So Hiram went out from Tyre to inspect the towns that Solomon had given him, but he was not pleased with them. So Hiram went out from TyreHiram, the king of Tyre, was a significant ally of King Solomon. Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city known for its wealth and skilled craftsmen. The phrase indicates Hiram's personal involvement and interest in the transaction with Solomon. Historically, Tyre was a powerful maritime city, and Hiram's journey signifies the importance of the alliance between Israel and Tyre. This alliance was crucial for Solomon's building projects, including the Temple, as Tyre provided the necessary materials and expertise. to look over the towns
The Hebrew root for "look over" suggests a careful inspection or evaluation. Hiram's visit was not a mere formality; he intended to assess the value and condition of the towns. This reflects the importance of due diligence in agreements and the expectation of fairness and value in exchanges. The towns were part of a payment or gift from Solomon, indicating the economic and political transactions between the two kingdoms. that Solomon had given him
Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, had given these towns to Hiram as part of their agreement. The giving of towns indicates a significant diplomatic gesture, reflecting the depth of their alliance. However, it also raises questions about the quality and strategic value of these towns, as they were part of a larger negotiation involving resources and labor for Solomon's building projects. but he was not pleased with them
Hiram's displeasure suggests that the towns did not meet his expectations or the perceived value of what he had provided to Solomon. This phrase highlights the human element in biblical narratives, where even great kings experience dissatisfaction and unmet expectations. It also underscores the importance of integrity and fairness in dealings, as Hiram's reaction could have implications for the relationship between Tyre and Israel. Historically, this dissatisfaction might have been due to the towns' poor condition or lack of strategic value, reflecting the complexities of ancient Near Eastern diplomacy and trade. Persons / Places / Events 1. HiramThe king of Tyre, a significant ally of King Solomon. He provided materials and craftsmen for the building of the temple and Solomon's palace. 2. SolomonThe king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the temple in Jerusalem. 3. TyreA prominent city in ancient Phoenicia, known for its wealth and trade. It was Hiram's kingdom. 4. The CitiesThese were the towns in the region of Galilee that Solomon gave to Hiram as part of their agreement. Hiram was dissatisfied with them. 5. The AgreementA mutual exchange between Solomon and Hiram, where Hiram provided resources for Solomon's building projects, and Solomon gave him cities in return. Teaching Points The Value of Integrity in AgreementsSolomon's exchange with Hiram reminds us of the importance of fulfilling promises and agreements with integrity. As Christians, we are called to be trustworthy in our dealings with others. Perception vs. RealityHiram's dissatisfaction with the cities highlights how expectations can differ from reality. This teaches us to manage our expectations and communicate clearly in our relationships. The Significance of Land and InheritanceThe land was a significant part of God's promise to Israel. Understanding its value can help us appreciate the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ. The Importance of ContentmentHiram's reaction can serve as a reminder to find contentment in what we receive, trusting that God provides for our needs. The Role of Alliances and PartnershipsThe relationship between Solomon and Hiram shows the importance of forming alliances that honor God and contribute to His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Solomon's and Hiram's agreement about the importance of keeping our promises? 2. How does Hiram's reaction to the cities challenge us to examine our own expectations in relationships and agreements? 3. In what ways does the concept of land and inheritance in the Old Testament relate to our spiritual inheritance in Christ? 4. How can we cultivate contentment in our lives, especially when our expectations are not met? 5. What principles can we draw from Solomon and Hiram's partnership that apply to our relationships and collaborations today? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 8:2This passage provides additional context about the cities Solomon gave to Hiram and how Hiram responded by returning them. 1 Kings 5:1-12Details the initial agreement between Solomon and Hiram, highlighting their cooperative relationship and the resources exchanged. Deuteronomy 7:1-5Offers insight into the significance of land and inheritance in Israel, which may provide context for why Hiram was displeased with the cities. People Amorites, Canaanites, David, Geber, Gibeon, Hiram, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Ophir, Perizzites, Pharaoh, Solomon, TamarPlaces Baalath, Beth-horon, Brook of Egypt, Cabul, Edom, Egypt, Eloth, Ezion-geber, Galilee, Gezer, Gibeon, Hazor, Jerusalem, Lebanon, Megiddo, Millo, Ophir, Red Sea, Tamar, TyreTopics Cities, Didn't, Hiram, Please, Pleased, Solomon, Towns, TyreDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 9:11 4424 cedar
4528 trees Library Promises and Threatenings
'And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do. 2. That the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as He had appeared unto him at Gibeon. 3. And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before Me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put My name there for ever; and Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureGadara
There was a double Gadara. One at the shore of the Mediterranean sea: that was first called Gezer, 1 Kings 9:15. In Josephus, "Simon destroyed the city Gazara, and Joppe, and Jamnia."--And in the Book of the Maccabees, "And he fortified Joppe, which is on the sea, and Gazara, which is on the borders of Azotus." At length, according to the idiom of the Syrian dialect, Zain passed into Daleth; and instead of Gazara, it was called Gadara. Hence Strabo, after the mention of Jamnia, saith, "and there …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Whether Solicitude Belongs to Prudence?
