The Science in the Bible

Entry 58 · Section 6: Move

Ships of Tarshish and the Gold of Ophir

Solomon's fleets carry dense gold and mixed luxury cargo through long-distance maritime trade.

Scripture: 1 Kgs 9:26–28; 10:14–22

Naval ArchitectureEconomics

Illustrative reconstruction of a plausible ancient cargo vessel carrying timber, amphorae, and trade goods. The identity of a ship of Tarshish, its route, and Ophir’s location remain uncertain.
Illustrative reconstruction of a plausible ancient cargo vessel carrying timber, amphorae, and trade goods. The identity of a ship of Tarshish, its route, and Ophir’s location remain uncertain.

The question

How much mass and hull volume do the 420-talent shipment and 666-talent annual total represent?

Why it matters

The Ophir shipment, annual income, and three-year Tarshish cycle answer different questions and must not be merged.

Suggest a correction or new direction
About this preview: This page introduces the scene and question. It intentionally omits the entry's complete calculation, tables, sensitivity cases, and conclusion.