1 Kings 10:22
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. 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.
Solomon maintained a fleet at sea in partnership with Hiram's navy, sailing to Tarshish and returning once every three years laden with gold and silver, ivory and apes and peacocks. These imported riches from the triennial voyages formed part of the revenues that sustained his lavish court. The navy itself is reckoned among his military provisions, marking his decision to depend on human judgment instead of obeying God's word.
The trade brought him wealth by sea from Tarshish, in silver and gold and other costly goods, with gold also connected with Ophir. That gain was secured at the price of integrity and faithfulness to sacred trust, for craving for political power and self-advancement drove him to alliance with heathen nations. Such temporal enrichment cost him character, since seeking greater wealth and power through union with idolatrous nations laid him open to pagan influence and drew him away from God.