1 Kings 9:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hiram {H2438} came out {H3318} from Tyre {H6865} to see {H7200} the cities {H5892} which Solomon {H8010} had given {H5414} him; and they pleased {H3474}{H5869} him not.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hiram came over from Tzor to see the cities Shlomo had given him, but he was not satisfied with them.

Berean Standard Bible

So Hiram went out from Tyre to inspect the towns that Solomon had given him, but he was not pleased with them.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 9:12 records a pivotal moment in the relationship between King Solomon of Israel and King Hiram of Tyre, detailing Hiram's personal inspection of twenty Galilean cities Solomon had given him as compensation for his extensive contributions to Solomon's monumental building projects. The verse succinctly captures Hiram's profound disappointment, stating that "they pleased him not," signaling a significant misjudgment on Solomon's part regarding the value and suitability of the payment, and subtly foreshadowing the complexities and eventual decline of Solomon's reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after a detailed account of Solomon's twenty-year building program, which included the construction of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem and his own opulent palace. The preceding verses [1 Kings 9:1-9](/1_kings/9-1 "1 Kings 9:1-9 - God's Covenant with Solomon") describe God's reaffirmation of the Davidic covenant with Solomon, contingent upon his obedience, and a warning against idolatry. Following this divine encounter, the narrative shifts to Solomon's practical affairs, particularly his obligations to King Hiram of Tyre. Hiram had supplied vast quantities of timber (cedar and fir) and skilled labor for these projects over two decades, as initially agreed upon in [1 Kings 5:1-12](/1_kings/5-1 "1 Kings 5:1-12 - Solomon's Alliance with Hiram"). The giving of these cities was Solomon's intended payment, making Hiram's negative reaction in [1 Kings 9:12](/1_kings/9-12 "1 Kings 9:12 - Hiram's Displeasure") a crucial moment that reveals a flaw in Solomon's otherwise celebrated wisdom and a potential strain in a vital international alliance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The alliance between Solomon and Hiram was a strategic necessity for both kingdoms. Israel, while rich in agricultural resources, lacked the specialized timber and skilled artisans necessary for large-scale construction, which Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state, possessed in abundance. Tyre, in turn, benefited from Israel's agricultural produce and access to trade routes. The exchange of goods, services, and land was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern diplomacy and commerce. The "twenty cities in the land of Galilee" were likely located in a region bordering Tyre, possibly less fertile or strategically important than other areas of Israel. For a powerful maritime king like Hiram, who valued trade routes and port cities, agricultural land, especially if undeveloped or sparsely populated, might have held little appeal or perceived value compared to the immense resources and labor he had provided. This incident highlights the cultural differences in valuing assets and the potential for misunderstanding even between close allies.
* **Key Themes:** The disappointment expressed in [1 Kings 9:12](/1_kings/9-12 "1 Kings 9:12 - Hiram's Displeasure") contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Kings. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **unmet expectations and human fallibility**, even in a king renowned for his wisdom. Despite Solomon's divine gift of wisdom [1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29-34 - Solomon's Wisdom and Prosperity"), this transaction reveals a practical misjudgment or perhaps an attempt to offload less desirable territory, which was perceived as inequitable by his partner. Secondly, it touches upon the **nature of agreements and compensation**, emphasizing that true satisfaction in an exchange requires a mutual perception of value, not just the fulfillment of a contractual obligation. This event subtly foreshadows the later economic and social strains that would contribute to the division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign, as seen in [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom"). Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **worldly limitations and the pursuit of earthly grandeur**, suggesting that even the most impressive human achievements and alliances can be marred by imperfections and ultimately fail to deliver complete satisfaction. The parallel account in [2 Chronicles 8:1-2](/2_chronicles/8-1 "2 Chronicles 8:1-2 - Solomon's Building Projects and Hiram's Response") offers a resolution, indicating that Hiram returned these cities, and Solomon subsequently rebuilt and settled them, further highlighting their initial inadequacy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hiram (Hebrew, _ḥîrām_):** King of Tyre, a crucial ally to both David and Solomon. His name is derived from a root meaning "noble brother" or "exalted brother," fitting for a king and an ally. His role in providing materials and skilled labor for the Temple and royal palace was indispensable, making his dissatisfaction a significant diplomatic incident.
* **Tyre (Hebrew, _ṣōr_):** A powerful Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, renowned for its maritime trade, wealth, and skilled artisans, particularly in timber and metalwork. Tyre's economic and political influence made its king, Hiram, an essential partner for Israel's ambitious building projects.
* **pleased him not (Hebrew, _lōʾ yāšərû bəʿênāyw_):** This phrase literally translates to "they were not right in his eyes" or "they were not straight in his eyes." It implies more than mere personal dislike; it suggests a judgment of inadequacy, unsuitability, or even a lack of fairness or proportionality. Hiram likely found the cities to be strategically unimportant, economically unproductive, or simply not commensurate with the immense value of the resources and labor he had provided over two decades. It conveys a strong sense of disappointment and rejection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hiram came out from Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him;":** This clause sets the scene, emphasizing Hiram's personal involvement and the significance of the transaction. His journey from Tyre to inspect the cities underscores the importance of the agreement and his desire to personally assess the value of the compensation. It highlights the culmination of a long-standing, mutually beneficial alliance, now reaching a critical point of payment and evaluation.
* **"and they pleased him not."**: This concise statement delivers the impactful outcome of Hiram's inspection. The Hebrew idiom "not right in his eyes" conveys a strong sense of dissatisfaction, implying that the cities were found wanting in some significant way—perhaps agriculturally poor, strategically insignificant, or simply not worth the immense value of the materials and labor Hiram had supplied. This rejection signals a diplomatic setback for Solomon and reveals a potential miscalculation in his judgment or a deliberate attempt to give less valuable land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle literary devices. The primary device is **Irony**, as Solomon, renowned for his divinely bestowed wisdom, makes a practical decision that results in profound dissatisfaction for his key ally. This stands in stark contrast to the grand descriptions of his wisdom and wealth found elsewhere in [1 Kings 4](/1_kings/4 "1 Kings 4 - Solomon's Wisdom and Prosperity"). The phrase "pleased him not" also functions as **Understatement**, as it likely represents a significant diplomatic and economic disappointment for Hiram, rather than a mere mild displeasure. This understated reaction from a powerful king suggests a deeper level of dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the event serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the eventual decline of Solomon's reign, where his wealth and alliances would ultimately prove insufficient to prevent internal strife and divine judgment, as outlined in [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Idolatry and Adversaries"). The contrast between the magnificent Temple and the disappointing cities also highlights **Juxtaposition**, underscoring the gap between Solomon's spiritual achievements and his practical, sometimes flawed, dealings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The dissatisfaction of King Hiram with the cities given by Solomon serves as a poignant reminder of the limitations of human wisdom and earthly transactions, even when conducted by a divinely blessed king. It underscores the biblical truth that true satisfaction and lasting value are not found in material possessions or shrewd human agreements, but in divine provision and righteous dealings. This incident highlights the inherent imperfection of human endeavors and the potential for even the most powerful and wise individuals to fall short of perfect justice or foresight. It invites reflection on the nature of true wealth and the ultimate source of contentment, pointing beyond earthly kingdoms and their transient arrangements.

