1 Kings 5 Commentary

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1 Kings 5:1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, when he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram had always been a friend of David.

• Hiram: 1Ki 5:10,13 9:12-14 2Ch 2:3, Huram
• sent his servants to Solomon: 2Sa 8:10 10:1,2 Ps 45:12 
• Hiram had always been a friend of David: 2Sa 5:11 1Ch 14:1 Am 1:9 

Related Passages: 

2 Samuel 5:11+  Then Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees and carpenters and stonemasons; and they built a house for David.

1 Chronicles 14:1+ Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees, masons and carpenters, to build a house for him.

Now Hiram king of Tyre (rock - city was built on rocky island) sent his servants to Solomon, when he heard that they had anointed (masah) him king in place of his father, for Hiram had always been a friend (aheb/ahab; Lxx = agapao - loved) of David - Hiram was a Phoenician, a people group who were not worshippers of Jehovah and yet David's godly life had an impact on King Hiram who had always been a friend of David. The ESV has "Hiram always loved David." David's love had an impact on this king's life and out of love for David, he expressed his love for David's son, Solomon.

THOUGHT - Even though David is dead, his life and love continued to have a "ripple effect." Such is the life of any man or woman about whom it can be said they are a "man (woman) after God's Own heart." (Acts 13:22+). Your life can have an impact on the lives of others far beyond the grave. Consider for a moment how many friends and loved ones have been saved after a godly Christian went home to be with the Lord (See my eulogy for Akong, truly one of the most Christlike believers I have ever met in my 40 years as a follower of Christ.) 

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Anointed (04886)(masah) is a verb which basically means to smear something on, to rub with oil, to anoint (as in setting one apart for office or function - Elisha as prophet = 1Ki 19:16, kings for office = 1Sa 9:16 = Saul,1Sa 16:12 = David, 1Ki 1:39 = Solomon) and by implication to sanctify (set aside for sacred purpose) or consecrate (dedicate for a sacred purpose) (altar = Nu 7:10; vessels for worship - Ex 29:36 = "you shall anoint it to consecrate it;" Ex 30:26, 40:9-10). In the first OT use, Jacob "anointed a pillar" and made a vow to God (Ge 31:13; Lxx = aleipho = to anoint by applying a liquid - Jesus' feet were anointed with perfume - Lk 7:38, 46+).

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QUESTION - Who was Huram / Hiram in the Bible?

ANSWER - Three people in the Bible were named Hiram, and two of them were associated with Tyre, the ancient Phoenician city-state on the Mediterranean coast. In some cases, Huram is a variant used for the name Hiram. Hiram in Hebrew and its variant Huram both mean “brother of the exalted.”

The first Hiram was the king of Tyre who reigned during the time of King David and his son King Solomon. The earliest mention of King Hiram in the Bible is after David conquered Jerusalem and established his capital there. Hiram sent timber, carpenters, and other skilled laborers for David to employ in the building of his palace: “Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David” (2 Samuel 5:11). In the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, he is called Huram (1 Chronicles 14:1; 2 Chronicles 2:3).

During Hiram’s reign, Tyre grew into a dominant and thriving commercial center and the most important port city in the Mediterranean. Hiram engaged in extensive building projects and colonized several Mediterranean islands such as Cyprus and Sicily. He also pursued commercial maritime endeavors.

In the writings of the first-century historian Josephus, we learn that Hiram ruled in Tyre for 34 years and died at age 53. Throughout his lifetime, King Hiram remained David’s friend and ally. His long affection for David passed down to King Solomon, with whom he continued friendly relations: “Now Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon when he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram always loved David” (1 Kings 5:1, ESV).

When Solomon built the temple, Hiram sent timber, gold, and craftsmen to help with the construction and assemble the furnishings. In return, Solomon gave grain and oil to Hiram to supply his household. The two kings developed a commercial trading alliance. Solomon also gave Hiram twenty cities in the territory of Galilee, but, when King Hiram surveyed these cities, he was not pleased with them and called the area “the Land of Kabul,” which roughly translates into “the Good-for-nothing Land” (1 Kings 9:10–14; 26–28).

Another man named Hiram worked on Solomon’s temple as a metalsmith. He was from Tyre, as was his father, and his mother was from the tribe of Naphtali: “King Solomon sent to Tyre and brought Huram, whose mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphtali and whose father was from Tyre and a skilled craftsman in bronze. Huram was filled with wisdom, with understanding and with knowledge to do all kinds of bronze work. He came to King Solomon and did all the work assigned to him” (1 Kings 7:13–14).

Hiram the metalsmith is referred to as Huram in 2 Chronicles 4:11 but called Huram-abi in 2 Chronicles 2:13 and 4:16. Abi means “master.”

A third man mentioned in the Bible with the name Huram was a grandson of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:3–5). Scholars believe he may have been the same as Hupham, the Benjamite listed in Numbers 26:39. GotQuestions.org

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WIKIPEDIA - Hiram I (Phoenician: Ḥirōm "my brother is exalted"; Hebrew: חִירָם‎ Ḥīrām, Modern Arabic: حيرام, also called Hirom or Huram)^[1] was the Phoenician king of Tyre according to the Hebrew Bible. His regnal years have been calculated by some as 980 to 947 BC, in succession to his father, Abibaal. Hiram was succeeded as king of Tyre by his son Baal-Eser I.^[2] Hiram is also mentioned in the writings of Menander of Ephesus (early 2nd century BC), as preserved in Josephus's Against Apion, which adds to the biblical account. According to Josephus, Hiram lived for 53 years and reigned 34.

Reign

During Hiram's reign, Tyre grew from a satellite of Sidon into the most important of Phoenician cities, and the holder of a large trading empire. He suppressed the rebellion of the first Tyrean colony at Utica, near the later site of Carthage (Against Apion i:18).

