2 Chronicles 9:21

French OST (Ostervald)

Car les navires du roi allaient à Tarsis avec les serviteurs de Huram; et tous les trois ans une fois arrivaient les navires de Tarsis, apportant de l'or, de l'argent, des dents d'éléphants, des singes et des paons.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes how King Solomon's ships would travel to a place called Tarshish every three years. These ships would bring back valuable items like gold, silver, ivory, and exotic animals like apes and peacocks. The verse highlights the wealth and trade relationships of Solomon's kingdom.

Explained for Children

Imagine King Solomon had a big boat that would travel far away to a place called Tarshish every three years. This boat would come back with lots of treasures like gold and silver, and even funny animals like apes and peacocks! It's like a big shopping trip, but for a king!

Historical Background

The Book of 2 Chronicles was likely written by priests and scribes in the post-exilic period, around the 4th century BC. The text was aimed at a Jewish audience to remind them of their past glory under King Solomon and to encourage them in their rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.

Living It Out Today

Today, we can learn from King Solomon's example of establishing valuable trade relationships. Whether it's in business or friendship, investing time and effort to build strong connections can yield great rewards, just as Solomon's ships brought back precious goods.

Topics

• wealth
• trade
• kingship
• exotic goods
• prosperity
• relationships

Related Verses

• 1 Kings 10:22
• Psalms 45:8
• Isaiah 60:5
• 1 Timothy 6:17
• Ephesians 2:19

Frequently Asked Questions

How often did Solomon's ships travel to Tarshish?

The ships traveled to Tarshish every three years, bringing back valuable items and exotic animals.

What items did the ships bring back?

The ships brought back gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks, showcasing the wealth and trade capabilities of Solomon's kingdom.

What does this verse teach about trade relationships?

This verse teaches that strong trade relationships can yield significant benefits, bringing wealth and valuable resources to the kingdom.

How does this relate to the larger narrative of Solomon's reign?

This verse is part of a larger narrative that highlights Solomon's wealth, wisdom, and international influence, reflecting the height of Israel's glory under his rule.