* [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales are an Abomination to the Lord") - "A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight." This proverb emphasizes God's demand for integrity and fairness in all dealings, contrasting with the implicit lack of mutual satisfaction in Solomon's exchange with Hiram.
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven") - "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." This passage contrasts the fleeting value of earthly possessions with the enduring worth of heavenly treasures, echoing the idea that material "gifts" may not truly satisfy.
* [Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Contentment in All Circumstances") - "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." This speaks to the concept of finding contentment beyond external circumstances or material provisions, a stark contrast to Hiram's discontent.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hiram's disappointment in 1 Kings 9:12 offers profound lessons for contemporary life. It reminds us that even in our best intentions and most significant endeavors, human imperfection can lead to outcomes that fall short of expectations or create dissatisfaction. This incident underscores the critical importance of clear communication, mutual understanding, and genuine fairness in all our dealings, whether personal, professional, or communal. It challenges us to consider the other party's perspective and needs, striving for equitable value rather than simply fulfilling a technical obligation. When we engage in exchanges, whether of time, resources, or effort, the goal should be mutual satisfaction and the strengthening of relationships, not just transactional completion. Ultimately, this verse serves as a cautionary tale against assuming that what is valuable to us will be equally valuable to another, urging us to cultivate empathy and integrity in our interactions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be offering "cities that do not please" others, either through misjudgment or a lack of consideration for their true needs?**
* **How can I improve my communication and understanding in agreements to ensure that all parties perceive true value and satisfaction?**
* **What does Hiram's disappointment teach me about the nature of earthly possessions and the pursuit of true, lasting contentment?**
* **How does the pursuit of grandeur or personal gain sometimes blind us to the importance of equitable relationships and integrity?**

