MPV Commentary

Solomon's Festival Sacrifices.

The people did not deviate from the commands of King David in any of his ordinances, which he had established by divine authority. This included regulations for the priests and Levites regarding their duties and the management of temple treasures.

Then Solomon traveled to Ezion-geber and Eloth, two important maritime ports on the eastern gulf of the Red Sea. He wanted to promote a spirit of commerce among his people, recognizing that this would contribute to the greatness and glory of his kingdom. To achieve this goal, he made an agreement with Huram to provide ships and sailors to teach his subjects about navigation.

Huram supplied Solomon with ships, either by sending skilled sailors overland or by building vessels in docks at Eloth. This navy was manned by Tyrians, as Solomon's own people lacked the expertise for long-distance expeditions. The Hebrew fishermen who worked on smaller boats were not equipped to handle large vessels carrying valuable cargo on extended voyages across the open ocean.

Solomon received 450 talents of gold from Huram (compare 1 Kings 9:28).