References (12)
and
Ophir and
Havilah (Hebr. Chavila) and
Jovav,
all these were the sons of Joktan.
And they came to Ophir [a region known for its gold, see Job 28:16; Isaiah 13:12; probably south of the Red Sea] and bought gold from there, 420 talents [16 tons – equivalent to 1,152 gold bars weighing 12.5 kg each], and brought it to King Solomon.
And Hiram's fleet, which brought gold from Ophir, also brought from Ophir large quantities of sandalwood and precious stones.
Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir [south of the Gulf of Aqaba – eastern Africa or perhaps India] for gold, but they did not go, for the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber [port city around Eilat/Aqaba, perhaps Coral Island 13 km south of Eilat].
Ophir, Havilah (Hebr. Chavila), and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.
3,000 talents [100 tons] of gold from Ophir, and 7,000 talents [240 tons] of refined silver to overlay the walls of the buildings,
And Hiram [the king of Tyre] sent him by his servants ships and men skilled in sailing. They went with Solomon's servants to Ophir and brought back 450 talents [15 tons] of gold, which they brought to King Solomon.
When Hiram's people and Solomon's people brought gold from Ophir, they also brought back some almug wood and precious stones.
then you shall put your gold in the dust [not value it so highly],
and [the gold from] Ophir among the stones of the brook [cf. ],
No, she cannot be paid for with gold from Ophir
or with precious onyx and sapphire.
Listen, daughter, see and hear (incline your ear, listen carefully now);
forget your people [homeland] and your father's house (family).
[Normally, it was the son who would leave his father's house, see . Here, the bride seems to come from another country. She had to leave her old culture, loyalties, and religion. Here, Ruth is a fine example of someone who leaves both her country and her culture, see , while Solomon's and Ahab's wives do not give up their religion. From a messianic perspective, God's congregation needs to leave their old life behind and separate themselves for Jesus, see .]
I will make a man rarer than fine gold,
people [rarer] than pure gold from Ophir.