The Hebrew Bible says that he allied himself with David, king of the United Kingdom of Israel and his artisans built David's palace in Jerusalem after his capture of the city.^[3][4][5] The palace was built using Lebanon Cedar. After David's death, Hiram maintained his alliance with David's son and successor Solomon, again as an equal ("אחי", meaning "my brother")^[6][7][8] Through the alliance with Solomon, Hiram ensured himself access to the major trade routes to Egypt, Arabia and Mesopotamia. The two kings also jointly opened a trade route over the Red Sea, connecting the Israelite harbour of Ezion-Geber with a land called Ophir.^[9] Some schools of thought suggest that this land of Ophir was in the port city of Sopara near modern Mumbai (Bombay), India.^[10]

According to the Bible, both kings grew rich through this trade, and Hiram sent Solomon architects, workmen, cedar wood, and gold to build the First Temple in Jerusalem. Josephus says that he also extended the Tyrean harbour, enlarged the city by joining the two islands on which it was built, and constructed a royal palace and a temple for Melqart (Against Apion i:17). Modern archaeology, however, has found no evidence for these expansions.^[11]nsions

Hypotheses regarding chronology of reign[edit]

The Baal Lebanon inscription is thought to mention Hiram.

The beginning date of Hiram's reign is derived from a statement by Josephus by citing both Tyrian court records and the writings of Menander,^[12] relating that 143 years passed between the start of construction of Solomon's Temple until the founding of Carthage (or until Dido's flight that led to its founding). Josephus also related that Hiram's reign began 155 years and 8 months before that event and that construction of Solomon's Temple began in the twelfth year of Hiram's reign, which would be 143 years before the building of Carthage.

As pointed out by William Barnes (1801–1886), the date for the start of Temple construction using the Tyrian data is derived "wholly independently" of the way that date is derived by using the Scriptural data.^[13]

"Tomb of Hiram" Main article: Hiram's Tomb

The "Tomb of Hiram", as seen in 2009

The "Tomb of Hiram" (Qabr Hiram) dates from the Persian period, four to six centuries after the presumed time of Hiram.^[14] It is built 6 km southeast of Tyre, near the village of Hanaouay, on the road to Qana^[14] and has the form of a colossal limestone sarcophagus on a pedestal.^[14]

1 Kings 5:2  Then Solomon sent word to Hiram, saying,

• 2Ch 2:3 

Related Passages: 

2 Chronicles 2:3+  Then Solomon sent word to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, “As you dealt with David my father and sent him cedars to build him a house to dwell in, so do for me.

SOLOMON
REPLIES TO HIRAM

Then -  Then marks progression in a narrative and can be very helpful in prophetic passages (e.g., Mt 24:9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 30+). 

Solomon sent word to Hiram, saying - Hiram (means noble, high born) was king of Tyre a seaport on the Mediterranean north of Israel. Solomon knew Hiram had befriended David and provided cedar for David's palace (2Sa 5:11+).

Dilday - “According to Josephus, copies of such a letter along with Hiram’s reply were preserved in both Hebrew and Tyrian archives and were extant in his day (Josephus Antiquities 8.2.8).” 

1 Kings 5:3  "You know that David my father was unable to build a house for the name of the LORD his God because of the wars which surrounded him, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.

• was unable to build a house for the name of the LORD: 2Sa 7:5-11 1Ch 22:4-6 2Ch 6:6-8 
• because of the wars: 1Ch 22:8 1Ch 28:3 
• put them under the soles of his feet: Jos 10:24 Ps 8:6 Ps 110:1 Mal 4:3 1Co 15:25 Eph 1:22

Related Passages: 

1 Chronicles 22:2-6 So David gave orders to gather the foreigners who were in the land of Israel, and he set stonecutters to hew out stones to build the house of God. 3 David prepared large quantities of iron to make the nails for the doors of the gates and for the clamps, and more bronze than could be weighed; 4 and timbers of cedar logs beyond number, for the Sidonians and Tyrians brought large quantities of cedar timber to David.David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the LORD shall be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore now I will make preparation for it.” So David made ample preparations before his death. 6 Then he called for his son Solomon, and charged him to build a house for the LORD God of Israel 

DAVID PROHIBITED FROM
BUILDING GOD'S TEMPLE

You know that David my father was unable to build a house for the Name (shem; Lxx - onoma) of the LORD his God because of the wars which surrounded him - God clearly stated this prohibition to David

1 Chronicles 22:8 “But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have waged great wars; you shall not build a house to My name, BECAUSE you have shed so much blood on the earth before Me.

1 Chronicles 28:3  “But God said to me, ‘You shall not build a house for My name BECAUSE you are a man of war and have shed blood.’

Until the LORD put them (David's enemies) under the soles of his feet - Under the soles of his feet was a symbolic act emphasizing conquest and complete subjugation of one's enemies (see Josh 10:24+, cf Ps 110:1). Note this passage gives us the repeated pattern in Scripture of God's sovereignty (LORD put...) and man's responsibility (David fought). This also reminds us of the same dynamic in Solomon's words in Ps 127:1+. 

THOUGHT - Do you understand this crucial dynamic of God's sovereignty and man's responsibility in your Christian life? We are continually in a spiritual war against our enemies, the world, the flesh and the devil. 2Cor 10:3-5+ reminds us "though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful (GOD'S SOVEREIGN PROVISION) for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." The point is that as followers of Christ we are called to continually wage war against our spiritual enemies, doing so in continual dependence on God's Spirit and Word (and prayer), His sovereign provisions which (alone) can assure victory over our strong adversaries. I like to call this the "Paradoxical Principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible". 

