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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} gave {H5414} Solomon {H8010} wisdom {H2451}, as he promised {H1696} him: and there was peace {H7965} between Hiram {H2438} and Solomon {H8010}; and they two {H8147} made {H3772} a league {H1285} together {H8147}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI gave Shlomo wisdom, as he had promised him; and there was peace between Hiram and Shlomo - the two of them formed an alliance together.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 5:12 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the transformative power of divine wisdom. This verse confirms the Lord's fulfillment of His promise to Solomon, bestowing upon him unparalleled wisdom that extended beyond mere intellect to practical governance and diplomatic skill. This divinely granted insight enabled Solomon to forge a crucial and peaceful alliance with Hiram, the King of Tyre, laying the essential groundwork for the monumental task of constructing the Temple in Jerusalem. It underscores how God's gifts lead to peace and strategic partnerships, paving the way for the accomplishment of His grand purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the early narrative of Solomon's reign, immediately following his pivotal encounter with God at Gibeon. In [1 Kings 3](/1_kings/3 "1 Kings 3 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom"), Solomon, rather than asking for wealth or long life, humbly requested an "understanding heart to judge your people" ([1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon Asks for an Understanding Heart")). God, pleased with this selfless request, not only granted him extraordinary wisdom but also promised him riches and honor ([1 Kings 3:12-13](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12-13 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom and Riches")). [1 Kings 5:12](/1_kings/5-12 "1 Kings 5:12 - God Gives Solomon Wisdom and Peace") serves as a direct affirmation of this divine promise's immediate fulfillment. The verses that follow ([1 Kings 5:13-18](/1_kings/5-13 "1 Kings 5:13-18 - Preparations for Building the Temple")) detail the practical outworking of this wisdom and peace, describing the vast resources and manpower mobilized for the Temple's construction, directly facilitated by the alliance with Hiram.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for Israel, a stark contrast to the constant warfare of David's era. The alliance with Hiram, King of Tyre, was a strategic masterstroke, vital for the Temple project. Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state, was renowned for its skilled craftsmen, particularly its master builders, stonecutters, and bronze workers, as well as its abundant supply of cedar and cypress timber from the forests of Lebanon. Such a "league" or treaty (Hebrew: _berith_) was a formal, binding pact in the ancient Near East, often involving reciprocal obligations and sometimes sealed with oaths or sacrifices. This alliance ensured a stable supply chain and expert labor, demonstrating Solomon's diplomatic prowess, which was a direct manifestation of his divinely bestowed wisdom. Without this peace and alliance, the monumental undertaking of the Temple would have been far more challenging, if not impossible.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 5:12](/1_kings/5-12 "1 Kings 5:12 - God Gives Solomon Wisdom and Peace") powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings"). Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness**, as God explicitly fulfills His promise to Solomon, underscoring His reliability and covenant-keeping nature. This verse also highlights the **Nature and Power of Wisdom**, portraying it not merely as intellectual acumen but as a practical, divinely-empowered ability to govern, discern, and foster beneficial relationships, leading to national stability and prosperity. The establishment of "peace" and a "league" with Hiram introduces the theme of **Strategic Diplomacy and International Relations**, demonstrating how God's guidance can lead to harmonious interactions with other nations for His purposes. Finally, all these elements converge on the central theme of **Preparation for God's Work**, specifically the building of the Temple. The peace and wisdom described here are foundational prerequisites for this sacred national endeavor, illustrating how God orchestrates circumstances and empowers His servants to accomplish His will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _ḥokhmah'_):** In the biblical context, _ḥokhmah_ is far more than mere intellectual knowledge. It denotes practical skill, discernment, and the ability to make sound judgments that lead to successful outcomes. It encompasses moral insight, administrative competence, and the capacity for wise governance. Solomon's wisdom, as granted by God, enabled him to rule justly, understand complex situations, and, as seen here, navigate intricate diplomatic relations to secure resources and alliances essential for the kingdom's flourishing and the Temple's construction. It was a holistic wisdom that impacted every facet of his reign.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** The Hebrew word _shalom_ is rich in meaning, extending beyond the mere absence of conflict. It signifies wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, and harmony. The "peace" between Hiram and Solomon was not just a cessation of hostilities but an active state of mutual benefit and flourishing, a stable and positive relationship that allowed for cooperation and shared prosperity. This _shalom_ was a direct result of God's wisdom in Solomon, enabling him to establish a secure and beneficial international relationship.
* **League (Hebrew, _berith'_):** This term refers to a formal, binding covenant or treaty. Unlike a casual agreement, a _berith_ established a solemn, often reciprocal, relationship between two parties, sealed by oaths and carrying significant obligations. The formation of this "league" between Solomon and Hiram was a weighty diplomatic act, ensuring the reliability and longevity of their partnership. It was a strategic alliance that facilitated the massive undertaking of the Temple construction, rooted in mutual respect and the recognition of shared interests, all guided by divine wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him":** This opening clause immediately attributes the source of Solomon's wisdom directly to Yahweh, emphasizing divine agency. It explicitly recalls and affirms the fulfillment of God's promise made in [1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God's Promise of Wisdom to Solomon"), highlighting God's faithfulness to His word. This wisdom was not self-acquired but a supernatural endowment, foundational to Solomon's successful reign.
* **"and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon":** This phrase describes the immediate, tangible outcome of Solomon's divinely granted wisdom. His discernment and diplomatic skill, empowered by God, enabled him to establish a harmonious and stable relationship with Hiram, the powerful King of Tyre. This peace was crucial, as it removed potential obstacles and created an environment conducive to cooperation.
* **"and they two made a league together":** This final clause details the formalization of the peaceful relationship into a binding treaty or covenant (_berith_). This "league" was a practical manifestation of the peace, solidifying the alliance and outlining the terms of their cooperation, particularly concerning the supply of timber and skilled labor for the Temple. It underscores the strategic importance of this relationship for Solomon's grand architectural and national projects.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Fulfillment Motif**, explicitly stated with "as he promised him," which underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and the reliability of His word. This creates a sense of divine order and purpose in Solomon's reign. There is also a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship: God's gift of wisdom (cause) directly leads to the establishment of peace and the formation of a league (effect). This highlights the practical and beneficial nature of divine wisdom. Furthermore, the verse uses **Juxtaposition** by placing God's sovereign action ("the LORD gave Solomon wisdom") alongside human diplomatic action ("they two made a league together"), illustrating how divine empowerment works through human agency to accomplish God's plans.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 5:12 serves as a powerful theological anchor, affirming God's active involvement in human affairs and His steadfast commitment to His promises. It demonstrates that true wisdom is a divine gift, not merely an intellectual pursuit, and that this wisdom is profoundly practical, enabling leaders to foster peace and forge alliances that serve God's greater purposes. The peace and league with Hiram were not ends in themselves but means to the end of building the Temple, God's dwelling place among His people. This illustrates a foundational biblical principle: God provides the necessary resources—whether spiritual gifts like wisdom or material provisions and strategic relationships—to accomplish His will. The verse underscores that God's faithfulness ensures the provision of all that is needed for His redemptive plan to unfold.

