1 Kings 10:11
And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones. And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.
This verse belongs to the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon during the early part of his reign. She came to hear his wisdom, seeking knowledge, and she conversed with him about nature. After hearing him she declared that not even half of his wisdom had been told to her.
The verse records that Hiram's navy brought from Ophir gold together with a great abundance of almug trees and precious stones. This trade was part of Solomon's commercial expansion from the Red Sea outlet at Ezion-geber, which he developed, using ships crewed by trained Tyrian sailors together with his own servants on voyages to Ophir. These imports increased the wealth of the king and his subjects and contributed to the wealth and splendor of his court. These commercial opportunities were used for personal gain rather than to teach visiting peoples about the true God. In connection with the trees mentioned in the verse, Solomon's study of plants and other parts of creation helped him recognize divine wisdom and know God as Creator.