Definition: For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 10:22. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage about wealth and prosperity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a massive, incredibly wealthy kingdom being built by God. The king is so rich that he has a powerful navy – essentially a huge fleet – of people dedicated to producing gold, silver, ivory, peacocks, and more. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish…” : "Tharshish" is a Hebrew word that means “fleet” or “navy.” This refers to a large and well-organized fleet – a powerful military force. “…with the navy of Hiram…” : "Hiram" was a very skilled craftsman and builder in King David’s time. He was known for his incredible talent and ambition. So, this navy is also being built by Hiram. “Once in three years came the navy of Tharshish…” : This is key! It means this wealthy kingdom only gets its wealth once every three years . It’s a periodic, predictable event. “…bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.” : This is where it gets really exciting! The Tharshish navy doesn't just produce goods; they also bring incredible treasures. They bring: Gold: The most valuable metal in the world. Silver: Another precious metal. Ivory: A beautiful, hard material often used for decoration and artistry. Apes: Large, intelligent animals – a sign of prosperity and power. Peacocks: Beautiful birds, symbolizing royalty and good fortune. What's the Big Picture? The verse suggests that this kingdom is incredibly blessed and prosperous. It’s not just about having lots of riches; it's about having a powerful, well-organized army to produce wealth . It points to the idea that God wants his people to be blessed with abundance and security. In essence, this verse describes a kingdom built on a foundation of extraordinary wealth – a lavish display of prosperity orchestrated by a skilled craftsman. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant in the Bible? Discuss what it might symbolize beyond just riches? Give you a more detailed explanation of any specific element (like Tharshish or Hiram)?