating how the Lord channeled the wealth of distant lands to establish a house worthy of his name and presence. Such provision highlighted the redemptive purpose of Solomon's reign, as the temple's adornment drew the nations' riches into the worship of the one true God.
Details
- Region
- Arabian Peninsula or East Africa
- Modern Location
- Location uncertain; possibly Yemen or Somalia
Key Passages
Solomon's Fleet Returns from Ophir
1 Kings 9:28
Records that Hiram's ships brought 420 talents of gold from Ophir to King Solomon.
28nd they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.
Gold and Almug Trees from Ophir
1 Kings 10:11
Describes Hiram's navy delivering gold, almug trees, and precious stones from Ophir for use in the temple and palace.
11nd the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.
Ophir Expedition Commissioned
2 Chronicles 8:18
Notes that Solomon sent ships to Ophir for gold through Hiram's servants.
18nd Huram sent him by the hands of his servants ships, and servants that had knowledge of the sea; and they went with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and took thence four hundred and fifty talents of gold, and brought them to king Solomon.