What does Hiram's response reveal about his view of Israel's God? Setting the Scene • Solomon has just asked Hiram, king of Tyre, for materials and craftsmen to build the temple (2 Chronicles 2:3–10). • Hiram’s written reply opens with heartfelt praise—an extraordinary response from a Gentile ruler. Text of 2 Chronicles 2:11–12 “Then Hiram king of Tyre wrote in a letter that he sent to Solomon: ‘Because the LORD loves His people, He has set you over them as king.’ And Hiram added: ‘Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth! He has given King David a wise son, endowed with insight and understanding, who will build a house for the LORD and a royal palace for himself.’” Recognition of Covenant Love • “Because the LORD loves His people…” – Hiram acknowledges the LORD’s covenant love (ḥesed) for Israel. – As an outsider, he testifies to God’s faithful affection—echoing Deuteronomy 7:7–8. – His wording shows he views Israel’s prosperity as evidence of divine favor, not mere politics. Acknowledgment of Divine Appointment • “…He has set you over them as king.” – Hiram sees Solomon’s throne as God-given, not man-given (cf. Daniel 2:21). – This affirms the LORD’s sovereignty over nations, including Tyre’s neighbor. Praise for the Universal Creator • “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth!” – Hiram moves beyond a local-territorial deity concept; he calls Yahweh “Maker of heaven and earth,” a title of universal authority (Psalm 124:8; Acts 17:24). – By blessing the LORD, he expresses genuine reverence, paralleling Melchizedek’s blessing of Abram (Genesis 14:19–20). Confession of Divine Wisdom and Provision • “He has given King David a wise son…” – Solomon’s wisdom is identified as a direct gift from God (cf. 1 Kings 3:12). – Hiram indirectly acknowledges that the temple design, organization, and prosperity all flow from the LORD’s hand (1 Chronicles 29:12). Consistent Testimony in Parallel Passage • 1 Kings 5:7 records the same reaction: “When Hiram heard Solomon’s words, he rejoiced greatly and said, ‘Blessed be the LORD today…’” – The repetition underscores that Hiram’s praise was notable and historically remembered. Summing It Up Hiram’s response reveals a surprisingly high view of Israel’s God: 1. He recognizes the LORD’s covenant love for Israel. 2. He credits the LORD with Solomon’s kingship and wisdom. 3. He blesses the LORD by name (Yahweh) and calls Him Creator of all. 4. He sees Israel’s success as clear evidence of God’s active, benevolent rule. In short, this Gentile king confesses what Scripture everywhere proclaims: the LORD is loving, sovereign, wise, and universally supreme. |
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