The Hebrew noun oni refers to a fleet of ships or a navy. It appears in contexts describing the maritime power and trade enterprises of ancient Israel, particularly the famed fleet of Solomon that sailed from Ezion-Geber on the Red Sea. The term reflects the commercial and geopolitical ambitions of the united monarchy.
Solomon's fleet at Ezion-Geber (1 Kings 9:26) was part of his vast economic expansion. The ships that brought gold from Ophir also represented Israel's engagement with the nations and their gods. Wisdom literature reflects on the transience of such wealth, while the prophets warn against trusting in military might or commercial power rather than in the LORD.