1 Kings 5:7

And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed [be] the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.

And it came to pass, when Hiram {H2438} heard {H8085} the words {H1697} of Solomon {H8010}, that he rejoiced {H8055} greatly {H3966}, and said {H559}, Blessed {H1288} be the LORD {H3068} this day {H3117}, which hath given {H5414} unto David {H1732} a wise {H2450} son {H1121} over this great {H7227} people {H5971}.

When Hiram heard Shlomo's message, he was very happy and said, "Blessed be ADONAI today, who has given David a wise son to rule this great people."

When Hiram received Solomon’s message, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the LORD this day! He has given David a wise son over this great people!”

And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be Jehovah this day, who hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.

Commentary

1 Kings 5:7 presents a pivotal moment in the early reign of King Solomon, highlighting the international recognition of God's blessing upon Israel and its new king. This verse records the enthusiastic response of King Hiram of Tyre upon hearing Solomon's message regarding the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse occurs after Solomon has established his kingdom and received divine wisdom (1 Kings 3:9, 1 Kings 4:29). Solomon has sent a message to Hiram, King of Tyre, requesting timber—specifically cedar and fir—and skilled laborers for the monumental task of building the Lord's Temple (1 Kings 5:5). Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state, was renowned for its abundant cedar forests and expert craftsmen. A strong, peaceful relationship had existed between King David and Hiram, and Solomon sought to continue this alliance for the Temple project. Hiram's response here is one of genuine joy and acknowledgment of the God of Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Wisdom Recognized: Hiram explicitly attributes Solomon's wisdom to the LORD. This isn't just a diplomatic platitude but an acknowledgment from a foreign monarch that the God of Israel is actively involved in His people's affairs and has uniquely gifted their king. Solomon's wisdom was not merely intellectual but divinely imparted for leadership and justice.
  • God's Providence and Sovereignty: The fact that a pagan king like Hiram blesses the LORD demonstrates God's overarching sovereignty. God works through various individuals, even those outside the covenant community, to achieve His purposes and bring Him glory. Hiram recognizes God's hand in placing a wise son on David's throne.
  • Fulfillment of Promise: Hiram's statement subtly points to the fulfillment of God's promises to David concerning his successor. God had promised David that his son would build a house for His name (2 Samuel 7:13). Solomon's wisdom and the stability of his kingdom, enabling the Temple's construction, were direct outworkings of this covenant.
  • International Respect for Israel: The verse showcases Israel's growing influence and respect among its neighbors. The stability and wisdom under Solomon's rule brought recognition not only of the king but also of the God he served.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Blessed be the LORD" translates the Hebrew Baruch Yahweh (בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה). This is a common Hebrew expression of praise and adoration, signifying that God is worthy of blessing and is the source of all good things. For a non-Israelite king to utter this phrase indicates a profound respect and perhaps even a dawning understanding of the power and goodness of Israel's God, even if he didn't fully convert to monotheism. Hiram's recognition of Solomon as a "wise son" (Hebrew: ben chakam) directly echoes the divine gift of wisdom Solomon had received (1 Kings 3:12).

Practical Application

  • God's Wisdom for Leadership: This passage reminds us that true wisdom, especially for leadership, is a gift from God. It enables effective governance and fosters peace, even with those outside our immediate community.
  • God's Work Through Unexpected Means: God is not limited to working only through His direct followers. He can use anyone, including foreign rulers or unexpected circumstances, to advance His plans and receive glory. This encourages us to look for God's hand in all situations.
  • Blessing for Others: Solomon's wise leadership brought not only internal stability but also external recognition and blessing, demonstrating that God's favor on His people can extend to benefit others.
  • God's Faithfulness: Hiram's words underscore the faithfulness of God to His promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant. We can trust that God will fulfill His word in our lives and in the world.
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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 23:24 (3 votes)

    The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise [child] shall have joy of him.

  • Isaiah 9:6 (3 votes)

    For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

  • Psalms 137:6 (2 votes)

    If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

  • Psalms 122:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

  • Psalms 122:7 (2 votes)

    Peace be within thy walls, [and] prosperity within thy palaces.

  • 2 Chronicles 9:7 (2 votes)

    Happy [are] thy men, and happy [are] these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.

  • 2 Chronicles 9:8 (2 votes)

    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.