### FAQ

**Why was Hiram displeased with the cities Solomon gave him?**

Answer: While the Bible doesn't explicitly state the exact reasons for Hiram's displeasure, the phrase "they pleased him not" (Hebrew: *lōʾ yāšərû bəʿênāyw* – "they were not right in his eyes") suggests a significant inadequacy. Scholars propose several possibilities: the cities might have been agriculturally poor, strategically unimportant, sparsely populated, or simply not commensurate with the immense value of the timber, gold, and skilled labor Hiram had provided over twenty years. For a powerful maritime king like Hiram, landlocked or underdeveloped agricultural regions would likely hold less appeal than coastal access or valuable trade routes. The gift was likely perceived as disproportionate to his contributions, leading to his strong dissatisfaction.

**What happened to the cities after Hiram rejected them?**

Answer: The account in [2 Chronicles 8:1-2](/2_chronicles/8-1 "2 Chronicles 8:1-2 - Solomon's Building Projects and Hiram's Response") provides a crucial follow-up. It states that Hiram returned the cities to Solomon. Solomon then rebuilt them and settled Israelites there. This indicates that the issue was resolved, and Solomon took back the unwanted territory, investing in its development himself. This resolution, while not detailed in 1 Kings, shows a continued, albeit perhaps strained, alliance between the two kings.

**Does this event diminish Solomon's reputation for wisdom?**

Answer: This event serves as a nuanced portrayal of Solomon's wisdom. While Solomon was divinely gifted with extraordinary wisdom [1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29-34 - Solomon's Wisdom and Prosperity"), this incident reveals that even divine wisdom does not negate human fallibility or the complexities of international relations. It suggests that Solomon, despite his great insight, could still make practical misjudgments or prioritize his own interests in a way that led to dissatisfaction for others. It reminds us that even the wisest human leaders are imperfect and that true, lasting wisdom is ultimately found in God alone. This subtle flaw in Solomon's judgment foreshadows his later, more significant moral failures documented in [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Idolatry and Adversaries").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Hiram's dissatisfaction with Solomon's gift, where the "cities pleased him not," serves as a profound Old Testament shadow pointing to the ultimate and perfect satisfaction found in Christ. Solomon, despite his divinely granted wisdom and immense wealth, could only offer an earthly inheritance that proved inadequate and disappointing to his ally. This human failing highlights the inherent limitations of all earthly provisions and covenants. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ offers an inheritance and a covenant that perfectly fulfills every expectation and provides eternal, unblemished satisfaction. He is the true King, far greater than Solomon [Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - The Queen of the South and Solomon"), who does not offer a flawed or disappointing gift, but rather Himself—the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His perfect sacrifice and resurrection, Christ secures for His people an "inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven" [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance"). Unlike the Galilean cities, which were "not right in Hiram's eyes," the spiritual blessings and eternal life offered by Christ are perfectly "right" and eternally satisfying to those who receive them by faith. He is the ultimate fulfillment of all promises, the one who truly "pleases" God and perfectly satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart, offering a kingdom that cannot be shaken [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken") and an eternal dwelling where there will be no more sorrow or disappointment [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Tears or Pain").

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

Judges 14:3

Then his father and his mother said unto him, [Is there] never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.

Numbers 22:34

And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.