1 Kings 5:4  "But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor misfortune.

• my God has given me rest: 1Ki 4:24 1Ch 22:9 Ps 72:7 Isa 9:7 Ac 9:31 

Related Passages: 

1 Kings 4:24+  For he had dominion over everything west of the River, from Tiphsah even to Gaza, over all the kings west of the River; and he had peace on all sides around about him.

Exodus 33:14+  And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” (JESUS IS OUR ULTIMATE REST!!!)

Deuteronomy 25:19+  “Therefore it shall come about when the LORD your God has given you rest from all your surrounding enemies, in the land which the LORD your God gives you as an inheritance to possess, you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven; you must not forget. 

Joshua 1:13+  “Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, ‘The LORD your God gives you rest and will give you this land.’

JEHOVAH'S GIFT OF
NATIONAL REST 

But now - Term of contrast and time phrase. What is the contrast? 

The LORD (Jehovah; Lxx - kurios) my God (Elohim) has given me rest (nuach/nuah; Lxx - anapauo) on every side; Note Solomon (1) recognizes rest as a gift from Jehovah and (2) calls Him my God, (4 other times - 1Ki 3:7, 1Ki 5:5, 1Ki 8:28, cf 3 times in  2Ch 2:4, 6:19, 40) even as his father David had done (Ps 18:1-2+). Clearly, God's gift of rest from war or even worry about war was so that His Temple could be completed without hindrance or distractions. Solomon had rest on every side of Israel because "he had dominion over everything west of the River, from Tiphsah even to Gaza, over all the kings west of the River; and he had peace on all sides around about him." (1Ki 4:24+) This fulfilled God’s promise to his people in Ex 33:14+ and Dt. 12:10.

There is neither adversary (satan; Lxx - epiboulos = plotting against) nor misfortune - In context, rest is described as no adversary or misfortune. Misfortune is actually 2 Hebrew words (pega = something that takes place + ra'/ra'ah = bad, evil) so literally means "no evil occurrence" or "no evil happening."  Satan was later personalized (cf. 1 Ch 21:1; Job 1:6). Solomon started well with no adversary but ended in national disaster beginning when "the LORD raised up an adversary to Solomon, Hadad the Edomite....another adversary to him, Rezon" (1Ki 11:14, 23, 25+).

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Rest (lay, leave, place/put, set/settle, deposit)(05117) nuach/nuah  means to rest or pause and as noted from the many ways it is translated (see list of words below), nuach has many uses in the OT. Nuach essentially conveys a basic sense of absence of movement and of being settled in a particular place with overtones of finality. The first use in Ge 2:15 describes how God "put" Adam in the Garden. The next use describes a physical setting down of something (Ge 8:4, cp 2Sa 21:10, Ex 10:14, Josh 3:13).

Adversary (07854) satan means adversary, opponent, accuser. Most uses refer to Satan the adversary of God and thus related to relate to "the cosmic struggle in the unseen world between God and the opposing forces of darkness." In 1 Chronicles 21:1 "Then Satan (satan) stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel." In the narrative portions of the OT, sātān generally refers to a person's adversary in military and political realms (1Sa 29:4; 1 Ki. 5:4; 11:14, 23, 25). For example, 1 Ki. 11:14 says, "The Lord stirred an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom." In Psalms, sātān takes on the legal sense of verbal accusation by adversaries (Ps. 109:6). Even the angel of the Lord was described as a sātān when he opposed Balaam (Num. 22:22, 32). Throughout history, Satan has been mankind's most noted opponent, called "that old serpent" (Rev. 12:9; cf. Gen. 3:1), in reference to Eve's deception in the Garden. Some of the evil one's other biblical identifications include "son of the morning" (Isa. 14:12), "covering cherub" (Ezek. 28:16), "Satan" (Zech. 3:1; Rom. 16:20), "prince of this world" (John 12:31), "the prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2).

SATAN - 23V - accuser(1), adversary(8), Satan(18). Num. 22:22; Num. 22:32; 1 Sam. 29:4; 2 Sam. 19:22; 1 Ki. 5:4; 1 Ki. 11:14; 1 Ki. 11:23; 1 Ki. 11:25; 1 Chr. 21:1; Job 1:6; Job 1:7; Job 1:8; Job 1:9; Job 1:12; Job 2:1; Job 2:2; Job 2:3; Job 2:4; Job 2:6; Job 2:7; Ps. 109:6; Zech. 3:1; Zech. 3:2

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J Vernon McGee - Friend, only God can give peace, whether it is world peace or peace in the human heart. God alone can give the rest today that the human heart needs. That is why our Lord, when they rejected Him as king, could send out His personal, private, individual invitation, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden" -- that is, burdened with sin -- "and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). Only Christ can give that kind of rest. Now God had given Solomon rest from warfare. There was peace on every side. (See Thru the Bible Vol. 13: History of Israel 1 and 2 Kings)

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F B Meyer - 1 Kings 5:4  Now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side.

God is the Rest-Giver. When He surrounds us on every side with His protecting care, so that our life resembles one of the cities of the Netherlands in the great war— inaccessible to the foe because surrounded by the waters of the sea, admitted through the sluice— then neither adversary nor evil occurrent can break in, and we are kept in perfect peace, our minds being stayed on God.

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand, 
Never foe can enter, never traitor stand.

Have you experienced the rest which comes by putting God round about you, on every side—like the light which burns brightly on a windy night because surrounded by its four panes of clear glass? Ah! what a contrast between the third (1 Kings 5:3) and fourth verse: Wars on every side; Rest on every side. And yet the two are compatible, because the wars expend themselves on God, as the waves on the shingle; and there are far reaches of rest within, like orchards and meadows and pasture-lands beyond the reach of the devastating water.

Out of such rest should come the best work. We are not surprised to find Solomon announcing his purpose to build a house unto the name of the Lord. Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus, anointed Him. Out of quiet hearts arise the greatest resolves; just as from the seclusion of country hamlets have come the greatest warriors, statesmen, and patriots. Men think, foolishly, that the active, ever-moving souls are the strongest. It is not so, however. They expend themselves before the day of trial comes. Give me those who have the power to restrain themselves and wait; these are they that can act with the greatest momentum in the hour of crisis.

1 Kings 5:5  "Behold, I intend to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spoke to David my father, saying, 'Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, he will build the house for My name.'

• behold: 2Ch 2:1-4,5-8 
• as the Lord: 2Sa 7:12,13 1Ch 17:12 22:10 28:6,10 Zec 6:12,13 

Related Passages: 

2 Chronicles 2:1-4+ Now Solomon decided to build a house for the name of the LORD and a royal palace for himself. (NOTE ORDER - DIFFERENT THAN 1Ki 3:1+) 2 So Solomon assigned 70,000 men to carry loads and 80,000 men to quarry stone in the mountains and 3,600 to supervise them.  3 Then Solomon sent word to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, “As you dealt with David my father and sent him cedars to build him a house to dwell in, so do for me. 4“Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of the LORD my God, dedicating it to Him, to burn fragrant incense before Him and to set out the showbread continually, and to offer burnt offerings morning and evening, on sabbaths and on new moons and on the appointed feasts of the LORD our God, this being required forever in Israel.

Exodus 20:24+ ‘You shall make an altar of earth for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen; in every place where I cause My Name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.

Deuteronomy 12:5+  “But you shall seek the LORD at the place which the LORD your God will choose from all your tribes, to establish His Name there for His dwelling, and there you shall come (REFERRING TO TABERNACLE AND THEN THE TEMPLE).

SOLOMON'S INTENTION
TO BUILD THE TEMPLE

Behold (hinneh; Lxx - idou), I intend to build a house for the Name (shem; Lxx - onoma) of the LORD (Jehovah; Lxx - kurios) my God - The Name speaks of the fame as well as the attributes of Jehovah.

THOUGHT - Believers are His house (temple) today (1Co 6:19-20+, cf 1Co 3:16-17, Eph 2:21+). What is your highest objective or goal in your short time on earth? Do you seek to build a house for the Name of the LORD? Or do you seek to make a name for ourselves in secular arenas (power, money, sex) or even in Christian work? Paul warns us "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) that he does not fall.." (1Cor 10:12+)

As the LORD spoke to David my father, saying, 'Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, he will build the house for My Name (shem; Lxx - onoma) - Jehovah's promise to David was not only a son on the throne (fulfilling the Davidic Covenant) but a son that would build the Temple. 

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Behold (02009) hinneh is an interjection meaning behold, look, now; if. "It is used often and expresses strong feelings, surprise, hope, expectation, certainty, thus giving vividness depending on its surrounding context." (Baker) Hinneh generally directs our mind to the text, imploring the reader to give it special attention. In short, the Spirit is trying to arrest our attention! And so hinneh is used as an exclamation of vivid immediacy (e.g., read Ge 6:13)! Hinneh is a marker used to enliven a narrative, to express a change a scene, to emphasize an idea, to call attention to a detail or an important fact or action that follows (Isa 65:17, Ge 17:20, 41:17). The first use of hinneh in Ge 1:29 and second in Ge 1:31 - "And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day." Hinneh is oftn used in the idiom "Here I am" in Ge 22:1, 7,11 Ge 27:1,18, Ge 31:11, Ge 46:2 Ex 3:4 1Sa 3:4, 3:16, 12:3, 2Sa 1:7, Isa 52:6, Isa 58:9. Hinneh is used most often to point out people but also to point out things (Ge 31:41, 17:4). God uses hinneh to grab man's attention before He brings destruction (Ge 6:13, 17). God uses hinneh when He establishes covenants (Ge 9:9, 15:12, 17 [when Jehovah cut the Abrahamic covenant], Ge 17:4, cp Ge 28:13, 15), when He provided a sacrificial substitute for Isaac (foreshadowing His giving us His only Son!) (Ge 22:13). Hinneh marks the "chance (The Providence of God)" arrival of Boaz at the field where Ruth was gleaning (Ru 2:4-read about this "chance romance" - Indeed, "Behold!"). Hinneh is used to announce the Lord’s sending of a child as a sign and a prophecy of Immanuel-Emmanuel, the Messiah (Isa. 7:14+). In fact W E Vine says that it is notable that when behold (hinneh) is used in Isaiah, it always introduces something relating to future circumstances.

Spurgeon reminds us that "Behold is a word of wonder; it is intended to excite admiration. Wherever you see it hung out in Scripture, it is like an ancient sign-board, signifying that there are rich wares within, or like the hands which solid readers have observed in the margin of the older Puritanic books, drawing attention to something particularly worthy of observation." I would add, behold is like a divine highlighter, a divine underlining of an especially striking or important text. It says in effect "Listen up, all ye who would be wise in the ways of Jehovah!"

Hinneh is translated in the Septuagint with the interjection idou (strictly speaking a command in the second person aorist imperative, middle voice) a demonstrative particle (used 1377 times in the Septuagint and NT) which is found especially in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke "and giving a peculiar vivacity to the style by bidding the reader or hearer to attend to what is said: "Behold! See! Lo!" (Thayer) The command is calling for urgent attention. Do this now! Don't delay! It could be loosely paraphrased "Pay attention!" or "Listen up!" to arouse attention and introduce a new and extraordinary fact of considerable importance.

