1 Kings 5:2

KJV

And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon {H8010} sent {H7971} to Hiram {H2438}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo returned this message to Hiram:

Berean Standard Bible

And Solomon relayed this message to Hiram:

American Standard Version

And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This concise verse marks the pivotal initiation of King Solomon's strategic preparations for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Immediately upon ascending the throne, Solomon dispatches a message to King Hiram of Tyre, a long-standing ally, signaling the commencement of a crucial diplomatic partnership aimed at securing the specialized resources and skilled labor necessary for this divinely mandated architectural masterpiece.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Kings 5:2](/1_kings/5-2 "1 Kings 5:2 - Solomon's Message to Hiram") serves as a critical transition point in the narrative of Solomon's reign. It follows the accounts of his consolidation of power, his renowned wisdom from God, and the establishment of his administrative structure, as detailed in [1 Kings 3](/1_kings/3 "1 Kings 3 - Solomon's Wisdom") and [1 Kings 4](/1_kings/4 "1 Kings 4 - Solomon's Administration and Prosperity"). The verse directly sets the stage for the fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build a house for the Lord, a promise recorded in [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David Regarding the Temple"). Immediately after this verse, the text elaborates on the specific content of Solomon's message to Hiram ([1 Kings 5:3-6](/1_kings/5-3 "1 Kings 5:3-6 - Solomon's Request to Hiram")) and Hiram's enthusiastic response, leading directly into the detailed logistical arrangements for the Temple's construction, which occupy the remainder of [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon's Alliance with Hiram") and [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of the Temple"). This verse thus shifts the focus from internal governance to external diplomacy in service of God's grand architectural plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) is often considered the golden age of the united monarchy of Israel, characterized by peace, prosperity, and extensive building projects. The city of Tyre, located on the Phoenician coast, was a powerful maritime city-state renowned for its vast natural resources, particularly the high-quality cedar and cypress timber from the forests of Lebanon, and for its highly skilled artisans. These craftsmen were masters in carpentry, masonry, and metalwork, possessing expertise that Israel, primarily an agrarian society, lacked. King Hiram of Tyre had previously established a friendly and cooperative relationship with King David, providing materials and craftsmen for David's palace ([2 Samuel 5:11](/2_samuel/5-11 "2 Samuel 5:11 - Hiram's Aid to David")). Solomon's initiative to reach out to Hiram was a shrewd diplomatic move, leveraging an existing alliance and securing access to essential resources and unparalleled craftsmanship required for a project of the Temple's scale and sacred significance. Such international alliances and reciprocal agreements were common and crucial for large-scale endeavors in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several significant themes that resonate throughout the narrative of the Temple's construction and beyond. It highlights the theme of **Divine Mandate and Human Responsibility**, demonstrating that while the Temple's construction was God's will, it required significant human planning, effort, and collaboration. Solomon's immediate action underscores the theme of **Wisdom in Leadership**, as his strategic alliance with Tyre reveals his foresight and understanding of the necessary resources. The verse also emphasizes **International Cooperation** for God's purposes, showing how God can use individuals and nations outside of Israel to accomplish His divine plan. Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **Preparation for God's Work**, illustrating that even the most sacred undertakings demand meticulous logistical and diplomatic groundwork. Finally, it reinforces the **Continuity of God's Plan**, as Solomon's action directly fulfills the promise made to his father, David, regarding the building of God's house.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Hebrew, _shalach'_):** This common Hebrew verb signifies more than a mere dispatch; it implies a deliberate, purposeful, and authoritative act of sending. In this context, Solomon's "sending" is an official diplomatic overture, demonstrating his proactive leadership and intentionality in initiating the monumental task of building the Temple. It underscores his commitment to fulfilling the divine mandate and his readiness to engage in strategic international relations to achieve it.
* **Hiram (Hebrew, _Chiram'_):** The name of the King of Tyre is significant. His identity as a Phoenician ruler immediately signals the international dimension of the Temple project. The historical relationship between Hiram and David, and now Solomon, highlights the importance of established alliances and mutual respect in achieving large-scale goals. Hiram's kingdom possessed the specific resources (cedar) and skilled labor (artisans) that Israel lacked, making him an indispensable partner for the Temple's construction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon sent to Hiram":** This opening clause immediately establishes Solomon's decisive action as the newly crowned king. It highlights his proactive leadership and strategic foresight in initiating the crucial diplomatic overture. The act of "sending" implies an official, formal communication, setting the tone for the significant partnership that will enable the construction of the Temple. This action is not a casual request but a deliberate engagement with a powerful foreign monarch.
* **"saying,":** This simple yet crucial word introduces the content of Solomon's message, which is elaborated upon in the subsequent verses ([1 Kings 5:3-6](/1_kings/5-3 "1 Kings 5:3-6 - Solomon's Message to Hiram")). It signifies the commencement of a direct and purposeful dialogue, laying the groundwork for the detailed negotiations concerning timber, labor, and the overall collaboration essential for the Temple's construction. It moves the narrative from the act of sending to the substance of the communication.

