1 Kings 7:14

He [was] a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

He was a widow's {H802}{H490} son {H1121} of the tribe {H4294} of Naphtali {H5321}, and his father {H1} was a man {H376} of Tyre {H6876}, a worker {H2790} in brass {H5178}: and he was filled {H4390} with wisdom {H2451}, and understanding {H8394}, and cunning {H1847} to work {H6213} all works {H4399} in brass {H5178}. And he came {H935} to king {H4428} Solomon {H8010}, and wrought {H6213} all his work {H4399}.

He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naftali, but his father was from Tzor, a bronze-worker filled with wisdom, understanding and skill for all kinds of bronze craftsmanship. He came to King Shlomo and did all his bronzework.

He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Huram had great skill, understanding, and knowledge for every kind of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and carried out all his work.

He was the son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass; and he was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill, to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

Commentary

1 Kings 7:14 introduces a pivotal figure in the construction of Solomon's magnificent Temple: Huram (also known as Hiram in 2 Chronicles). This verse highlights his unique background and extraordinary skills, essential for the elaborate metalwork of the sacred edifice.

Historical and Cultural Context

After detailing the construction of the Temple itself, 1 Kings 7 begins to describe the intricate furnishings and decorative elements. King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, sought out the finest craftsmen available for this monumental task. Huram's background is particularly interesting: his mother was an Israelite from the tribe of Naphtali, while his father was a Phoenician from Tyre, a prominent maritime and trading city known for its skilled artisans. This mixed heritage allowed him to bridge the gap between Israelite religious tradition and Phoenician artistic expertise, crucial for the project.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Giftedness and Skill: Huram is described as being "filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass." The term "cunning" here signifies exceptional skill and ingenuity, not deceit. This parallels the description of craftsmen like Bezalel and Aholiab, who were divinely endowed for the construction of the Tabernacle, suggesting that Huram's abilities were also a gift from God.
  • International Collaboration for God's Glory: The partnership between Solomon's Israel and Hiram's Tyre (see 1 Kings 5:1-12) is evident in Huram's background. This collaboration brought together diverse talents and resources to build a house for the Lord, emphasizing that God can use people from various backgrounds to accomplish His purposes.
  • Excellence in Service: The detailed description of Huram's expertise underscores the value of excellence in serving God. The Temple was not merely a building; it was to be a testament to God's glory, requiring the highest quality of workmanship and materials.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "brass" in this context typically refers to bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, which was the primary metal used for casting and intricate metalwork in the ancient Near East. Bronze was highly valued for its durability and aesthetic qualities, making it suitable for the elaborate pillars, molten sea, and other vessels described later in this chapter.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God equips individuals with unique talents and abilities for specific purposes. Like Huram, we are called to use our gifts—whether in craftsmanship, leadership, teaching, or any other field—with diligence and excellence for God's glory. It also highlights the importance of collaboration and seeking out expertise, recognizing that diverse skills can come together to achieve great things for the Kingdom, echoing Paul's teaching on the diversity of spiritual gifts in the body of Christ.

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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 2:14 (4 votes)

    The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.

  • 2 Chronicles 4:16 (4 votes)

    The pots also, and the shovels, and the fleshhooks, and all their instruments, did Huram his father make to king Solomon for the house of the LORD of bright brass.

  • Exodus 31:2 (3 votes)

    See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:

  • Exodus 31:6 (3 votes)

    And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;

  • Exodus 36:8 (2 votes)

    ¶ And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work made he them.

  • Exodus 35:30 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;

  • Exodus 36:2 (2 votes)

    And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, [even] every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it: