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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to overlook the strategic genius here; Solomon didn't just build ships, he placed them at Ezion-geber, specifically chosen for its prime location near Eloth on the Red Sea's shore. This wasn't random; it was a calculated move positioning Israel to dominate lucrative trade routes, reaching far beyond their immediate neighbors.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Right before this, God had appeared to Solomon again, establishing his kingdom and promising him a lasting dynasty if he obeyed. Now, the text shifts to Solomon's ambitious building projects, showcasing his immense wealth and international reach, particularly his naval ventures that brought him vast riches and connected his kingdom to distant lands through trade. This verse sets the stage for describing Solomon's flourishing kingdom and the gold that poured into Jerusalem as a result of these successful maritime enterprises.
Think King Solomon, and you might picture him in Jerusalem, building grand temples. But this verse takes us south, to a place called Ezion-geber. Why was this coastal city so important?
Solomon established a significant port at Ezion-geber, strategically located on the Gulf of Aqaba, which connects to the Red Sea. This wasn't just any coastline; it was the gateway to international trade routes.
Access to Global Trade:
Building a fleet of ships isn't a casual hobby. What was Solomon's ultimate goal in venturing onto the Red Sea? It was all about bringing resources home.
The construction of this fleet at Ezion-geber had a clear economic objective: to amass wealth and resources for the kingdom.
Expedition for Riches:
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Understand the original words
melek · Hebrew Noun
The title given to the monarch of the United Kingdom of Israel, signifying God's anointed ruler over His people. In biblical context, it denotes supreme authority, responsibility to govern according to God’s law, and representative headship.
Etsyon Geber · Hebrew Proper Noun
A significant maritime port located at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea). Biblically, it serves as a site of strategic economic and logistical importance for Israel's expansion under Solomon's reign.
yam suph · Hebrew Proper Noun
The body of water bordering the wilderness of Sinai and the land of Edom. Throughout Scripture, it is most famously associated with the miraculous crossing during the Exodus, representing God's redemptive power and barrier-breaking deliverance.
Edom · Hebrew Proper Noun
A nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob. Edom stands in the biblical narrative as a brother-nation to Israel that often maintained a tense and complex geopolitical relationship with God's people.
This verse places Solomon's strategic port at Ezion-geber within the broader context of his ambitious building program and his efforts to establish Israel as a major maritime trading power during a unique period of unified national strength.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy of Israel
Following the reigns of Saul and David, Solomon inherits a unified kingdom, setting the stage for economic and building initiatives.
c. 970-931 BC
Reign of King Solomon
Solomon's long reign is marked by peace, prosperity, extensive building projects including the Temple, and significant trade ventures.
c. 960 BC— this verse
Solomon builds Ezion-geber port
Solomon establishes a naval base and trading port at Ezion-geber, strategically located on the Gulf of Aqaba for maritime trade.
c. 950 BC
Solomon's maritime trade expeditions
Ships from Ezion-geber likely embarked on voyages to distant lands like Ophir, bringing back valuable resources such as gold, silver, and exotic goods.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah, impacting future regional dynamics.
This passage continues the narrative about Solomon's wealth and trade, directly mentioning the ships from Ophir that brought gold, silver, and other valuable goods, showing the purpose and success of the fleet mentioned in 1 Kings 9:26.
2 Chronicles 8:17This parallel account confirms Solomon's establishment of a maritime venture at Ezion-geber, reinforcing the historical context and the significance of his fleet for trade and exploration.
Deuteronomy 17:16This passage outlines specific warnings to Israel's future kings against accumulating excessive horses, wives, and wealth, which Solomon's vast trading empire, facilitated by his fleet, could be seen as bordering on.
Exodus 14:2This passage mentions the general area of the Red Sea where the Israelites crossed, providing geographical context for Ezion-geber's strategic location on the Red Sea, a key artery for ancient maritime trade.
It's easy to overlook the strategic genius here; Solomon didn't just build ships, he placed them at Ezion-geber, specifically chosen for its prime location near Eloth on the Red Sea's shore. This wasn't random; it was a calculated move positioning Israel to dominate lucrative trade routes, reaching far beyond their immediate neighbors.
Right before this, God had appeared to Solomon again, establishing his kingdom and promising him a lasting dynasty if he obeyed. Now, the text shifts to Solomon's ambitious building projects, showcasing his immense wealth and international reach, particularly his naval ventures that brought him vast riches and connected his kingdom to distant lands through trade. This verse sets the stage for describing Solomon's flourishing kingdom and the gold that poured into Jerusalem as a result of these successful maritime enterprises.
Right before this, God had appeared to Solomon again, establishing his kingdom and promising him a lasting dynasty if he obeyed. Now, the text shifts to Solomon's ambitious building projects, showcasing his immense wealth and international reach, particularly his naval ventures that brought him vast riches and connected his kingdom to distant lands through trade. This verse sets the stage for describing Solomon's flourishing kingdom and the gold that poured into Jerusalem as a result of these successful maritime enterprises.
"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." — It's easy to overlook the strategic genius here; Solomon didn't just build ships, he placed them at Ezion-geber, specifically chosen for its prime location near Eloth on the Red Sea's shore. This was…
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Last reviewed October 2026