Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.

1 CHRONICLES 14:1KJV
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1 Chronicles 14:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 14:1 mean?

1 Chronicles 14:1 describes how Hiram, the king of Tyre, sent messengers, cedar wood, stoneworkers, and carpenters to David in order to build a house for him. This verse highlights the beginning of a friendly relationship between David, now king of Israel, and Hiram, a neighboring ruler.

The setting is after David has become king in Jerusalem. Hiram, ruling the important Phoenician city of Tyre, recognizes David’s new position and offers both materials and skilled labor to help David establish his royal house. This act shows David’s growing influence and the respect he receives from other nations, as well as the practical help he receives in building his own palace.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 14:1

  • חִירָם (ḥîrām, "Hiram"): This is the name of the king of Tyre, a major city north of Israel. Hiram’s involvement shows political recognition and alliance.
  • אֶרֶז (’erez, "cedars"): The word refers to the famous cedar trees of Lebanon, known for their strength and quality. Using this wood for David’s house signals wealth and prestige.
  • חָרָשׁ (ḥārāsh, "carpenters") and גָּזִית (gāzît, "masons"): These words point to skilled workers, not just general laborers. Their mention highlights the high quality and craftsmanship of the construction.

Why 1 Chronicles 14:1 matters

  • This verse shows that David’s reign was recognized and respected by powerful neighbors, not just by his own people.
  • The involvement of Hiram and the use of valuable cedar wood underline the significance and permanence of David’s kingship in Jerusalem.
  • The verse sets the stage for later cooperation between Israel and Tyre, which will become important in the building of the temple under Solomon.

Where else these words appear

“Hiram” Hebrew H2361 · used in 12 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 8:5 And Gera, and Shephuphan, and Huram.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:12 Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:2 That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.

“Hiram” Hebrew H2438 · used in 20 verses

  • 2 Samuel 5:11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.
  • 1 Kings 5:11 And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year.
  • 1 Kings 9:11 ( Now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire,) that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.

“carpenters” Hebrew H2796 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 28:11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:15 Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.
  • Isaiah 44:13 The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.

“Tyre” Hebrew H6865 · used in 39 verses

  • Joshua 19:29 And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:
  • Isaiah 23:1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.
  • Ezekiel 27:2 Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;