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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hiram {H2438} king {H4428} of Tyre {H6865} sent {H7971} his servants {H5650} unto Solomon {H8010}; for he had heard {H8085} that they had anointed {H4886} him king {H4428} in the room of his father {H1}: for Hiram {H2438} was ever {H3117} a lover {H157} of David {H1732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hiram king of Tzor sent his servants to Shlomo, because he had heard that they had anointed him king in his father's place, and Hiram had always loved David.

Berean Standard Bible

Now when Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king in his father’s place, he sent envoys to Solomon; for Hiram had always been a friend of David.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 5:1 introduces the critical diplomatic relationship between King Solomon of Israel and King Hiram of Tyre, marking a pivotal moment at the very outset of Solomon's reign. This verse establishes the foundation for the extensive cooperation between these two powerful kingdoms, particularly in the monumental task of constructing the Temple in Jerusalem. Hiram's prompt recognition of Solomon's ascension, driven by a long-standing and deep affection for Solomon's father, David, underscores the continuity of a vital alliance that would prove indispensable for Israel's most significant national and spiritual undertaking.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the detailed accounts of Solomon's consolidation of power, including the suppression of Adonijah's rebellion, the execution of Joab and Shimei, and the establishment of his administrative structure (1 Kings 2-4). Having secured his throne and demonstrated his divinely-granted wisdom (as seen in the famous judgment of the two prostitutes in [1 Kings 3:16-28](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16-28 - Solomon's Wisdom in Judgment")), Solomon is now poised to fulfill his father David's long-cherished desire to build a permanent house for the Lord. [1 Kings 5:1](/1_kings/5-1 "1 Kings 5:1 - Hiram's Alliance with Solomon") thus serves as a crucial bridge, transitioning the narrative from the internal affairs of Solomon's early reign to the grand, international project of the Temple construction, which will dominate the subsequent chapters of [1 Kings](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon Prepares to Build the Temple").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state located to Israel's north, was a major maritime and commercial power in the ancient Near East. The Phoenicians were renowned for their seafaring, trade, and skilled craftsmanship, particularly in timber (cedar from Lebanon) and metallurgy. Alliances between kings were common and vital for economic stability, military security, and access to resources. The act of sending servants or envoys to acknowledge a new king's ascension was a standard diplomatic protocol, signifying recognition of legitimacy and an intent to maintain or forge friendly relations. The phrase "anointed him king" refers to the sacred ritual of pouring oil on the head of a new monarch, a practice that symbolized divine selection and empowerment, widely understood in the region as bestowing legitimate authority, even by non-Israelite rulers like Hiram.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 5:1](/1_kings/5-1 "1 Kings 5:1 - Hiram Recognizes Solomon") highlights several significant themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine providence** and the **fulfillment of God's promises**, as God had promised David that his son would build the Temple ([2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David")). Hiram's immediate overture demonstrates God's orchestration of international relations to facilitate His purposes. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of **wise diplomacy and international cooperation**. Solomon's reign, characterized by peace and prosperity, was significantly aided by such alliances. Thirdly, the verse showcases the **legacy and continuity of leadership**. Hiram's "lover of David" status ensures that the strong relationship forged by the father is seamlessly transferred to the son, providing stability and resources for the next generation's endeavors, especially the monumental task of building the [Temple](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hiram (Hebrew, _ḥîrām'_):** The king of Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state. Hiram's name is significant as he is consistently portrayed in biblical texts (1 Kings, 2 Chronicles) as a crucial ally and supplier of resources and skilled labor for both David's palace and Solomon's Temple. His proactive outreach to Solomon demonstrates his political acumen and the importance of the alliance between Tyre and Israel.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, מָשַׁח, _māšaḥ'_):** This verb signifies the sacred act of pouring oil over someone's head, designating them for a special office, particularly that of king or priest. For Hiram to "hear that they had anointed him king" indicates not merely a change of leadership, but an understanding that Solomon's kingship was divinely sanctioned and thus legitimate in the eyes of the people and, by extension, neighboring nations. This recognition was key to establishing stable diplomatic relations.
* **Lover (Hebrew, אֹהֵב, _ʾōhēḇ'_):** This term, derived from the verb "to love," denotes a deep affection, friendship, or loyal alliance. In the context of ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, it often implied a covenantal relationship or a strong, mutually beneficial bond. Hiram was not just an acquaintance of David but a committed ally, suggesting a history of trust, shared interests, and perhaps even formal treaties that extended beyond personal sentiment to national policy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the key players and the diplomatic initiative. Hiram, as the sovereign ruler of Tyre, takes the first step in acknowledging Solomon's new reign, indicating respect and a desire to continue or establish good relations. The sending of "servants" (likely high-ranking envoys or ambassadors) was the formal method of interstate communication.
* **"for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father:":** This explains the reason for Hiram's action. The news of Solomon's anointing—a public, divinely sanctioned act of investiture—had reached Tyre. This implies a recognition of Solomon's legitimate succession and the stability of the Israelite throne, making it a reliable partner for continued alliance. Hiram's intelligence network was clearly efficient.
* **"for Hiram was ever a lover of David.":** This final clause provides the underlying motivation and context for Hiram's immediate recognition of Solomon. The strong, enduring bond between Hiram and David (evidenced in [2 Samuel 5:11](/2_samuel/5-11 "2 Samuel 5:11 - Hiram's Aid to David's Palace")) ensured a smooth transition of this vital alliance to the next generation. This personal loyalty and established friendship were foundational for the immense collaborative projects that would soon follow.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Foreshadowing** by subtly hinting at the extensive cooperation between Hiram and Solomon that will be detailed in the subsequent verses regarding the Temple construction. Hiram's immediate overture, rooted in his past relationship with David, sets the stage for the provision of crucial resources and skilled labor that Israel would need. The repetition of the theme of Hiram's loyalty ("Hiram was ever a lover of David") serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the deep and enduring nature of this international bond, which is presented as a key enabler for Solomon's reign. There is also an element of **Irony** in a powerful pagan king playing a pivotal role in facilitating the building of the Temple for Yahweh, the God of Israel, highlighting God's sovereign use of all people and nations to accomplish His purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 5:1 profoundly illustrates God's providential hand in preparing the way for the fulfillment of His promises. David had desired to build a house for the Lord, but it was deferred to his son, Solomon ([2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Promise to David")). This verse shows how God orchestrated seemingly secular political relationships to achieve His sacred ends. Hiram's long-standing friendship with David, and his subsequent recognition of Solomon, ensured that the necessary resources and expertise for the Temple would be readily available. It teaches us that God works not only through direct miraculous intervention but also through the natural course of human relationships, diplomacy, and the established order of nations. The continuity of this alliance from father to son also speaks to the importance of legacy and building upon the foundations laid by previous generations for the advancement of God's kingdom.

