After the tribes of Israel were united under King David (around 1000 B.C.), international trade began to increase. Israelite rulers built storage cellars and warehouses to store wine, grain, and olive oil taken from local farmers as a form of taxation. The kings used these items in their courts or traded them with neighboring countries. Although this practice probably was a source of competition for local farmers and merchants, it also created the need for professional traders (merchants) who specialized in the business of buying and selling.

The Bible reports that trade with other nations increased during King Solomon's reign (961-922 B.C.). Solomon needed wood, gold, and precious stones to build and furnish his palace and the temple he built for in Jerusalem. He traded with King Hiram of Tyre, and a trade agreement between them gave Hiram the right to use Israel's port at Ezion-Geber on the Red Sea. In return, Hiram sent Solomon experienced sailors to help the Israelites' journey to Ophir (believed to be in either India or Africa) to obtain gold (1 Kgs 9.26-28). Solomon also traded with the Queen of Sheba (1 Kgs 10.1-10). He bought horses from Musri (Egypt) and Kue (in today's southeast Turkey) for his many chariots (1 Kgs 10.28-29). In addition, Solomon probably charged foreign traders tolls or taxes to pass through Israel's territory.