The fleet of Hiram is first mentioned in 1 Kings 9:26–28. The list of valuables from Sheba in 1 Kings 10:10 is reason for the writer (or editor) of the book 1 Kings to make an additional comment about other precious imported items: gold, almug wood, and precious stones. Almug wood comes from East Africa and is valuable and aromatic. Here it is being used to construct things like balustrades, flooring, or other furniture, and musical instruments. Also for these materials it holds that it is a unique collection: never before and never again has such precious cargo been brought in—this is the pinnacle of Solomon’s power and appearance. Anything more beautiful than this will not be seen.
11 Moreover, the fleet of Hiram, which brought gold from Ophir, brought from Ophir a very great amount of almug wood and precious stones.