* [2 Samuel 5:11](/2_samuel/5-11 "2 Samuel 5:11 - Hiram's Aid in Building David's Palace")
* [1 Kings 9:10-14](/1_kings/9-10 "1 Kings 9:10-14 - Hiram and Solomon's Continued Dealings")
* [2 Chronicles 2:3-16](/2_chronicles/2-3 "2 Chronicles 2:3-16 - Solomon's Request to Hiram for Temple Materials")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 5:1, though brief, offers profound insights for contemporary life. It reminds us of the immense value of cultivating and maintaining strong, respectful relationships, whether personal, professional, or even international. Just as Hiram's established friendship with David paved the way for vital cooperation with Solomon, our past relationships can open doors for future endeavors and facilitate significant undertakings. This verse encourages us to honor and build upon the legacies of those who came before us, recognizing that their efforts and relationships often create the foundation upon which we can build. It highlights how strategic alliances, built on trust, mutual benefit, and shared respect, can facilitate great undertakings, even those of immense spiritual and national significance. Furthermore, it speaks to the importance of recognizing and affirming legitimate leadership, contributing to stability and prosperity within any community or nation. We are called to be people who foster peace and seek collaboration for the common good, especially when it serves God's greater purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the relationships we cultivate today, both personal and professional, lay the groundwork for future opportunities and collaborations?**
* **In what ways can we honor and build upon the "legacy" of those who have gone before us in our families, churches, or communities?**
* **What does Hiram's proactive outreach teach us about initiating positive relationships, even with those from different backgrounds or beliefs, for a common, beneficial purpose?**
* **How does this verse illustrate God's sovereignty in using human relationships and political contexts to accomplish His divine will?**

### FAQ

**What was the relationship between Hiram and David like?**

Answer: The relationship between Hiram and David was one of deep friendship and a strong, mutually beneficial alliance. [2 Samuel 5:11](/2_samuel/5-11 "2 Samuel 5:11 - Hiram's Assistance to David") explicitly states that Hiram provided David with cedar timber and skilled craftsmen (masons and carpenters) to build his royal palace. This indicates a robust diplomatic and commercial bond, characterized by trust and cooperation, which was clearly understood as a "lover of David" relationship, implying loyalty and shared interests that extended beyond mere political expediency. This established bond was crucial for the seamless transition of the alliance to Solomon.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 5:1, with its depiction of a pagan king's crucial role in preparing for the Temple's construction, foreshadows the broader, inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan, ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Just as Hiram, an outsider, provided the materials and expertise for the physical dwelling place of God's presence, so too does Christ, the ultimate builder, gather people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Redeemed from Every Nation")) to construct His spiritual Temple, the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). The peace and prosperity of Solomon's reign, facilitated by alliances like that with Hiram, point to the greater peace and reconciliation found in Christ, who breaks down dividing walls ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Furthermore, Hiram's recognition of Solomon's divinely appointed kingship anticipates the universal recognition of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Universal Lordship")), to whom all nations will ultimately bring their tribute and worship. The resources of the nations, once used for an earthly temple, are now consecrated to the building of God's eternal kingdom through the power of the Holy Spirit, as believers become living stones in a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 14:1

¶ Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.

2 Chronicles 2:3

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].

2 Samuel 5:11

¶ And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.

1 Kings 5:10

¶ So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees [according to] all his desire.

Psalms 45:12

And the daughter of Tyre [shall be there] with a gift; [even] the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.

Amos 1:9

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:

1 Kings 9:12

And Hiram came out from Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him; and they pleased him not.