1 Kings Chapter 9 · Verse 28
And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבִ֖אוּ
And they came
H935
וַיָּבִ֖אוּ
And they came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אוֹפִ֔ירָה
to Ophir
H211
אוֹפִ֔ירָה
to Ophir
Strong's:
H211
Word #:
2 of 13
ophir, the name of a son of joktan, and of a gold region in the east
וַיִּקְח֤וּ
and fetched
H3947
וַיִּקְח֤וּ
and fetched
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
3 of 13
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
מִשָּׁם֙
H8033
מִשָּׁם֙
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
4 of 13
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
זָהָ֔ב
from thence gold
H2091
זָהָ֔ב
from thence gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
5 of 13
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
כִּכָּ֑ר
talents
H3603
כִּכָּ֑ר
talents
Strong's:
H3603
Word #:
9 of 13
a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l
Cross References
2 Chronicles 8:18And 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.1 Chronicles 29:4Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal:Isaiah 13:12I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.Psalms 45:9Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.Job 28:16It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.Job 22:24Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.1 Kings 10:11And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of god's covenant with solomon and his building projects, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.