#### Literary Devices
The conciseness of [1 Kings 5:2](/1_kings/5-2 "1 Kings 5:2 - Solomon's Message to Hiram") is a notable **Literary Device**. Despite its brevity, the verse carries immense narrative weight, serving as a powerful **Transition** from the internal affairs of Solomon's kingdom to the external, international efforts required for the Temple project. It functions as a moment of **Foreshadowing**, immediately hinting at the monumental task ahead (the building of the Temple) and the essential international collaboration that will be required. The very act of "sending" to a foreign king highlights the theme of **Diplomacy** and strategic alliance, underscoring Solomon's wisdom and proactive leadership in fulfilling God's architectural mandate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Kings 5:2](/1_kings/5-2 "1 Kings 5:2 - Solomon's Message to Hiram") beautifully illustrates the principle of divine providence working through human agency and international cooperation. While the construction of the Temple was a divinely ordained project, God chose to accomplish it not through miraculous intervention alone, but through the strategic planning, diplomatic efforts, and skilled labor of human beings, including those from outside Israel. This demonstrates that God often uses existing relationships, natural resources, and diverse talents—even from unexpected sources—to fulfill His purposes. It underscores that God's grand designs often require our diligent preparation, wise stewardship of relationships, and proactive engagement with the world around us. This verse sets the stage for a partnership that reflects God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to orchestrate events and relationships for the advancement of His kingdom.

* [2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - God's Promise to David about the Temple")
* [1 Chronicles 22:7-10](/1_chronicles/22-7 "1 Chronicles 22:7-10 - David's Preparations for the Temple")
* [Ezra 3:7](/ezra/3-7 "Ezra 3:7 - Timber from Lebanon for the Second Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's immediate and strategic action in [1 Kings 5:2](/1_kings/5-2 "1 Kings 5:2 - Solomon's Message to Hiram") offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that while God's plans are sovereign, He often calls us to proactive and diligent participation. We are not to passively wait for divine intervention when practical steps are required. Solomon's wisdom in leveraging existing relationships and seeking out specialized resources highlights the importance of collaboration and networking in fulfilling God-given visions, whether in personal life, ministry, or professional endeavors. It challenges us to identify the "Hirams" in our lives—those individuals or groups who possess unique skills, resources, or connections that can contribute to a greater purpose. Furthermore, it teaches us to steward our relationships well, recognizing that God often uses our network to provide for our needs and advance His kingdom. This verse encourages us to be diligent in preparation, strategic in our approach, and open to God's provision coming through unexpected channels.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's proactive approach challenge my own readiness to act on God's leading or to prepare diligently for tasks He has set before me?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might God be calling me to seek out strategic partnerships or leverage existing relationships for His purposes?**
* **What resources or skills do I possess, or can I acquire, that might be essential for fulfilling a divine mandate in my life or community?**

### FAQ
**Why was Hiram of Tyre so important for the Temple project?**

Answer: Hiram, King of Tyre, was crucial for the Temple project due to his kingdom's unique resources and unparalleled craftsmanship. Tyre was the center of the Phoenician maritime empire, with access to the vast cedar and cypress forests of Lebanon, which provided the high-quality timber essential for the Temple's construction. More importantly, Phoenician artisans were considered the most skilled craftsmen in the ancient world, excelling in carpentry, masonry, and metalwork. Israel, being primarily an agrarian society, did not possess this specialized expertise or the scale of resources required for such a monumental undertaking. Hiram had also been a long-standing ally of King David, providing materials and craftsmen for David's palace ([2 Samuel 5:11](/2_samuel/5-11 "2 Samuel 5:11 - Hiram's Aid to David")), establishing a precedent for cooperation. Solomon wisely leveraged this existing relationship and Tyre's unique capabilities, as detailed throughout [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon's Alliance with Hiram"), to ensure the successful and magnificent construction of the Lord's house.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Kings 5:2](/1_kings/5-2 "1 Kings 5:2 - Solomon's Message to Hiram"), though seemingly a simple diplomatic note, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. Solomon, in his wisdom and proactive leadership, initiates the building of a physical temple, a dwelling place for God's presence among His people. This act foreshadows Christ, the true and greater Solomon, who not only embodies divine wisdom ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - The Queen of the South and Solomon")) but is also the ultimate builder of God's spiritual temple—the Church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church")). Just as Solomon gathered diverse resources and skilled laborers from various nations for the physical structure, Christ gathers people from every tribe, tongue, and nation, incorporating them as "living stones" into a spiritual house, a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House"), [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). The Temple's purpose was to manifest God's presence; in Christ, God's presence is fully and perfectly revealed, for in Him "all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The strategic alliance between Solomon and Hiram points to the new covenant reality where, through Christ, God unites Jew and Gentile into one body, breaking down dividing walls and building a new humanity where God Himself dwells ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")).

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

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].