Definition: Beside [that he had] of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty rich one with a few layers! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse describes a HUGE amount of wealth – and power – that God is granting to King Solomon. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Beside…” : This immediately tells us we’re talking about something additional to things already existing. It’s not just about more of something, but something significantly larger. “…the merchantmen…” : This refers to ships – specifically, trade ships – that were incredibly important for bringing goods and money across the sea. "...and of the spice merchants..." : Spice merchants were hugely successful in Arabia (a region near modern-day Israel). They traded spices like cinnamon, cloves, and pepper, making them very wealthy. "...and of all the kings of Arabia…” : This is a massive list! It means that Solomon was giving this wealth to every single king who ruled over Arabia – including the powerful rulers who controlled the trade routes. "...and of the governors of the country.” : Finally, it includes the officials in charge of managing and protecting the land and its resources. So, what’s the big picture? This verse is a cornerstone of understanding why Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem. He wasn't just building a temple to God; he was creating a kingdom of wealth and power that would allow him to rule justly and maintain order for his people. It highlights a key theme in the Bible: God’s blessing often comes with significant rewards. In essence, it’s about receiving a tremendous amount of prosperity and authority through God's grace. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to another Bible passage? Discuss the significance of this verse within the context of the Old Testament?