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QUESTION - What is the Davidic covenant?

ANSWER - The Davidic Covenant refers to God’s promises to David through Nathan the prophet and is found in 2 Samuel 7 and later summarized in 1 Chronicles 17:11–14 and 2 Chronicles 6:16. This is an unconditional covenant made between God and David through which God promises David and Israel that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come from the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah and would establish a kingdom that would endure forever. The Davidic Covenant is unconditional because God does not place any conditions of obedience upon its fulfillment. The surety of the promises made rests solely on God’s faithfulness and does not depend at all on David or Israel’s obedience.

The Davidic Covenant centers on several key promises that are made to David. First, God reaffirms the promise of the land that He made in the first two covenants with Israel (the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants). This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:10, “I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore.” God then promises that David’s son will succeed him as king of Israel and that this son (Solomon) would build the temple. This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:12–13, " I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name.”

But then the promise continues and expands: “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (verse 13), and “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (verse 16). What began as a promise that David’s son Solomon would be blessed and build the temple turns into something different—the promise of an everlasting kingdom. Another Son of David would rule forever and build a lasting House. This is a reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, called the Son of David in Matthew 21:9.

The promise that David’s “house,” “kingdom,” and “throne” will be established forever is significant because it shows that the Messiah will come from the lineage of David and that He will establish a kingdom from which He will reign. The covenant is summarized by the words “house,” promising a dynasty in the lineage of David; “kingdom,” referring to a people who are governed by a king; “throne,” emphasizing the authority of the king’s rule; and “forever,” emphasizing the eternal and unconditional nature of this promise to David and Israel.

Other references to the Davidic Covenant are found in Jeremiah 23:5; 30:9; Isaiah 9:7; 11:1; Luke 1:32, 69; Acts 13:34; and Revelation 3:7.GotQuestions.org

1 Kings 5:6  "Now therefore, command that they cut for me cedars from Lebanon, and my servants will be with your servants; and I will give you wages for your servants according to all that you say, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians."

• cut for me cedars from Lebanon: 1Ki 6:9,10,16,20 2Ch 2:8,10 Ps 29:5 
• I will give you wages for your servants: Ro 12:17 Php 4:8 
• there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber 1Co 12:14-21 Eph 4:7 
• Sidonians: Ge 10:15 Ezr 3:7 

KING SOLOMON ISSUES
A COMMAND TO HIRAM

Now therefore, command that they cut for me cedars from Lebanon - The girth (circumference of the trunk) of a fully mature cedar tree can range from 12 to 40 feet. The immense girth of older cedar trees made them highly valued in antiquity for building ships, temples, and palaces. Their strength and size contributed to their significance. These cedar tree facts help understand the beauty of the Psalmist's words that "The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon." (Ps 92:12+)

And my servants ('ebed; Lxx - doulos) will be with your servants ('ebed; Lxx - doulos); and I will give you wages for your servants ('ebed; Lxx - doulos) according to all that you say, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians (Sidon just north of Tyre on coast) - Equitable pay and willingness to recognize the expertise of the Sidonians are reflections of Solomon's wisdom.

Cedar Timber: The wood of the cedar has always been highly prized--much more so than the sycamore (1 Ki 10:27; Isa 9:10). David had a house of cedar built for him by Hiram, king of Tyre (2 Sam 5:11), and he prepared "cedar-trees without number" for the temple which his son was to build (1 Ch 22:4). Cedar timber was very much used in the construction of Solomon's temple and palace, the trees being cut in the Lebanon by Sidonians by orders of the king of Tyre--"Hiram gave Solomon timber of cedar and timber of fir according to all his desire" (1 Ki 5:6-10). One of Solomon's most important buildings was known as "the house of the forest of Lebanon" (1 Ki 7:2; 10:17; 2 Ch 9:16), on account of the source of its materials. While cedar was well adapted for beams ( 1 Ki 6:9; Song 1:17), boards (Song 8:9), pillars (1 Ki 7:2) and ceilings (Jer 22:14), it was suited as well for carved work, such as idols (Isa 44:14,15). It was also used for ships' masts (Ezek 27:5).

1 Kings 5:7  When Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, "Blessed be the LORD today, who has given to David a wise son over this great people."

• Blessed: 1Ki 10:9 2Ch 2:11,12 9:7,8 Ps 122:6,7 137:6 
• who has: 1Ki 1:48 Ge 33:5 Isa 8:18 9:6 
• a wise son: 1Ki 3:9 2Ch 2:11 Pr 10:1 13:1 15:20 23:24 

Related Passages: 

2 Chronicles 2:12+ Then Huram continued, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, Who has made heaven and earth, Who has given King David a wise son, endowed with discretion and understanding, who will build a house for the LORD and a royal palace for himself. (Comment - This is an amazing statement by this apparent pagan! He knows more about creation than the most brilliant evolutionists! Was Hiram a believer in Yahweh? This may be one of those surprises we will see in heaven! Twice in this verse Hiram calls Him LORD [Jehovah]! )

HIRAM BLESSES
JEHOVAH

When Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, "Blessed be the LORD (Jehovah; Lxx - kurios) today, who has given to David a wise son over this great people.

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G Campbell Morgan - Blessed be the Lord this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.—1 Kings 5.7.

