1 Kings 5:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Kings 5:1 introduces us to a crucial diplomatic relationship at the dawn of King Solomon's reign. This verse sets the stage for significant cooperative efforts between Israel and the powerful Phoenician city-state of Tyre, particularly concerning the construction of the Temple.

Context of 1 Kings 5:1

Following the long and eventful reign of King David, his son Solomon has just been anointed king of Israel. The transition of power from David to Solomon was not without its challenges, but once established, it was recognized by neighboring nations. Hiram, the king of Tyre, a major maritime and trading power to Israel's north, promptly sends an embassy to Solomon. This act highlights the existing geopolitical landscape and the importance of maintaining alliances in the ancient Near East.

The verse specifically notes that "Hiram was ever a lover of David." This indicates a long-standing and mutually beneficial friendship or alliance between the two kings. We see evidence of this prior relationship in Hiram's provision of cedar timber and skilled craftsmen for David's palace, demonstrating a robust diplomatic and commercial bond that now extends to Solomon.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Diplomacy and International Relations: The verse showcases the importance of maintaining good relations with neighboring powers for stability and mutual benefit. Hiram's swift acknowledgment of Solomon's kingship signifies respect for the new regime and the continuation of an important alliance.
  • Legacy and Continuity: Hiram's loyalty and friendship extend beyond David's lifetime to his successor, Solomon. This continuity of relationships is vital for national strength and future projects.
  • Divine Recognition: Although not explicitly stated, Hiram's recognition of Solomon's anointing indirectly acknowledges the divine hand in Solomon's ascension, as the anointing symbolized God's chosen king.
  • Preparation for the Temple: This established friendship with Hiram is foundational for the grand project of building the Temple, as Tyre possessed the necessary resources (timber from Lebanon) and skilled labor that Israel lacked. This verse subtly foreshadows the extensive cooperation detailed in the subsequent verses of 1 Kings 5.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lover of David" (Hebrew: אוהב דוד, 'oheb David) is significant. The Hebrew word 'oheb (lover/friend) denotes a deep, affectionate, and loyal relationship, often implying a strong alliance or covenant partnership rather than just casual acquaintance. It signifies a bond of mutual respect and shared interests, which was critical for the strategic alliance between Israel and Tyre. This was a political and economic friendship that benefited both kingdoms.

Significance and Practical Application

1 Kings 5:1 teaches us about the value of cultivating and maintaining strong, respectful relationships, both personally and nationally. 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. The verse highlights:

  • The importance of honoring and building upon the legacies of those who came before us.
  • How strategic alliances, built on trust and mutual benefit, can facilitate great undertakings, such as the construction of the Temple, a project of immense spiritual and national significance for Israel.
  • The recognition of leadership and peaceful transitions of power, which contribute to stability and prosperity.

This verse, though brief, is a foundational piece in understanding the geopolitical context of Solomon's reign and the providential arrangements that allowed for the fulfillment of David's desire to build a house for the Lord.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 14:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

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

  • Psalms 45:12 (3 votes)

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

  • Amos 1:9 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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