Objection 1: It would seem that solicitude does not belong to prudence. For solicitude implies disquiet, wherefore Isidore says (Etym. x) that "a solicitous man is a restless man." Now motion belongs chiefly to the appetitive power: wherefore solicitude does also. But prudence is not in the appetitive power, but in the reason, as stated above [2746](A[1]). Therefore solicitude does not belong to prudence. Objection 2: Further, the certainty of truth seems opposed to solicitude, wherefore it is related …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Prophecy Pertains to Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that prophecy does not pertain to knowledge. For it is written (Ecclus. 48:14) that after death the body of Eliseus prophesied, and further on (Ecclus. 49:18) it is said of Joseph that "his bones were visited, and after death they prophesied." Now no knowledge remains in the body or in the bones after death. Therefore prophecy does not pertain to knowledge. Objection 2: Further, it is written (1 Cor. 14:3): "He that prophesieth, speaketh to men unto edification." Now speech …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether it is Lawful to Give and Receive Money for Spiritual Actions?
Objection 1: It seems that it is lawful to give and receive money for spiritual actions. The use of prophecy is a spiritual action. But something used to be given of old for the use of prophecy, as appears from 1 Kings 9:7,8, and 3 Kings 14:3. Therefore it would seem that it is lawful to give and receive money for a spiritual action. Objection 2: Further, prayer, preaching, divine praise, are most spiritual actions. Now money is given to holy persons in order to obtain the assistance of their prayers, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Seven Seas According to the Talmudists, and the Four Rivers Compassing the Land.
"Seven seas (say they) and four rivers compass the land of Israel. I. The Great Sea, or the Mediterranean. II. The sea of Tiberias. III. The sea of Sodom. IV. The lake of Samocho... The three first named among the seven are sufficiently known, and there is no doubt of the fourth:--only the three names of it are not to be passed by. IV. 1. The Sibbichaean. The word seems to be derived from a bush. 2. ... 3. ... V. Perhaps the sandy sea. Which fits very well to the lake of Sirbon, joining the commentary …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica How to Split a Kingdom
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt); 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Greater Prophets.
1. We have already seen (Chap. 15, Nos. 11 and 12) that from Moses to Samuel the appearances of prophets were infrequent; that with Samuel and the prophetical school established by him there began a new era, in which the prophets were recognized as a distinct order of men in the Theocracy; and that the age of written prophecy did not begin till about the reign of Uzziah, some three centuries after Samuel. The Jewish division of the latter prophets--prophets in the more restricted sense of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Beginning at Jerusalem
The whole verse runs thus: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." The words were spoken by Christ, after he rose from the dead, and they are here rehearsed after an historical manner, but do contain in them a formal commission, with a special clause therein. The commission is, as you see, for the preaching of the gospel, and is very distinctly inserted in the holy record by Matthew and Mark. "Go teach all nations," …
John Bunyan—Jerusalem Sinner Saved The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
"If any one wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south." Such was the saying, by which Rabbinical pride distinguished between the material wealth of Galilee and the supremacy in traditional lore claimed for the academies of Judaea proper. Alas, it was not long before Judaea lost even this doubtful distinction, and its colleges wandered northwards, ending at last by the Lake of Gennesaret, and in that very city of Tiberias which at one time had been reputed unclean! …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
OR, GOOD NEWS FOR THE VILEST OF MEN; BEING A HELP FOR DESPAIRING SOULS, SHOWING THAT JESUS CHRIST WOULD HAVE MERCY IN THE FIRST PLACE OFFERED TO THE BIGGEST SINNERS. THE THIRD EDITION, IN WHICH IS ADDED, AN ANSWER TO THOSE GRAND OBJECTIONS THAT LIE IN THE WAY OF THE THEM THAT WOULD BELIEVE: FOR THE COMFORT OF THEM THAT FEAR THEY HAVE SINNED AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST. BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. London: Printed for Elizabeth Smith, at the Hand and Bible, on London Bridge, 1691. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to Christians to be Holy. By John Bunyan.
Holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever.'--[Psalm 93:5] London, by B. W., for Benj. Alsop, at the Angel and Bible, in the Poultrey. 1684. THE EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This is the most searching treatise that has ever fallen under our notice. It is an invaluable guide to those sincere Christians, who, under a sense of the infinite importance of the salvation of an immortal soul, and of the deceitfulness of their hearts, sigh and cry, "O Lord of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 9:12 NIV1 Kings 9:12 NLT1 Kings 9:12 ESV1 Kings 9:12 NASB1 Kings 9:12 KJV
1 Kings 9:12 Commentaries
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