These words of the King of Tyre constitute one of the illustrations constantly, if incidentally, occurring in these Hebrew records of the fact that men outside the actual covenant people had some very definite knowledge of God. This man used the special name or title of God, which was that of the Hebrews, namely, JEHOVAH. Moreover, he recognized the coming of Solomon to the throne, as the appointment and gift of God. In this case almost certainly this knowledge was directly due to the influence of the people of God. David had obtained timber for the building of his own house from Hiram King of Tyre, and a friendship had existed between them. Whether this was the same man, or his son—for forty years had elapsed between these two events—he "was ever a lover of David." These stories all serve to remind us that men every-where have capacity for receiving truth about God; and some of them at least suggest that God may make Himself known to men in other ways than those of the more self-evident lines of revelation. Perhaps the case of Melchizedek is the supreme example of this. In any case, all such stories as that of Hiram should serve to call us to the sense of opportunity and responsibility of revealing God to thosewith whom we are brought into contact in every walk of life. In these words of Hiram, we have not only a recognition of God, and of His government, but a definite act of worship in an ascription of praise toJEHOVAH.

1 Kings 5:8  So Hiram sent word to Solomon, saying, "I have heard the message which you have sent me; I will do what you desire concerning the cedar and cypress timber.

• timber: 1Ki 6:15,34 2Sa 6:5 2Ch 3:5 

So Hiram sent word to Solomon, saying, "I have heard the message which you have sent me; I will do what you desire concerning the cedar and cypress timber.

1 Kings 5:9  "My servants will bring them down from Lebanon to the sea; and I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place where you direct me, and I will have them broken up there, and you shall carry them away. Then you shall accomplish my desire by giving food to my household."

• Lebanon (KJV): De 3:25 
• and I will (KJV): 2Ch 2:16 
• giving food: 2Ch 1:15 Ezr 3:7 Eze 27:17 Ac 12:20 

Related Passage: 

2 Chronicles 2:16  “We will cut whatever timber you need from Lebanon and bring it to you on rafts by sea to Joppa, so that you may carry it up to Jerusalem.” 

Rafts from Tyre to Joppa
From Joppa to Jerusalem

My servants will bring them down from Lebanon to the sea; and I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place where you direct me (Joppa), and I will have them broken up there, and you shall carry them away. Then you shall accomplish my desire by giving food to my household

1 Kings 5:10  So Hiram gave Solomon as much as he desired of the cedar and cypress timber.

• 1 Kings 4:33, 1 Kings 6:9-10, 2 Chronicles 2:8,  Isaiah 60:13

So Hiram gave Solomon as much as he desired of the cedar and cypress timber.

1 Kings 5:11  Solomon then gave Hiram 20,000 kors of wheat as food for his household, and twenty kors of beaten oil; thus Solomon would give Hiram year by year.

• Kors, 1Ki 4:22 2Ch 2:10 

Related Passages: 

1 Kings 4:22 (click to see my attempt to depict the size of this daily ration for Solomon)  Solomon's provision for one day was thirty kors of fine flour and sixty kors of meal,

Solomon then gave Hiram 20,000 kors of wheat as food for his household, and twenty kors of beaten oil; thus Solomon would give Hiram year by year. A KOR was a unit of dry measure equivalent to about 6 bushels (~ 220 liters).That's a "truckload" (as they say) of wheat and barley for the citizens of Tyre! 

1 Kings 5:12  The LORD gave wisdom to Solomon, just as He promised him; and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a covenant.

• He promised him: 1Ki 3:12 1Ki 4:29 2Ch 1:12 Jas 1:5 
• two of them made a covenant.: 1Ki 15:19 Ge 21:32 Am 1:9 

Related Passages: 

Genesis 21:32  So they (ABIMELECH AND ABRAHAM) made a covenant at Beersheba; and Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, arose and returned to the land of the Philistines.

1 Kings 3:12  Behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you.

1 Kings 4:29 Now God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore.

2 Chronicles 1:12 Wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you.”

Jeremiah 34:19-20  the officials of Judah and the officials of Jerusalem, the court officers and the priests and all the people of the land who passed between the parts of the calf– (THIS WAS THE SYMBOLISM OF CUTTING COVENANT SAYING IN ESSENCE MAY IT HAPPEN TO ME AS TO THESE PIECES OF FLESH IF I BREAK OUR COVENANT - IT WAS TO BE SOLEMN AND BINDING) 20 I will give them into the hand of their enemies and into the hand of those who seek their life (BECAUSE THEY BROKE THEIR COVENANT). And their dead bodies will be food for the birds of the sky and the beasts of the earth.

PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST!
CUTTING A COVENANT OF PEACE

The LORD (Jehovah; Lxx - theos) gave wisdom to Solomon, just as He promised him - This passage reflects Jehovah's faithfulness to keep His promises. 

THOUGHT - God is just as faithful to keep His promises in the New Testament. Peter writes "For by these (2Pe 1:3b) He has granted (perfect tense - given in past with their effect/efficacy enduring) to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that (PURPOSE OF HIS PROMISES) by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." (2Pe 1:4+) Do you believe this dear disciple of Jesus? 

And there was peace (shalom; Lxx - eirene) between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made (karath - cut; Lxx - diatithemi) a covenant (beriyth; Lxx -  diatheke) - I would submit it was God Who gave this peace (even as He gave rest), which allowed Solomon to complete the project of building God's House. 

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Made (cut) (03772) karath literally means to cut, to cut off or to sever an object from its source or cut into parts and implies a violent action. For example, Zipporah "cut off her son’s foreskin." (Ex 4:25) or the Jews "cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes." (Nu 13:2-24, cf Dt 19:5, 20:19-20, Jdg 9:48-49, 1Sa 5:4, 17:51, 24:4-5,11, 31:9, 2Sa 10:4, 2Sa 20:22) In another literal use as punishment to Israel for breaking the Mosaic covenant (cf Dt 29:25, 31:16), God says He will "cut down (karath) your incense altars" (Lev 26:30, cf Jdg 6:25-26, cf 1Sa 28:9). A sacrificial animal was not to be offered if it was "cut" (karath) (Lev 22:24). Karath means "chewed" (cutting food with teeth) in Nu 11:33.

