1 Kings 5:7
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!"
When Hiram heard Solomon’s words
Hiram, the king of Tyre, was a contemporary and ally of both David and Solomon. The phrase indicates a moment of communication and diplomacy. The Hebrew root for "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just the act of hearing but understanding and responding. This reflects the importance of active listening in leadership and diplomacy. Hiram's response shows his respect and recognition of Solomon's wisdom, which was renowned throughout the region.

he rejoiced greatly
The Hebrew word for "rejoiced" (שָׂמַח, samach) conveys a deep, exuberant joy. This joy is not merely personal but is tied to the fulfillment of God's promises and the continuation of a peaceful and prosperous relationship between Israel and Tyre. Hiram's joy underscores the significance of Solomon's reign and the divine favor upon Israel, which was recognized even by foreign leaders.

and said, 'Blessed be the LORD today!
The phrase "Blessed be the LORD" (בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה, baruch Yahweh) is a common expression of praise in the Hebrew Bible. Hiram, a non-Israelite, acknowledges the God of Israel, showing the influence and recognition of Yahweh beyond Israel's borders. This acknowledgment highlights the universal sovereignty of God and the impact of Israel's testimony to the nations.

He has given David a wise son
The wisdom of Solomon is a central theme in the biblical narrative. The Hebrew word for "wise" (חָכָם, chakam) denotes not only intellectual acumen but also practical skills and moral insight. Solomon's wisdom is seen as a divine gift, a continuation of God's covenant with David. This wisdom is essential for governing "this great people," indicating the vastness and complexity of the kingdom of Israel.

over this great people
The term "great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) emphasizes the size, importance, and potential of the nation of Israel. Solomon's role as king is not just a position of power but a divine appointment to lead and serve God's chosen people. The greatness of the people reflects God's promises to Abraham and the fulfillment of Israel's destiny as a nation set apart for His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hiram
The king of Tyre, a neighboring kingdom to Israel. Hiram was a friend and ally of King David and continued this alliance with Solomon. He is known for providing materials and craftsmen for the building of the temple.

2. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the construction of the temple in Jerusalem.

3. David
The former king of Israel, father of Solomon, and a man after God's own heart. His reign established the foundation for the prosperity and peace that Solomon would enjoy.

4. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is recognized by Hiram as the source of Solomon's wisdom and the one who has blessed Israel with a wise ruler.

5. The Great People
Refers to the nation of Israel, God's chosen people, whom Solomon was appointed to lead.
Teaching Points
Recognition of God's Blessings
Hiram's response to Solomon's wisdom is to bless the LORD. We should recognize and give thanks for God's blessings in our lives, acknowledging His hand in our successes and the gifts He bestows upon us.

Wisdom as a Divine Gift
Solomon's wisdom is a gift from God, reminding us that true wisdom comes from above. We should seek God's wisdom in our decisions and leadership roles.

The Importance of Godly Alliances
The alliance between Hiram and Solomon shows the value of forming relationships that honor God and support His purposes. We should seek partnerships that align with our faith and values.

Leadership and Responsibility
Solomon's wisdom was given for the purpose of leading God's people. Leaders today should seek God's guidance to lead with integrity and wisdom.

Praise and Worship
Hiram's blessing of the LORD is an act of worship. We should incorporate praise into our daily lives, recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Hiram's recognition of Solomon's wisdom challenge us to acknowledge God's work in others' lives?

2. In what ways can we seek and apply God's wisdom in our personal and professional decisions?

3. How can we form alliances or partnerships that honor God and further His kingdom purposes?

4. What are some practical ways we can incorporate praise and thanksgiving into our daily routines?

5. How does Solomon's example of leadership inspire us to take responsibility in our own spheres of influence?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 3:12
This verse highlights God's promise to Solomon to give him unparalleled wisdom, which is recognized by Hiram in 1 Kings 5:7.

2 Chronicles 2:11-12
These verses parallel the account in 1 Kings 5, where Hiram acknowledges the wisdom of Solomon and the blessing of the LORD.

Proverbs 3:13-18
Solomon, traditionally credited with writing Proverbs, extols the value of wisdom, which is a central theme in his reign and recognized by Hiram.

Psalm 72
A psalm attributed to Solomon, which prays for the king's reign to be marked by righteousness and justice, reflecting the wisdom given by God.
The Co-Operation of HiramJ. Parker, D. D.1 Kings 5:1-18
Hiram and SolomonF. Wagstaff.1 Kings 5:7-11
Joy1 Kings 5:7-11
Lessons from the Conduct of a Heathen PrinceA. Rowland 1 Kings 5:7-12
People
Adoniram, David, Gebalites, Giblites, Hiram, Sidonians, Solomon
Places
Gebal, Lebanon, Tyre
Topics
Blessed, David, Exceedingly, Glad, Greatly, Hearing, Hiram, Hiram's, Message, Nation, Numerous, Pass, Pleased, Praise, Praised, Rejoiced, Rejoiceth, Rule, Solomon, Solomon's, To-day, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 5:7

     8367   wisdom, importance of

1 Kings 5:1-11

     4424   cedar

1 Kings 5:1-13

     7467   temple, Solomon's

Library
Great Preparations for a Great Work
'And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David. 2. And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 3. Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. 4. But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
The Messianic prophecy, as we have seen, began at a time long anterior to that of David. Even in Genesis, we perceived [Pg 131] it, increasing more and more in distinctness. There is at first only the general promise that the seed of the woman should obtain the victory over the kingdom of the evil one;--then, that the salvation should come through the descendants of Shem;--then, from among them Abraham is marked out,--of his sons, Isaac,--from among his sons, Jacob,--and from among the twelve sons
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

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

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