1 Kings 5:1 kjv
And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.
1 Kings 5:1 nkjv
Now Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, because he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram had always loved David.
1 Kings 5:1 niv
When Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king to succeed his father David, he sent his envoys to Solomon, because he had always been on friendly terms with David.
1 Kings 5:1 esv
Now Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon when he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram always loved David.
1 Kings 5:1 nlt
King Hiram of Tyre had always been a loyal friend of David. When Hiram learned that David's son Solomon was the new king of Israel, he sent ambassadors to congratulate him.
1 Kings 5 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Kgs 4:20-25 | Judah and Israel were many, like the sand by the sea... | Solomon's peace and prosperity allowed for this alliance. |
| 1 Kgs 5:2 | And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, "You know that David my father... | Solomon reciprocates and acknowledges the prior relationship. |
| 1 Kgs 5:3 | You know that David my father could not build a house for the name of the LORD his God because of the warfare... | Context: Peace was necessary for Temple building. |
| 1 Kgs 5:4 | But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor misfortune. | God provided the peace for the Temple. |
| 1 Kgs 5:6 | "Now therefore command that they cut for me cedars from Lebanon... | The practical request following the initial contact. |
| 1 Kgs 9:11-14 | (Hiram king of Tyre had supplied Solomon with cedar and cypress timber and gold...) | Future trade and exchange between the two kings. |
| 2 Sam 5:11 | And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David... | Origin of Hiram and David's relationship. |
| 1 Chron 14:1 | And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David... | Parallel account of Hiram and David's relationship. |
| 1 Kgs 1:39 | Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon... | Confirmation of Solomon's anointing as king. |
| 1 Kgs 2:1-4 | When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son... | David's charge to Solomon regarding his succession and God's covenant. |
| Psa 72:1-11 | May kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute... | Prophetic psalm about Solomon's reign, including tribute from nations. |
| Isa 60:6-7 | All those from Sheba shall come; they shall bring gold and frankincense... | Gentile nations bringing resources and praise to God's house. |
| Zech 6:15 | And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD... | Foreshadowing Gentiles participating in building God's dwelling. |
| Rom 15:9-12 | and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy... | Fulfillment: Gentiles bringing glory to God in Christ. |
| Eph 2:19-22 | So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God... | Fulfillment: Gentiles becoming part of God's spiritual Temple. |
| Matt 12:42 | The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon... | Testimony to Solomon's wide-reaching reputation. |
| Prov 16:7 | When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. | Principle: God establishes peace with neighbors for His purposes. |
| Neh 13:2-3 | because they did not meet the people of Israel with bread and with water... | Contrast to other foreign nations hostile to Israel. |
| Acts 8:26-39 | Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and go toward the south... | Gentiles from afar drawn to the truth of God (e.g., Ethiopian eunuch). |
| 1 Kgs 2:46 | So the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon. | Final confirmation of Solomon's secure reign. |
| Gen 14:18-20 | And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine... | Early example of a gentile king blessing God's servant (Abraham). |
| Ps 2:10-12 | Now therefore, O kings, be wise... Kiss the Son, lest he be angry... | Nations called to acknowledge God's anointed King. |
1 Kings 5 verses
1 Kings 5 1 Meaning
This verse initiates the account of Solomon's cooperative efforts in building the Temple. It states that King Hiram of Tyre proactively sent emissaries to King Solomon upon hearing of his anointing as king, driven by a deep and longstanding affectionate relationship with Solomon's father, David. This immediate diplomatic gesture set the stage for the crucial alliance between Tyre and Israel, essential for the magnificent construction of the Lord's house in Jerusalem.
1 Kings 5 1 Context
This verse immediately follows a detailed description of Solomon's wise and peaceful reign, the extent of his dominion, and his profound wisdom given by God (1 Kgs 4). It marks a pivotal transition, introducing the direct preparations for building the Temple, which is the primary focus of 1 Kings chapters 5-8. The established peace and security under Solomon's rule, a blessing from God, created the opportune environment for such a monumental undertaking. Historically, Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city-state known for its advanced maritime capabilities, extensive trade networks, and skilled craftsmen, particularly in timber from Lebanon and precious metals. Its strategic alliance with Israel under David had proven mutually beneficial, and its continuation under Solomon was crucial for supplying the vast resources and specialized labor needed for the Temple's construction, which Israel, despite its agricultural richness, lacked.