Karath is used with beriyth meaning to "cut a covenant" or establish a covenant between two parties, either between God and men (Abrahamic Covenant = Ge 15:18, Mosaic Covenant = Ex 24:8, Dt 5:2-3, 9:9; see Abrahamic versus Mosaic and Abrahamic vs Old vs New) or between men (Ge 21:27, 32, 26:28, 31:44, 2Sa 3:12-13, 21, 5:3; 1Sa 18:3, 20:15-16, 22:8, 23:18 between Jonathan and David [See discussion of their Covenant - Exchanging of Robes]; cutting covenant was prohibited = Ex 23:32, Dt 7:2, Jdg 2:2, a dictum which Joshua disobeyed - Josh 9:6-7,11). In the context of cutting covenant karath is translated in the Lxx with diatithemi (see detailed discussion) which is used in the sense of making "a last will or testament" (Heb 9:16+).

Covenant (01285) berit/berith/beriyth means covenant, treaty, compact, agreement between two parties (first use in God's covenant with Noah - Ge 6:18, 9:9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17). As discussed more below beriyth describes a compact made by passing between pieces of flesh. Covenant is a solemn, binding arrangement between two parties and entails a variety of responsibilities, benefits and penalties depending on the specific covenant which is being studied. OT covenants were made between God and man (eg, God with Noah - Ge 6:18, with Abram - Ge 15:18) or between men (Abraham and Abimelech - Ge 21:27, Isaac and Abimelech - Ge 26:28, Jacob and Laban - Ge 31:44) (For summary of covenants see - Covenant in the Bible).

ISBE says that "In essence a covenant is an agreement, but an agreement of a solemn and binding force. The early Semitic idea of a covenant was doubtless that which prevailed among the Arabs. This was primarily blood-brotherhood, in which two men became brothers by drinking each other’s blood. (Ed: Now that sounds serious to me!) (See illustration in pagan culture).

THOUGHT - One of the words of Scripture, which is almost going out of fashion, is the word 'Covenant'. There was a time when it was the keynote of the theology and the Christian life of strong and holy men. We know how deep in Scotland it entered into the national life and thought. It made mighty men, to whom God, and His promise and power were wonderfully real. It will be found still to bring strength and purpose to those who will take the trouble to bring all their life (Ed: and their marriages) under control of the inspiring assurance that they are living in covenant with a God who has sworn faithfully to fulfill in them every promise He has given. (Two Covenants - Index - Andrew Murray)

The meaning of the Hebrew word for covenant is illustrated in Genesis 15, the first use of the Hebrew phrase "cut (Heb = karath) covenant (beriyth)" (often translated in English Bibles by the Hebrew idiom "make [made] a covenant").

So He (God) said to him (Abram), "Bring Me a three year old heifer, and a three year old female goat, and a three year old ram, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon." 10 Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, and laid each half opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds. 11 And the birds of prey came down upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away. 12 Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, terror and great darkness fell upon him. And it came about when the sun had set, that it was very dark, and behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a flaming torch which passed between these pieces. 18 On that day the LORD made (cut = karath) a covenant (beriyth) with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I have given this land, From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates (Ge 15:9-12, 17, 18+)

Comment: This passage illustrates the meaning of an agreement or compact made by passing between the halves of cut flesh. In this case using highly figurative language, Moses records that it was Jehovah alone Who passed between the halves of flesh, indicating God cut an unconditional covenant with Abram. Note that the spillage of blood was part of the cutting of this covenant.

1 Kings 5:13  Now King Solomon levied forced laborers from all Israel; and the forced laborers numbered 30,000 men.

• levied forced laborers:  1Ki 4:6 
• the forced laborers: 1Ki 9:15 

Related Passages: 

1 Kings 4:6+   and Ahishar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the men subject to forced labor. 

1 Kings 9:15 Now this is the account of the forced labor which King Solomon levied to build the house of the LORD, his own house, the Millo, the wall of Jerusalem, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.

1 Kings 12:18  Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the forced labor, and all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam made haste to mount his chariot to flee to Jerusalem.

 Now King Solomon levied forced laborers (mas) from all Israel; and the forced laborers numbered 30,000 men.

G Lloyd Carr on forced laborers (mas) - The subjugation of the Canaanites by Israel after the Conquest was by means of mas (e.g. Deut. 20:11; Joshua 16:10; Joshua 17:13). Under David there was an organized government department charged with keeping the mas functioning (2 Samuel 20:24). During Solomon's reign, mas was extended to include Israelites as well as foreigners and war prisoners (1 Kings 5:13-14 [H 27-28] and the parallels in Chr; but cf. 1 Kings 9:22) in the labor force necessary to carry out Solomon's extensive building programs (1 Kings 9:15). This unpopular measure, and Rehoboam's refusal to moderate it, was the immediate cause of the secession of the ten tribes and the establishment of the northern kingdom. (See online TWOT page 516)

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Forced laborers (04522) mas/mac or mis/mic  masculine noun designating forced labor or service, tribute. It refers to labor forced on someone or service demanded, usually by the state (Gen. 49:15; Deut. 20:11; 1 Kgs. 5:14; Isa. 31:8); usually overseen by a foreman or task-master (Ex. 1:11; 1 Kgs. 4:6, 12:18). A person not willing to work or a lazy person may be put to forced labor (Pr 12:24).

Gilbrant - Occurring over twenty times in the Hebrew Bible, mas has cognates attested in Tell el-Amarna, Akkadian, Old South Arabian and Ethiopic. It also appears in Middle Hebrew and Targumic. The noun denotes a government-enforced taxation, filled by labor or material goods. The latter usage is only attested in Esther 10:1, which records King Ahasuerus' empire-wide tax.

