1 Kings 5 12

1 Kings 5:12 kjv

And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.

1 Kings 5:12 nkjv

So the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him; and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty together.

1 Kings 5:12 niv

The LORD gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him. There were peaceful relations between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.

1 Kings 5:12 esv

And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.

1 Kings 5:12 nlt

So the LORD gave wisdom to Solomon, just as he had promised. And Hiram and Solomon made a formal alliance of peace.

1 Kings 5 verses

1 Kings 5 12 Meaning

This verse encapsulates the direct fulfillment of God's promise to grant King Solomon unparalleled wisdom, which then manifested in peaceful and harmonious diplomatic relations with Hiram, the King of Tyre. The divine bestowal of wisdom to Solomon was not an abstract gift but a practical empowerment that facilitated a vital international alliance, essential for the colossal undertaking of building the Temple for the Lord. It highlights God's faithfulness and the practical, tangible benefits of His divine wisdom at work in human affairs, especially in statecraft and peace-making.

1 Kings 5 12 Context

1 Kings chapter 5 focuses on King Solomon's preparations for building the Temple in Jerusalem. Having received his divine commission and unparalleled wisdom from God, Solomon initiated diplomatic correspondence with Hiram, the King of Tyre. Hiram had been a loyal ally to Solomon's father, David, and upon learning of Solomon's ascension, sent emissaries. Solomon leveraged this goodwill, sending his own message to Hiram, requesting specific resources—cedar and cypress logs—and skilled artisans from Lebanon, which Israel lacked. He acknowledged God's commission for him to build the Temple and the unique expertise of Hiram's people. This verse (5:12) functions as a crucial theological and historical summary within this narrative. It confirms that the successful, cooperative outcome of these negotiations – leading to a peace treaty and mutual agreement (as described in 1 Ki 5:1-11) – was directly attributable to the Lord's fidelity in fulfilling His promise of wisdom to Solomon, making possible the grand architectural and spiritual vision of the Temple. The peaceful and effective alliance was indispensable for procuring the vast amounts of materials and labor needed for the grand temple project.

1 Kings 5 12 Word analysis

• The LORD (Hebrew: יהוה, YHWH): This refers to the covenant name of God, indicating His personal involvement and divine initiative in Solomon's life and reign. It signifies that the actions described are not merely human endeavors but part of God's sovereign plan for His people.
• gave (Hebrew: נָתַן, natan): A verb implying direct, intentional, and volitional bestowal. Solomon did not earn or acquire this wisdom independently; it was a sovereign gift from God, confirming His direct hand in human affairs.
• Solomon wisdom (Hebrew: חָכְמָה, chochmah): More than intellectual knowledge, this term signifies practical, discerning judgment and skill in living and governing. It encompassed administrative capability, diplomatic astuteness, and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong in complex situations, as famously displayed in the two prostitutes' case (1 Ki 3:16-28). This wisdom enabled him to rule justly and manage immense projects.
• just as he had promised him (Hebrew: כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר־לוֹ, ka'asher dibber-lo): This phrase directly links back to God's specific promise to Solomon in 1 Kings 3:11-12. It emphasizes God's faithfulness and covenant reliability. God fulfills His word; what He declares, He performs. This also roots Solomon's kingship in divine election and blessing.
• peace (Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם, shalom): Far more comprehensive than merely the absence of conflict. Shalom denotes wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, harmony, and favorable relations. Here, it refers to the secure and mutually beneficial diplomatic relationship and treaty established between Israel and Tyre, allowing for unhindered collaboration on the Temple.
• and understanding: This reinforces the concept of shalom, indicating not just an absence of hostility but a mutual comprehension, agreement, and cordial cooperation between the two kings. It speaks to a shared purpose and effective communication that was vital for the massive logistical operation of Temple construction.

Word-group analysis:

• The LORD gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him: This opening clause is a foundational theological statement. It asserts divine causality—God is the active giver, and Solomon's unique attribute (wisdom) is a direct fulfillment of God's prior pledge. This underscores that Solomon's reign, and particularly his success, was divinely ordained and empowered, not merely due to his natural abilities or strategic prowess.
• And there was peace and understanding between Hiram and Solomon: This second clause presents the direct, practical, and blessed outcome of the divine gift and faithfulness described in the first part. The peace and cooperative spirit with Hiram were not incidental but a fruit of God's promised wisdom. Solomon's divinely empowered discernment enabled him to forge a critical alliance, securing vital resources and skilled labor necessary for building the Lord's House, demonstrating the concrete impact of wisdom in national and international relations.

1 Kings 5 12 Bonus section

• The alliance with Tyre, secured by this "peace and understanding," was not merely a convenience but a strategic necessity. Israel lacked the extensive forests of cedar and pine found in Lebanon and the highly skilled master craftsmen (like Huram-abi mentioned later in 1 Kings 7:13-14) that Tyre possessed for monumental construction. This partnership was a divinely facilitated solution to Israel's resource limitations.
• This verse illustrates a divine principle: when God's people walk in wisdom and favor, even secular leaders can become instruments in furthering His purposes. Hiram's active cooperation highlights God's ability to orchestrate human events for His redemptive plan.
• The emphasis on "peace" (shalom) reflects an ideal state under the divinely appointed king. It contrasted sharply with the constant conflicts of the period of the judges and even David's reign, marking Solomon's early years as a time of stability and prosperity—a time suitable for building God's dwelling place without the distractions of war.

1 Kings 5 12 Commentary

1 Kings 5:12 stands as a pivotal summary, tying together divine promise, personal obedience, and the ensuing blessings. God's faithfulness to His word (the granting of wisdom) led directly to the establishment of beneficial and essential shalom with a foreign king. This harmony was crucial for the immense logistical undertaking of building the Temple. Solomon's wisdom, not merely intellectual but deeply practical and spiritual, enabled him to cultivate vital diplomatic ties that brought about God's purpose for the sanctuary. This verse exemplifies that true peace, productive collaboration, and effective governance ultimately stem from the wisdom granted by God and obedience to His commands. The strategic alliance between Israel and Tyre, enabled by this divine wisdom and peace, was foundational for an unprecedented era of building for God's glory.