מלכים א, פרק ט׳, פסוק כ״ו

King Solomon strategically expanded the economic and military power of his kingdom by establishing a naval presence in the south. By securing a position at the entrance to the Red Sea, he gained a significant advantage. This location allowed him to operate far away from the fierce commercial competition in the Mediterranean, which was dominated by coastal nations such as the Tyrians, Sidonians, Philistines, and Egyptians [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The establishment of this maritime operation required initial military action. Solomon launched a campaign to the south, conquering the city of Ezion-geber and the neighboring city of Eloth [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Only after securing these locations did he build his ships there [מלבי״ם, רד״ק]. While the primary approach among commentators suggests the construction of a single vessel, another perspective understands that he built an entire naval fleet [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Geographically, this area was located in the land of Edom. Even though the entire region south of Judah officially belonged to Edom, Solomon exercised supreme authority over the territory in practice. He maintained control of these key cities to support his various national needs [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Ultimately, the creation of this southern naval base serves as clear evidence of the vast scope and remarkable strength of his rule.