Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 20 - Verse 36
Meaning
In this verse, we see the account of a partnership between King Solomon of Israel and Hiram, king of Tyre. The purpose of their collaboration was to build ships that would sail to Tarshish, a distant and prosperous city known for its wealth and resources. The location where the ships were built, Eziongeber, was a strategic port on the Red Sea, providing easy access to the trade routes of the Indian Ocean. The partnership between these two kings symbolizes the importance of cooperation and unity in achieving common goals. By working together, they were able to combine their resources and expertise to create a successful fleet of ships that would expand their trade networks and bring prosperity to their kingdoms. This verse serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and the potential for great achievements when different parties come together for a shared purpose.
Theological Overview
The verse from 1 Kings 22:48 recounts how King Solomon joined forces with King Hiram to build ships in Eziongeber to sail to Tarshish. This partnership demonstrates the importance of collaboration and unity in achieving great endeavors, as two powerful leaders combined their resources and skills to accomplish a common goal. The mention of sailing to Tarshish highlights the economic and trade connections of the ancient world, as Tarshish was known for its wealth and resources. The theological interpretation of this verse can be viewed as a reminder of the value of working together, utilizing each other's strengths for mutual benefit. Additionally, the act of building ships signifies the importance of strategic planning and preparation in fulfilling God's purposes. The word "joined" emphasizes the bond between the two kings, reflecting the unity and harmony that can be achieved when individuals come together for a shared purpose.