2 Chronicles 2 12

2 Chronicles 2:12 kjv

Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.

2 Chronicles 2:12 nkjv

Hiram also said: Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, for He has given King David a wise son, endowed with prudence and understanding, who will build a temple for the LORD and a royal house for himself!

2 Chronicles 2:12 niv

And Hiram added: "Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth! He has given King David a wise son, endowed with intelligence and discernment, who will build a temple for the LORD and a palace for himself.

2 Chronicles 2:12 esv

Hiram also said, "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who has given King David a wise son, who has discretion and understanding, who will build a temple for the LORD and a royal palace for himself.

2 Chronicles 2:12 nlt

Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who made the heavens and the earth! He has given King David a wise son, gifted with skill and understanding, who will build a Temple for the LORD and a royal palace for himself.

2 Chronicles 2 verses

2 Chronicles 2 12 Meaning

2 Chronicles 2:12 records King Hiram of Tyre's blessing upon the LORD God of Israel, acknowledging Him as the supreme Creator of heaven and earth. Hiram attributes Solomon's wisdom, prudence, and understanding to a divine gift from this very God, bestowed upon David and his son. He recognizes that this divine wisdom empowers Solomon to fulfill two significant tasks: constructing the glorious Temple for the LORD and building a grand royal palace for himself.

2 Chronicles 2 12 Context

This verse is part of Hiram's response to Solomon's letter requesting skilled laborers and materials for building the Temple. Solomon had sent a message detailing the immense task and his intent to honor the LORD. Hiram's reply is not just a diplomatic courtesy but, as portrayed by the Chronicler, a profound theological acknowledgment. In 2 Chronicles, the chronicler frequently emphasizes the universal reign of God and the recognition of His power by those outside Israel. Hiram, the king of Tyre, a major Phoenician city known for its maritime trade and polytheistic worship (of gods like Baal), recognizing Yahweh as the "LORD God of Israel" who created the heavens and the earth, carries significant weight. This narrative highlights the surpassing power and true identity of Yahweh over the regional deities and establishes a tone of divine endorsement for Solomon's reign and his ambitious building projects, particularly the Temple. It sets the stage for a period of international cooperation focused on divine purposes.

2 Chronicles 2 12 Word analysis

• And Hiram said: Hiram (חִירָם - Chiram), king of Tyre, known for his skilled craftsmen and timber. His acknowledgment of the God of Israel is a remarkable inter-kingdom declaration, especially given the Phoenician polytheistic culture.
• Blessed be: (בָּרוּךְ - baruch). This term signifies praise, glorification, or attributing blessing to someone or something. Here, it is directed to the LORD, recognizing His supreme authority and goodness. It's a formal expression of divine adoration.
• the LORD God of Israel: (יהוה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל - Yahweh Elohei Yisrael). "LORD" (יהוה - Yahweh or YHWH) is the personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. "God" (אֱלֹהֵי - Elohei) is a general term for deity, often translated as "God of." The combination emphasizes His specific relationship with Israel but also His universal power. For a non-Israelite king like Hiram to use this precise terminology implies either a genuine recognition of Yahweh's supremacy or a carefully chosen diplomatic acknowledgment reflecting the power and status of the Israelite kingdom.
• that made heaven and earth: (אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה אֶת־הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֶת־הָאָרֶץ - asher asah et-hashamayim ve'et-ha'aretz). This epithet, common in Israelite worship, defines God as the universal Creator. Its use by Hiram asserts Yahweh's unique cosmic dominion, distinguishing Him from local, lesser deities, and elevating Him above any specific territory. It implies a recognition of Yahweh's sovereignty over all creation, not just Israel. This assertion directly contrasts with prevalent polytheistic beliefs where specific gods ruled specific domains or nations.
• who hath given to David the king a wise son: This connects Solomon's anointing and gifting directly to God's providence, echoing the Davidic covenant. Solomon's wisdom is not merely intellectual brilliance but a divinely bestowed capability for governance and discernment.
• endued with prudence: (מַשְׂכִּיל - maskil). This term implies understanding, insight, and skillful handling of matters. It speaks of a practical wisdom that allows one to discern circumstances and act intelligently and successfully. It encompasses practical discernment and administrative ability.
• and understanding: (וְנָבוֹן - ve'navon). This term denotes intelligent insight, comprehension, and discernment. It suggests the ability to comprehend complex issues, make sound judgments, and possess innate comprehension. This completes the trifecta of intellectual, practical, and insightful wisdom.
• that might build an house for the LORD: This is the primary purpose and an integral part of God's covenant with David (2 Sam 7; 1 Chr 17), fulfilled through Solomon. The Temple was the central place of worship and signified God's presence among His people. Hiram's recognition of this specific purpose aligns his kingdom's resources with divine plans.
• and a royal house for himself: This acknowledges the secondary but also significant project: Solomon's own palace. This signifies Solomon's status and power as God's anointed king, enabling him to rule effectively from a place of authority, further enhancing the stability of the Davidic dynasty.

2 Chronicles 2 12 Bonus section

The Chronicler's portrayal of Hiram's reverence for Yahweh could serve a polemical purpose against local deities and contemporary beliefs that attributed creation or power to lesser gods. By having a powerful gentile king explicitly declare Yahweh as the "Maker of heaven and earth," the Chronicler subtly elevates Yahweh above the limited territorial and elemental gods of surrounding nations, reinforcing His unique identity as the one true, universal God. This serves to affirm Israel's distinctive relationship with Yahweh and His supreme authority for the post-exilic audience, reminding them of God's enduring sovereignty even amidst foreign powers. Hiram's statement is not merely polite diplomacy; it underscores God's providential working through international relations to achieve His sacred purposes.

2 Chronicles 2 12 Commentary

2 Chronicles 2:12 reveals profound theological truths through the words of King Hiram. His declaration of blessing upon "the LORD God of Israel" and identification of Him as the Creator of "heaven and earth" is a significant affirmation from a gentile monarch, showcasing the Chronicler's universalist perspective—that Yahweh's greatness extends beyond Israel's borders and is recognizable even to foreign rulers. Hiram's acknowledgment of God's sovereign hand in bestowing extraordinary wisdom, prudence, and understanding upon Solomon emphasizes that the king's remarkable abilities are not merely inherent but a divine gift, empowering him to undertake two monumental building projects. This divine endowment for practical leadership and spiritual endeavor signifies God's direct involvement in establishing the Davidic kingdom and fulfilling the covenant promises. The verse succinctly links divine wisdom with concrete action (building the Temple and palace), presenting them as twin manifestations of God's design for His people and their ruler.