1 Kings 5:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As soon as Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, "Blessed be the Lord this day, who has given to David a wise son to be over this great people."

NIV: When Hiram heard Solomon’s message, he was greatly pleased and said, "Praise be to the Lord today, for he has given David a wise son to rule over this great nation."

NASB: When Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he greatly rejoiced; and he said, 'Blessed be the Lord today, who has given to David a wise son over this great people.'

CSB: When Hiram heard Solomon’s words, he rejoiced greatly and said, "Blessed be the Lord today! He has given David a wise son to be over this great people!"

NLT: When Hiram received Solomon’s message, he was very pleased and said, 'Praise the Lord today for giving David a wise son to be king of the great nation of Israel.'

KJV: 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.

NKJV: So it was, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly and said, Blessed be the Lord this day, for He has given David a wise son over this great people!

First Kings 5:7–12 describes how King Hiram of Tyre helps Solomon build the temple (2 Chronicles 2:11–12, 15–16). Hiram had been David's friend: he built David's house (2 Samuel 5:11) and had already sent some lumber for the temple (1 Chronicles 22:14–16). Solomon needs more and asks Hiram for help (1 Kings 5:1–6). Hiram enthusiastically agrees and explains how his workmen will float the timber down the coast to Solomon's waiting men. In exchange, Solomon will feed Hiram's court. In addition, Hiram will send Hiram-abi, a master craftsman, to build the furnishings (2 Chronicles 2:13–14; 4:11–18).

In 1 Kings 5, Solomon enlists the help of King Hiram of Tyre to build the temple. When Hiram hears that his friend David has died, he sends messengers to connect with Solomon. Solomon knows that David commissioned the lumber for which Damascus is famous (1 Chronicles 22:2–5) and asks for more help. Hiram enthusiastically agrees in exchange for a yearly food allowance. Solomon conscripts tens of thousands of resident aliens in Israel to work with Hiram's men and dress stone for the foundation. Second Chronicles 2 adds more detail, including the addition of the half-Israelite, half-Lebanese craftsman Hiram-abi.

In 1 Kings 5, Solomon starts accumulating supplies and workers for the temple (2 Chronicles 2). David has already gathered building materials and precious metals. He has invited Israelite leaders and King Hiram of Tyre to help (1 Chronicles 22; 28—29). Hiram agrees to continue the working relationship with Solomon. Solomon conscripts laborers, and Hiram sends a master craftsman to build the furnishings (2 Chronicles 4:11–18). With all the help, Solomon will be able to bring the ark to its new home in about seven years (1 Kings 6:1, 37–38).

This was originally the first half of a combined text. First Kings records the end of David's reign and the rule of Solomon. After this, the kingdom is split in two. The northern nation of Israel no longer submits to the king of the southern nation, called Judah. The prophet Elijah first appears in this book. The kings mostly fail to honor the Lord. They participate in idolatry and other sins. This will eventually result in their conquest and exile, as depicted throughout the books of Chronicles.