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.

1 KINGS 5:7KJV
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1 Kings 5:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 5:7 mean?

1 Kings 5:7 describes how Hiram, the king of Tyre, responded with great joy and praise to God when he heard Solomon’s message about building the temple. Hiram recognized that the LORD had blessed David by giving him a wise son, Solomon, to rule over Israel.

In this verse, Hiram speaks after receiving Solomon’s request for materials and help with the temple construction. Hiram’s reaction shows respect for both Solomon’s wisdom and the God of Israel. By blessing the LORD and acknowledging Solomon’s wisdom, Hiram expresses gratitude for the peaceful and prosperous relationship between their two nations.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 5:7

  • "Rejoiced" (שָׂמַח, samach): This word means to be glad or joyful. Hiram’s reaction is not just polite approval but genuine happiness, showing his positive attitude toward Solomon’s reign.
  • "Blessed" (בָּרוּךְ, baruch): When Hiram says, “Blessed be the LORD,” he uses a word that means to praise or speak well of. This is notable because Hiram, a foreign king, publicly honors Israel’s God.
  • "Wise" (חָכָם, chakam): The word for “wise” here points to practical skill and good judgment. Hiram sees Solomon’s wisdom as a gift from God, not just intelligence but the ability to govern well.

Why 1 Kings 5:7 matters

  • This verse highlights that even foreign rulers recognized the LORD’s hand in Israel’s leadership, showing the reach of Solomon’s reputation and God’s blessing.
  • Hiram’s joyful response sets a tone of cooperation and goodwill, which is important for the peaceful building of the temple.
  • The verse emphasizes that Solomon’s wisdom is seen as a direct answer to God’s promise to David, connecting the story to God’s faithfulness across generations.

Where else these words appear

“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 5:12 And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.
  • 1 Kings 9:12 And Hiram came out from Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him; and they pleased him not.

“wise” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.

“rejoiced” Hebrew H8055 · used in 145 verses

  • Exodus 4:14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
  • Psalms 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
  • Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.