Bible Strands
1 Kings 5:1
Now when Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king in his father’s place, he sent envoys to Solomon; for Hiram had always been a friend of David.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Hiram king of Tyre initiates contact with Solomon immediately after learning of his anointing as king after David. This occurs at the start of Solomon’s reign, continuing the diplomatic relationship established between Hiram and David.
The words — The verb וַיִּשְלַח (Va/i.yish.lach) literally means "and he sent," denoting the dispatch of the envoys. The phrase חִירָם מֶלֶךְ צֹר (chi.Ram Me.lekh Tzor) identifies the actor as "Hiram king of Tyre."
The thread — This action directly parallels 2 Samuel 5:11 and 1 Chronicles 14:1, where Hiram first sent envoys and craftsmen to David. The ongoing alliance is confirmed in 1 Kings 5:10 when Hiram fulfills his timber commitments to Solomon.
Why it lands — The text states that political continuity follows dynastic transition, as Hiram recognizes Solomon by extending the existing treaty with David. It asks a reader to observe how covenantal and diplomatic ties persist across generational leadership changes.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- 1 Chronicles 14:1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, stonemasons, and carpenters, to build a palace for him.
- 2 Samuel 5:11 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David.
- 1 Kings 5:10 So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted,
- 2 Chronicles 2:3 Then Solomon sent word to Hiram king of Tyre: “Do for me as you did for my father David when you sent him cedars to build himself a house to live in.
- Psalms 45:12 The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; men of wealth will seek your favor.
- 1 Kings 5:13 Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of 30,000 men from all Israel.
- 1 Kings 9:12 So Hiram went out from Tyre to inspect the towns that Solomon had given him, but he was not pleased with them.
- Amos 1:9 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Tyre, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they delivered up a whole congregation of exiles to Edom and broke a covenant of brotherhood.
- 2 Samuel 8:10 he sent his son Joram to greet King David and bless him for fighting and defeating Hadadezer, who had been at war with Toi. Joram brought with him articles of silver and gold and bronze,
- 2 Samuel 10:1 Some time later, the king of the Ammonites died and was succeeded by his son Hanun.