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 5:7KJVWhat 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.