2 Chronicles 2:11

¶ Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them.

Then Huram {H2361} the king {H4428} of Tyre {H6865} answered {H559} in writing {H3791}, which he sent {H7971} to Solomon {H8010}, Because the LORD {H3068} hath loved {H160} his people {H5971}, he hath made {H5414} thee king {H4428} over them.

Huram the king of Tzor wrote this answer and sent it to Shlomo: "Because the Lord loves his people, he has made you king over them."

Then Hiram king of Tyre wrote a letter in reply to Solomon: “Because the LORD loves His people, He has set you over them as king.”

Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because Jehovah loveth his people, he hath made thee king over them.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 2:11

This verse is part of the diplomatic exchange between King Solomon of Israel and King Huram (also known as Hiram in 1 Kings) of Tyre. Solomon had sent a detailed request for timber, specifically cedar and fir, and skilled craftsmen from Tyre to assist in the monumental task of building the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem (as seen in 2 Chronicles 2:3-10). Huram's response here is not merely a polite acknowledgment but a significant theological statement, recognizing the divine hand behind Solomon's kingship and the prosperity of Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Appointment of Rulers: Huram explicitly states that Solomon's kingship is a direct result of God's action. This underscores the biblical principle that all authority ultimately derives from God, even when exercised by human leaders.
  • God's Enduring Love for His People: The core reason for Solomon's elevation, according to Huram, is the LORD's deep and abiding love for Israel. This love is the foundation for God's covenant relationship and His ongoing care for His chosen nation, a theme consistently found throughout the Old Testament, such as in Deuteronomy 7:8.
  • International Recognition of God: It is noteworthy that a Gentile king, Huram, acknowledges and praises the LORD (Yahweh), the God of Israel. This suggests that the fame and influence of Israel's God extended beyond its borders, even influencing neighboring rulers. The parallel account in 1 Kings 5:7 also highlights Huram's praise for the LORD.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the LORD" in this context refers to the Hebrew name for God, Yahweh (often rendered as Jehovah in older translations or simply "the LORD" in KJV). This is the personal, covenant name of God, revealed to Israel. It is significant that Huram, a pagan king, uses this specific name, indicating his awareness of the distinct identity of Israel's God, perhaps through previous interactions with David or through the reputation of Israel.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 2:11 reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations and rulers. Even those outside a direct covenant relationship with Him can recognize His hand in the affairs of the world. For believers, this verse reinforces the truth of God's providential care and His enduring love for His people, which is the basis for His plans and purposes. It also highlights the potential for God's people to be a witness, drawing even outsiders to acknowledge His greatness through their actions and the blessings He bestows upon them.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 9:8

    Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, [to be] king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.

  • 1 Kings 10:9

    Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.

  • Psalms 72:17

    His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and [men] shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.

  • Deuteronomy 7:7

    The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye [were] the fewest of all people:

  • Deuteronomy 7:8

    But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
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