2 Samuel 5:11

¶ And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.

And Hiram {H2438} king {H4428} of Tyre {H6865} sent {H7971} messengers {H4397} to David {H1732}, and cedar {H730} trees {H6086}, and carpenters {H2796}, and masons {H7023}{H68}: and they built {H1129} David {H1732} an house {H1004}.

Hiram king of Tzor sent envoys to David with cedar logs, and with them were carpenters and stonemasons; and they built David a palace.

Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David.

And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar-trees, and carpenters, and masons; and they built David a house.

Commentary

Context of 2 Samuel 5:11

This verse marks a significant moment in David's reign, immediately following his anointing as king over all twelve tribes of Israel and his strategic capture of Jerusalem, which he established as his capital (the "City of David"). With his kingdom now unified and geographically central, the construction of a royal palace was a crucial step in solidifying his rule and establishing Jerusalem as a permanent seat of government. The arrival of Hiram king of Tyre signifies the burgeoning international recognition of David's authority and the formation of a key diplomatic and commercial alliance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Favor and Establishment: The building of David's palace, facilitated by a powerful foreign king and superior resources, powerfully symbolizes God's blessing and the secure establishment of David's reign in Jerusalem. It signifies a transition from a period of struggle and movement to a settled, strong monarchy. This event foreshadows the Lord's enduring covenant with David, promising an everlasting house and kingdom.
  • Strategic Alliances and Resourcefulness: The partnership with Hiram of Tyre provided David with access to highly valued materials, specifically the renowned cedar trees from Lebanon, and expert craftsmen (carpenters and masons) whose skills were likely unmatched in Israel at the time. This strategic collaboration was vital for major architectural projects, setting a precedent for the even larger undertaking of building the Temple during Solomon's reign.
  • Symbol of Royal Authority: A magnificent royal residence was an essential emblem of a king's power, wealth, and stability in the ancient Near East. David's "house" was not merely a dwelling but the administrative and symbolic heart of his kingdom, demonstrating his consolidated rule over all Israel.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The "cedar trees" mentioned are the highly prized Cedrus libani, or cedars of Lebanon. These majestic trees were esteemed throughout the ancient world for their immense size, durability, aromatic qualities, and natural resistance to decay, making them the preferred timber for royal palaces and sacred structures. Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state, was famous for its maritime trade and especially for its master craftsmen in woodworking and stonemasonry. The provision of these skilled artisans by Hiram underscores the advanced building techniques and specialized labor available through this international alliance.

Related Scriptures

  • David's conquest of Jerusalem and establishment as king: 2 Samuel 5:6-9
  • This alliance and the use of Tyrian resources for David's palace set the stage for the even more extensive collaboration between Hiram and David's son, Solomon, in the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem: 1 Kings 5:1-12 and 2 Chronicles 2:3-16.

Practical Application

2 Samuel 5:11 illustrates the principle of God's provision and the value of strategic partnerships in fulfilling divine purposes. Just as God established David's kingdom and provided the necessary resources through unexpected alliances, so too does He equip and enable believers today. This verse can remind us that when God establishes a work or a person, He often supplies the means, skills, and relationships needed for its success, sometimes from sources we might not anticipate. It encourages us to recognize God's hand in our provision and to wisely steward the resources and connections He brings into our lives for His glory.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 14:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.

  • 1 Kings 5:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.

  • 1 Kings 5:2 (4 votes)

    And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,

  • 1 Kings 5:18 (3 votes)

    And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew [them], and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.

  • Jeremiah 22:14 (2 votes)

    That saith, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cutteth him out windows; and [it is] cieled with cedar, and painted with vermilion.

  • Jeremiah 22:16 (2 votes)

    He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then [it was] well [with him: was] not this to know me? saith the LORD.

  • 1 Kings 7:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.