King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 8:18 Mean?

2 Chronicles 8:18 in the King James Version says “And Huram sent him by the hands of his servants ships , and servants that had knowledge of the sea; and they went with t...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And 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.”

2 Chronicles 8:18 · KJV

Context

16

Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected.

17

Then went Solomon to Eziongeber, and to Eloth, at the sea side in the land of Edom. Eloth: also called, Elath, Deut.2.8.

18

And 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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And 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.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Consolidating the kingdom and establishing worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Solomon's Other Building Projects point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיִּֽשְׁלַֽח1 of 25

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לוֹ֩2 of 25
H0
חוּרָ֨ם3 of 25

“And Huram”

H2361

churam, the name of an israelite and two syrians

בְּיַד4 of 25

“him by the hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עַבְדֵ֤י5 of 25

“and servants”

H5650

a servant

אֳונִיּ֗וֹת6 of 25

“ships”

H591

a ship

עַבְדֵ֤י7 of 25

“and servants”

H5650

a servant

י֣וֹדְעֵי8 of 25

“that had knowledge”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

יָם֒9 of 25

“of the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וַיָּבִ֖יאוּ10 of 25

“and brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עִם11 of 25
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

עַבְדֵ֤י12 of 25

“and servants”

H5650

a servant

שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃13 of 25

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אוֹפִ֔ירָה14 of 25

“to Ophir”

H211

ophir, the name of a son of joktan, and of a gold region in the east

וַיִּקְח֣וּ15 of 25

“and took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִשָּׁ֔ם16 of 25
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אַרְבַּע17 of 25

“thence four”

H702

four

מֵא֥וֹת18 of 25

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֖ים19 of 25

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

כִּכַּ֣ר20 of 25

“talents”

H3603

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

זָהָ֑ב21 of 25

“of gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וַיָּבִ֖יאוּ22 of 25

“and brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל23 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ24 of 25

“them to king”

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃25 of 25

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 8:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 8:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 9:102 Chronicles 9:131 Kings 9:27-28Ecclesiastes 2:81 Kings 10:22

Places in This Verse

OphirRegion · Modern: southwestern Arabia · 18.22°N, 42.50°E10 verses across 6 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 8 →

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