1 Kings 5 1 Word analysis
- Now Hiram king of Tyre: Hiram (Ḥiram, חִירָם), meaning "exalted brother" or "brother of Ram" (a deity), signifies a significant historical figure who ruled the powerful maritime city-state of Tyre (Tsor, צֹר - "rock"). This opening immediately establishes the key international relationship that will be central to the narrative of the Temple building. It highlights the prominence and reputation Solomon held in the wider region.
- sent his servants: This indicates a formal diplomatic initiative. The dispatch of servants, rather than a personal visit, was customary protocol for expressing congratulations or initiating negotiations between sovereign rulers, demonstrating respect for Solomon's newly acquired status.
- to Solomon: Directing the message to the new king, acknowledging his legitimacy and authority.
- when he heard: This signifies the swift and widespread communication of political events. The news of Solomon's accession traveled efficiently, showcasing the connectedness of ancient Near Eastern polities. It also emphasizes Hiram's proactive response.
- that they had anointed him king: The term "anointed" (mashakh, מָשַׁח) refers to the sacred act of smearing with oil, a divinely mandated ritual in Israel for setting apart kings (and priests and prophets). Hiram's awareness of this specific Israelite custom indicates his knowledge of Israel's unique relationship with its God and its distinct system of succession, underscoring the political sophistication of the era. This also signifies the legitimate and recognized transfer of power from David to Solomon, divinely ordained.
- in place of his father: Explicitly states the peaceful and recognized royal succession, underscoring continuity and legitimacy, a vital aspect in dynastic transfers of power to maintain stability both domestically and internationally.
- for Hiram had always loved David: The word "loved" ('ahēḇ, אָהַב) goes beyond mere political alliance, suggesting a genuine affection, deep respect, and long-standing friendship between Hiram and David. This foundational relationship established by David was paramount. It was not based on Solomon's newness or direct accomplishments but on David's prior cultivation of strong, reliable international ties. This personal bond forms the moral and relational bedrock for the subsequent economic and practical partnership that built the Temple. It reveals David's character and diplomatic prowess.
1 Kings 5 1 Bonus section
- Legacy of David: This verse strongly testifies to the enduring positive legacy of King David. His character and actions cultivated an "always loved" relationship, demonstrating how the father's deeds profoundly impact the son's reign and provide essential opportunities for God's work.
- Divine Timing and Peace: The fact that Hiram reached out immediately after Solomon's ascension, during a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity, highlights the perfect divine timing for the Temple project. God had secured all frontiers (1 Kgs 4:24-25), ensuring no adversaries, which was a pre-condition for the holy endeavor.
- Early Gentile Involvement: The cooperative alliance with Tyre foreshadows the broader reach of God's redemptive plan beyond Israel's borders. Even Gentile nations, knowingly or unknowingly, play roles in advancing God's purposes, contributing to the establishment of His dwelling place among humanity, culminating in the spiritual Temple made of all believers, both Jew and Gentile (Eph 2:19-22).
1 Kings 5 1 Commentary
1 Kings 5:1 serves as a foundational verse, seamlessly linking Solomon's peaceful and wise reign with the grand project of building the Temple. It highlights divine providence, as God orchestrates an unlikely alliance between His chosen king and a prominent Gentile ruler, motivated by a unique historical friendship with David. This strategic goodwill from Hiram of Tyre, a non-Israelite and worshiper of other gods, becomes instrumental in supplying crucial resources and skills for the sanctuary dedicated to the Lord. It signifies not merely a political gesture but the very environment of peace and favorable international relations that was a prerequisite for constructing a house for God, echoing David's prior inability to do so due to constant warfare (1 Kgs 5:3). This alliance implicitly showcases the power of a good name and enduring relationships, ultimately furthering God's larger plan for His people.