a variation of the expression casting pearls before swine offering valuable things to those who cannot appreciate them.
Ophir is the seaport or region, frequently mentioned in the
Old Testament, from which the ships of
Solomon (
king of
Israel in the tenth century b.c.) brought
fine gold in great
quantity. Sandalwood, precious stones, ivory, apes and peacocks were also part of the
cargo. Though the exact location is uncertain, it is believed to have been in a kingdom in southeastern Arabia.