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1 Kings 9:26

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 9:26 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.
1 Kings 9:26 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
23These were the chief officers that were over Solomon`s work, five hundred and fifty, who bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.
24But Pharaoh`s daughter came up out of the city of David unto her house which [Solomon] had built for her: then did he build Millo.
25And three times a year did Solomon offer burnt-offerings and peace-offerings upon the altar which he built unto Jehovah, burning incense therewith, [upon the altar] that was before Jehovah. So he finished the house.
26And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.
27And Hiram sent in the navy his servants, shipmen that had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon.
28And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.
← 1 Kings 9:251 Kings 9:27 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And King Solomon made a navy of ships in Eziongeber, etc.] Which was one of the stations of the Israelites, near the wilderness of Sin, or Paran, (<043335>Numbers 33:35), it signifies the backbone of a man; and it is said f177 the ridge of rocks before this port were in that form, covered by the sea at high water, and sticking up with various points in a line when it was low. Josephus says f178 in his time it was called Berenice, which is placed by Mela f179 between the Heroopolitic bay, and the promontory Strobilus, or Pharan. It is thought probable f180 to be the same with that which is called by the Arabs Meenah-el-Dsahab, the port of gold, called Dizahab, (<050101>Deuteronomy 1:1), which…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Ezion-geber, which is beside Eloth--These were neighboring ports at the head of the eastern or Elanitic branch of the Red Sea. Tyrian ship carpenters and sailors were sent there for Solomon's vessels (see on Ch2 8:17-18). Ezion-geber--that is, "the giant's backbone"; so called from a reef of rocks at the entrance of the harbor. Eloth--Elim or Elath; that is, "the trees"; a grove of terebinths still exists at the head of the gulf.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“On Ezion-geber and Eloth, see the notes to marginal references. As the entire tract about Elath (Akaba) is destitute of trees, it is conjectured that the wood of which Solomon built his fleet was cut in Lebanon, floated to Gaza by sea, and thence conveyed across to Ezion-geber, at the head of the E anitic Gulf, by land carriage. (Compare 2 Chronicles 2:16.) return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Made - Not now, but in the beginning of his reign. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 9:27”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“9:26-28 The seaport of Ezion-geber was situated on the Gulf of Aqaba, which opens onto the Red Sea. The location of Ophir is uncertain but may have been located in southwestern Arabia, eastern Africa, or India; the mention of gold and other precious commodities (see 10:11-12) indicates its strategic importance for trade.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“made a navy: Ch2 8:12, Ch2 8:17, 18-11:4 Eziongeber: Kg1 22:48; Num 33:35; Deu 2:8 Eloth: Kg2 14:22 shore: Heb. lip 3 Kings (1 Kings) 9:27”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification