They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.
And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, [even so deal with me].
Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants [shall be] with thy servants,
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.
¶ But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.
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Commentary for 1 Chronicles 14:1
1 Chronicles 14:1 is a verse that captures a significant moment in the history of Israel, reflecting the growing power and influence of King David. The verse is set during the period when David had consolidated his rule over a united Israel and had established Jerusalem as his capital. Prior to this, David had been anointed by the prophet Samuel and succeeded Saul as king, eventually conquering Jerusalem and making it his political and religious center.
The verse specifically mentions Hiram, king of Tyre, a Phoenician city known for its maritime prowess and skill in craftsmanship. Tyre was a key player in international trade and had a reputation for its cedar timber, which was highly prized in the ancient world for its quality and used extensively in construction. The gesture of sending messengers, along with the precious timber, masons, and carpenters, indicates a friendly diplomatic relationship between Hiram and David. It also signifies Hiram's recognition of David's sovereignty and the potential benefits of a strong alliance with Israel.
The provision of materials and skilled labor for the construction of David's house (palace) is a sign of both economic and political cooperation. This act would have been seen as an investment in the stability and prosperity of the region, as a strong Israel under David could provide security and open up trade opportunities. The building of David's house also symbolizes the permanence and legitimacy of his dynasty, a significant step in the history of Israel as it transitions from a loose confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy.
In summary, 1 Chronicles 14:1 reflects themes of political alliance, economic cooperation, and nation-building. It highlights the international recognition of David's reign, the importance of Jerusalem as a royal city, and sets the stage for the construction of the temple under David's son Solomon, which would further solidify the relationship between Israel and Tyre. This verse is a testament to the historical networks of trade and diplomacy in the ancient Near East and the role they played in the development of the Israelite monarchy.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
Strong's Number: H2438 There are 20 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: חִירָם Transliteration: Chîyrâm Pronunciation: khee-rawm' Description: or חִירוֹםlemma חִירֹם missing vav, corrected to חִירוֹם; another form of חוּרָם; Chiram or Chirom, the name of two Tyrians; Hiram, Huram.
Strong's Number: H2361 There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: חוּרָם Transliteration: Chûwrâm Pronunciation: khoo-rawm' Description: probably from חוּר; whiteness, i.e. noble; Churam, the name of an Israelite and two Syrians; Huram. Compare חִירָם.
Strong's Number: H4428 There are 1922 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: מֶלֶךְ Transliteration: melek Pronunciation: meh'-lek Description: from מָלַךְ; a king; king, royal.
Strong's Number: H6865 There are 39 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: צֹר Transliteration: Tsôr Pronunciation: tsore Description: or צוֹר; the same as צֹר; a rock; Tsor, a place in Palestine; Tyre, Tyrus.
Strong's Number: H7971 There are 790 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: שָׁלַח Transliteration: shâlach Pronunciation: shaw-lakh' Description: a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications); [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out).
Strong's Number: H4397 There are 197 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: מֲלְאָךְ Transliteration: mălʼâk Pronunciation: mal-awk' Description: from an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher); ambassador, angel, king, messenger.
Strong's Number: H1732 There are 911 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: דָּוִד Transliteration: Dâvid Pronunciation: daw-veed' Description: rarely (fully); דָּוִיד; from the same as דּוֹד; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse; David.
Strong's Number: H6086 There are 288 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: עֵץ Transliteration: ʻêts Pronunciation: ates Description: from עָצָה; a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks); [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood.
Strong's Number: H730 There are 466 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: אֶרֶז Transliteration: ʼerez Pronunciation: eh-rez' Description: from אָרַז; a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots); cedar (tree).
Strong's Number: H7023 There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: קִיר Transliteration: qîyr Pronunciation: keer Description: or קִר; (Isaiah 22:5), or (feminine) קִירָה; from קוּר; a wall (as built in a trench); [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall.
Strong's Number: H2796 There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: חָרָשׁ Transliteration: chârâsh Pronunciation: khaw-rawsh' Description: from חָרַשׁ; a fabricator or any material; artificer, ([phrase]) carpenter, craftsman, engraver, maker, [phrase] mason, skilful, ([phrase]) smith, worker, workman, such as wrought.
Strong's Number: H1129 There are 345 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: בָּנָה Transliteration: bânâh Pronunciation: baw-naw' Description: a primitive root; to build (literally and figuratively); (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely.
Strong's Number: H1004 There are 1718 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: בַּיִת Transliteration: bayith Pronunciation: bah'-yith Description: probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out).