Keraia
1 Kings 5

1 Kings 5:7

Hiram’s Reply to Solomon · 1 Kings 5:7–12
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Translations

Modern
When Hiram received Solomon’s message, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the LORD this day! He has given David a wise son over this great people!”
Traditional
And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the Lord this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.
Literal
And it came to pass that Hiram heard the words of Solomon, and he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be YHWH this day, for He has given to David a wise son over this great people.”
Latin
Cum ergo audisset Hiram verba Salomonis, lætatus est valde, et ait: Benedictus Dominus Deus hodie, qui dedit David filium sapientissimum super populum hunc plurimum.

Original

Hebrew
English
When Hiram received Solomon’s message, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the LORD this day! He has given David a wise son over this great people!”

Notes

1 Kings 5:7

Blessed be the LORD: Hiram did not worship Israel’s God, but he respectfully acknowledged Solomon’s God, following ancient customs (see 1 Kings 10:9; 2 Kings 18:22–25; Ezra 1:2–4; 6:12; Daniel 2:47; 3:29; 6:26–27).

1 Kings 5:7–12

Hiram's response to Solomon confirmed and continued the friendly relations he had with David. The partnership benefited both sides. Solomon got the construction materials he needed for the temple. In return, he provided necessities for Hiram's household (1 Kings 5:9–10) and paid Hiram's workers (1 Kings 5:6). This passage shows the Phoenicians' skill in business and Solomon's great wealth. It also highlights Solomon's wisdom, which he believed was a gift from God. The mainly business-focused venture led to a formal peace alliance (1 Kings 5:12).

1 Kings 5:1–18

King Hiram of Tyre was a loyal friend of David (2 Samuel 5:11–12). This likely means they had a treaty. Hiram was an important ally and business partner (1 Kings 5:7–11, 18; 9:11, 26–28; 10:22). His name is a shorter version of Ahiram, found in other Phoenician writings.

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Solomon’s Wisdom

Events

Parallels

2 Chronicles 2:11–18

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Hiram: King of Tyre, ally of David and Solomon Solomon: Son of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom

Glossary

Alliance Hiram Kings, Books of First and Second Lebanon Postexilic Period Solomon (Person) Temple Tyre

Topics

Cedar: Furnished by Hiram, King of Tyre, for Solomon's Temple Covenants: Designed For: Promoting Commerce Diplomacy: Solomon, in his Alliance with Hiram Forests: Supplied Timber for Building the First Temple: Solomon: Contracted with Hiram for Wood, Stone, and Labour Treaty: Reciprocity Tyre: Kingdom of Men and Materials Sent From, to Solomon, for the Erection of the Temple and his Castles