* [1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God's Promise of Wisdom to Solomon")
* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 5:12 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, leaders, and communities. Firstly, it calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's faithfulness. Just as He fulfilled His promise to Solomon, so too will He be faithful to His promises to us, providing what we need for the tasks He sets before us. Secondly, the verse highlights the indispensable value of divine wisdom. In a world often characterized by conflict and complexity, the wisdom "from above" (James 3:17) is essential for navigating relationships, making sound decisions, and leading effectively. We are encouraged to humbly seek this wisdom, recognizing that it is a gift God generously bestows upon those who ask. Finally, the peace and strategic alliance forged by Solomon underscore the importance of healthy relationships and diplomacy, even with those outside our immediate faith community, when these partnerships serve a greater, God-honoring purpose. It reminds us that peace is not merely the absence of strife but an active state of flourishing that enables us to build, create, and advance God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking God's wisdom, and how does Solomon's example encourage you to ask boldly?**
* **How does the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness in your own life?**
* **What "peace" or strategic relationships might God be calling you to cultivate in order to accomplish His purposes in your sphere of influence?**
* **How can you, like Solomon, leverage divine wisdom to build something lasting that brings glory to God?**

### FAQ
**What kind of wisdom did Solomon receive, and how was it different from ordinary intelligence?**

Answer: Solomon received a unique, divinely bestowed wisdom that transcended mere intellectual acumen or accumulated knowledge. As [1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon Asks for an Understanding Heart") indicates, he asked for an "understanding heart to judge your people," and God granted him "a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be" ([1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God's Promise of Wisdom to Solomon")). This wisdom was intensely practical, enabling him to govern justly, resolve complex disputes ([1 Kings 3:16-28](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16-28 - Solomon's Wise Judgment")), manage a vast kingdom, and engage in successful international diplomacy, as seen in his alliance with Hiram. It was a holistic wisdom that integrated moral insight, administrative skill, and profound discernment, directly empowered by God for the benefit of His people and the advancement of His purposes.

**Who was Hiram, King of Tyre, and why was his alliance with Solomon so important?**

Answer: Hiram was the powerful and influential King of Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state located to Israel's north. Tyre was renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its maritime trade, its skilled craftsmen (especially in working with timber, stone, and metals), and its abundant access to the cedar and cypress forests of Lebanon. His alliance with Solomon was critically important for several reasons. Firstly, it ensured peace and stability on Israel's northern border, a significant diplomatic achievement. Secondly, and most crucially for the biblical narrative, Hiram's kingdom possessed the specific natural resources (cedar and cypress wood) and the highly specialized labor (expert stonecutters, carpenters, and metalworkers) that were indispensable for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Without this "league" or treaty, securing these vital materials and skilled personnel would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible, for Solomon. The alliance facilitated the monumental task of building God's house, demonstrating how divine wisdom can open doors to strategic partnerships for kingdom purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 5:12 speaks of Solomon's divinely bestowed wisdom and the peace he forged, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest significance are found in Jesus Christ. Solomon's wisdom, though unparalleled in his time, was but a shadow of the perfect wisdom embodied in Christ. [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom") declares that "in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." He is not merely wise, but Wisdom incarnate, the very "power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). Furthermore, the peace between Solomon and Hiram, which facilitated the building of the earthly Temple, foreshadows the ultimate and eternal peace brought by Christ. He is the true "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), who has broken down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new humanity" and reconciling all to God through the cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Through Him, we are no longer strangers but "fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone" ([Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Thus, the peace and wisdom in 1 Kings 5:12 point forward to Jesus, who, through His perfect wisdom and atoning sacrifice, builds the spiritual temple of God, His church, composed of living stones ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones for a Spiritual House")), uniting all peoples in a new and eternal covenant.

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 Kings 3:12

Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

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:

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

1 Kings 4:29

¶ And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that [is] on the sea shore.

2 Chronicles 1:12

Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

1 Kings 15:19

[There is] a league between me and thee, [and] between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent unto thee a present of silver and gold; come and break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.

Genesis 21:32

Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.