1 Kings 9:11

([Now] Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire,) that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.

( Now Hiram {H2438} the king {H4428} of Tyre {H6865} had furnished {H5375} Solomon {H8010} with cedar {H730} trees {H6086} and fir {H1265} trees {H6086}, and with gold {H2091}, according to all his desire {H2656},) that then {H227} king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} gave {H5414} Hiram {H2438} twenty {H6242} cities {H5892} in the land {H776} of Galilee {H1551}.

King Shlomo gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of the Galil (recall that Hiram the king of Tzor had supplied Shlomo with cedar and cypress logs and with all the gold Shlomo wanted).

King Solomon gave twenty towns in the land of Galilee to Hiram king of Tyre, who had supplied him with cedar and cypress logs and gold for his every desire.

(now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar-trees and fir-trees, and with gold, according to all his desire), that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.

Commentary

Context of 1 Kings 9:11

This verse describes a significant transaction between King Solomon of Israel and King Hiram of Tyre, following the completion of Solomon's grand building projects. For over two decades, Hiram had been an indispensable ally, providing vast quantities of cedar and fir timber from Lebanon, as well as gold, all crucial for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem and Solomon's own royal palace. This verse highlights the long-standing, extensive nature of Hiram's supply, fulfilling "all his desire," indicating the immense scale of Solomon's needs and Hiram's generous provision.

Key Themes and Messages

  • International Alliance and Trade: The verse underscores the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Israel and the Phoenician city-state of Tyre. This alliance was vital for both nations, facilitating trade and resource exchange, particularly for Solomon's ambitious architectural endeavors.
  • The Cost of Grandeur: Solomon's payment of twenty cities in Galilee reveals the substantial cost of his projects, not just in labor and materials, but in territorial assets. It shows the economic power and influence of both kings.
  • Fulfillment of Agreements: Hiram had faithfully upheld his part of the bargain, supplying materials as requested. Solomon, in turn, fulfilled his obligation, albeit with a payment that, as subsequent verses reveal, would prove to be less than satisfactory to Hiram (1 Kings 9:12-13).
  • Geographic Significance: The "land of Galilee" refers to a northern region of Israel, bordering Phoenicia. This area would later become highly significant in the New Testament as the primary region of Jesus' ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "according to all his desire" emphasizes Solomon's uninhibited access to Hiram's resources. The Hebrew word for "desire" (Χ—Φ΅Χ€ΦΆΧ₯ - chephets) denotes not just a want, but a deep longing or purpose, highlighting the significant scale of materials Solomon required and Hiram's willingness to provide them comprehensively.

Practical Application

This passage offers insights into ancient statecraft, diplomacy, and the management of large-scale projects. It reminds us that even grand achievements come with significant costs and complex negotiations. For believers, it highlights the importance of fulfilling commitments and understanding the value of resources, whether material or relational. It also sets the stage for understanding that not all agreements, even between powerful allies, perfectly meet every expectation, as seen in Hiram's subsequent reaction.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 8:2

    That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.

  • 1 Kings 5:6

    Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that [there is] not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians.

  • 1 Kings 5:10

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

  • 2 Chronicles 2:8

    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,

  • 2 Chronicles 2:10

    And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.

  • Joshua 20:7

    ΒΆ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which [is] Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

  • 2 Chronicles 2:16

    And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.
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