The noun is used seven times to refer to the reduction of the former inhabitants of the Promised Land to forced laborers by the invading Israelites (Josh. 16:10; 17:13; Judg. 1:30, 33, 35; 1 Kings 9:21; 2 Chr. 8:8). There was the equivalent of a cabinet post for the person in charge of forced labor. The same name appears under the reigns of David, Solomon, Rehoboam and Adoram (2 Sam. 20:24; 1 Ki. 4:6; 12:18; 2 Chr. 10:18). It is logically possible that the same individual filled this post for Solomon's reign and an overlapping portion of the others. There were lower officials involved with the implementation of the taskmasters (Exo. 1:11). All citizens were subject to the levy for forced labor for public works (1 Kings 9:15) as well as the Canaanite classes who were consigned to this status in perpetuity.

The permanent status of mas was a risk of war. In the instructions for how to pursue holy war, Yahweh instructs the population that they must offer peace and the status of mas to the inhabitants of certain besieged cities before destroying the city and killing the inhabitants (Deut. 20:11). The eventual fall of Assyria, the rod of Yahweh's vengeance against Israel, is assured by the promise that they will "fall with the sword, not of a mighty man... and he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited" (Isa. 31:8). The Book of Lamentations begins with the imagery of Jerusalem, a former princess, now reduced to an antithetical status of forced labor, imagery of defeat in war (1:1).

Forced labor could also have been the result of laziness, of unwillingness to work extra hours to produce a surplus. In the Blessing of Jacob, Issachar is accused of having strength but lacking interest in working hard for himself, preferring the lack of anxiety about his labors at the end of the day, willingly becoming a laborer (Gen. 49:15). Likewise, an aphorism in Prov. 12:24 declares, "The hand of the diligent shall bear rule, while the slothful will be put under tribute."  (Complete Biblical Library - Incredible Resource)

Strong's - 1) gang or body of forced labourers, task-workers, labour band or gang, forced service, task-work, serfdom, tributary, tribute, levy, taskmasters, discomfited 1a) labour-band, labour-gang, slave gang 1b) gang-overseers 1c) forced service, serfdom, tribute, enforced payment 

MAS - 23X/22V - forced(2), forced labor(13), forced laborer(1), forced laborers(5), laborers*(2), men subject to forced labor(1), taskmasters*(1), tribute(1). Gen. 49:15; Exod. 1:11; Deut. 20:11; Jos. 16:10; Jos. 17:13; Jdg. 1:28; Jdg. 1:30; Jdg. 1:33; Jdg. 1:35; 2 Sam. 20:24; 1 Ki. 4:6; 1 Ki. 5:13; 1 Ki. 5:14; 1 Ki. 9:15; 1 Ki. 9:21; 1 Ki. 12:18; 2 Chr. 8:8; 2 Chr. 10:18; Est. 10:1; Prov. 12:24; Isa. 31:8; Lam. 1:1

1 Kings 5:14  He sent them to Lebanon, 10,000 a month in relays; they were in Lebanon a month and two months at home. And Adoniram was over the forced laborers.

• a month (KJV): 1Ki 4:7-19 1Ch 27:1-15 
• Adoniram: 1Ki 4:6 

SOLOMON SENDS SHIFTS
TO WORK IN LEBANON

He sent them to Lebanon, 10,000 a month in relays; they were in Lebanon a month and two months at home. And Adoniram was over the forced laborers.

1 Kings 5:15  Now Solomon had 70,000 transporters, and 80,000 hewers of stone in the mountains,

• 1Ki 9:20-22 2Ch 2:17-18 8:7-9 Ezr 2:58 Ne 7:57,60 

Related Passages: 

2 Chronicles 2:17-18 Solomon numbered all the aliens who were in the land of Israel, following the census which his father David had taken; and 153,600 were found. 18 He appointed 70,000 of them to carry loads and 80,000 to quarry stones in the mountains and 3,600 supervisors to make the people work.

Now Solomon had 70,000 transporters, and 80,000 hewers of stone in the mountains, These were all aliens, non-Israelites, who were dwelling among the Israelites. 

1 Kings 5:16  besides Solomon's 3,300 chief deputies who were over the project and who ruled over the people who were doing the work.

• 3,300 chief deputies  1Ki 9:23 2Ch 2:2 

Related Passages: 

2 Chronicles 2:2 So Solomon assigned 70,000 men to carry loads and 80,000 men to quarry stone in the mountains and 3,600 to supervise them. 

besides Solomon's 3,300 chief deputies who were over the project and who ruled over the people who were doing the work - In the parallel passage of 2 Chronicles 2:2 it has 3,600 which is also the reading of the Septuagint. 

1 Kings 5:17  Then the king commanded, and they quarried great stones, costly stones, to lay the foundation of the house with cut stones.

• great stones: 1Ki 6:7, 7:9 1Ch 22:2 Isa 28:16 1Co 3:11,12 1Pe 2:6,7 Rev 21:14-21 

Related Passages: 

1 Kings 6:7 The house, while it was being built, was built of stone prepared at the quarry, and there was neither hammer nor axe nor any iron tool heard in the house while it was being built. 

Then the king commanded, and they quarried great stones, costly stones, to lay the foundation of the house with cut stones.

Henry Morris explains "These huge stones were cut out of an extensive quarry deep under the city, rediscovered in the mid-nineteenth century."

1 Kings 5:18  So Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders and the Gebalites cut them, and prepared the timbers and the stones to build the house.

• the Gebalites Jos 13:5 Ps 83:7 Eze 27:9 

So Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders and the Gebalites cut them, and prepared the timbers and the stones to build the house.