I Chronicles 14
A plain-spoken deep dive on the whole chapter. Read the chapter →
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Now Hiram king of Tyre - See the transactions of this chapter related Sa2 5:11-25 (note).
Open source ↗HIRAM'S KINDNESS TO DAVID; DAVID'S FELICITY. (Ch1 14:1-2) Now Hiram king of Tyre--[See on Sa2 5:11]. The alliance with this neighboring king, and the important advantages derived from it, were among the most fortunate circumstances in David's reign. The providence of God appeared concurrent with His promise in smoothing the early course of his reign. Having conquered the Jebusites and made Zion the royal residence, he had now, along with internal prosperity, established an advantageous treaty with a neighboring prince; and hence, in immediate connection with the mention of this friendly league, it is said, "David perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel."
Open source ↗See Chapter Introduction Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 15
Open source ↗See Chapter Introduction Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 15
Open source ↗We may observe here, 1. There is no man that has such a sufficiency in himself but he has need of his neighbours and has reason to be thankful for their help: David had a very large kingdom, Hiram a very little one; yet David could not build himself a house to his mind unless Hiram furnished him with both workmen and materials, Ch1 14:1. This is a reason why we should despise none, but, as we have opportunity, be obliging to all. 2. It is a great satisfaction to a wise man to be settled, and to a good man to see the special providences of God in his settlement. The people had made David king; but he could not be easy, nor think himself happy, till he perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel, Ch1 14:2. "Who shall unfix me if God hath fixed me?" 3. We must look upon all our advancements as designed for our usefulness. David's kingdom was lifted up on high, not for his own sake, that he might look great, but because of his people Israel, that he might be a guide and protector to them. We are blessed in order that we may be blessings. See Gen 12:2. We are not born, nor do we live, for ourselves. 4. It is difficult to thrive without growing secure and indulgent to the flesh. It was David's infirmity that when he settled in his kingdom he took more wives (Ch1 14:3), yet the numerous issue he had added to his honour and strength. Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord. We had an account of David's children, not only in Samuel, but in this book (Ch1 3:1, etc.) and now here again; for it was their honour to have such a father.
Open source ↗14:1-7 Even though the Ark was not present in Jerusalem (13:1-14), God blessed David’s palace, his children, and his conquest of the Philistines. God’s blessing did not depend on the presence of the Ark. These blessings eventually encouraged David to carry out his original plan to bring the Ark into Jerusalem (15:1-29). 14:1-2 Hiram’s generosity provided further evidence of God’s purpose in making David king.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
חִירָם (Chîyrâm, H2438) — Chiram or Chirom, the name of two Tyrians חוּרָם (Chûwrâm, H2361) — Churam, the name of an Israelite and two Syrians מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king צֹר (Tsôr, H6865) — Tsor, a place in Palestine שָׁלַח (shâlach, H7971) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications) מֲלְאָךְ (mălʼâk, H4397) — a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher) דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse עֵץ (ʻêts, H6086) — a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks) אֶרֶז (ʼerez, H730) — a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots) קִיר (qîyr, H7023) — a wall (as built in a trench) חָרָשׁ (chârâsh, H2796) — a fabricator or any material בָּנָה (bânâh, H1129) — to build (literally and figuratively) בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Open source ↗דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God כּוּן (kûwn, H3559) — properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a… מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity מַלְכוּת (malkûwth, H4438) — a rule; concretely, a dominion נָשָׂא (nâsâʼ, H5375) — to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative מַעַל (maʻal, H4605) — properly, the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence…
Open source ↗דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) אִשָּׁה (ʼishshâh, H802) — a woman יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H3389) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine יָלַד (yâlad, H3205) — to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show… בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… בַּת (bath, H1323) — a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and…
Open source ↗שֵׁם (shêm, H8034) — an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority,… יָלַד (yâlad, H3205) — to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show… יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H3389) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine שַׁמּוּעַ (Shammûwaʻ, H8051) — Shammua, the name of four Israelites שׁוֹבָב (Shôwbâb, H7727) — Shobab, the name of two Israelites נָתָן (Nâthân, H5416) — Nathan, the name of five Israelites שְׁלֹמֹה (Shᵉlômôh, H8010) — Shelomah, David's successor
Open source ↗יִבְחַר (Yibchar, H2984) — Jibchar, an Israelite אֱלִישׁוּעַ (ʼĔlîyshûwaʻ, H474) — Elishua, the son of King David אֱלִיפֶלֶט (ʼĔlîypheleṭ, H467) — Eliphelet or Elpelet, the name of six Israelites
Open source ↗נֹגַהּ (Nôgahh, H5052) — Nogah, a son of David נֶפֶג (Nepheg, H5298) — Nepheg, the name of two Israelites יָפִיעַ (Yâphîyaʻ, H3309) — Japhia, the name of a Canaanite, an Israelite, and a place in Palestine
Open source ↗אֱלִישָׁמָע (ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ, H476) — Elishama, the name of seven Israelites בְּעֶלְיָדָע (Bᵉʻelyâdâʻ, H1182) — Beeljada, an Israelite אֱלִיפֶלֶט (ʼĔlîypheleṭ, H467) — Eliphelet or Elpelet, the name of six Israelites
Open source ↗פְּלִשְׁתִּי (Pᵉlishtîy, H6430) — a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse מָשַׁח (mâshach, H4886) — to rub with oil, i.e. to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… בָּקַשׁ (bâqash, H1245) — to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to… יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and…
Open source ↗פְּלִשְׁתִּי (Pᵉlishtîy, H6430) — a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) פָּשַׁט (pâshaṭ, H6584) — to spread out (i.e. deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e. unclothe,… עֵמֶק (ʻêmeq, H6010) — a vale (i.e. broad depression) רָפָא (râphâʼ, H7497) — a giant
Open source ↗דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse שָׁאַל (shâʼal, H7592) — to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… פְּלִשְׁתִּי (Pᵉlishtîy, H6430) — a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God
Open source ↗עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… בַּעַל פְּרָצִים (Baʻal Pᵉrâtsîym, H1188) — Baal-Peratsim, a place in Palestine דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse נָכָה (nâkâh, H5221) — to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively) אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… פָּרַץ (pârats, H6555) — to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative) אֹיֵב (ʼôyêb, H341) — hating; an adversary יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), פֶּרֶץ (perets, H6556) — a break (literally or figuratively) מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… שֵׁם (shêm, H8034) — an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority,… מָקוֹם (mâqôwm, H4725) — properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific);…
Open source ↗עָזַב (ʻâzab, H5800) — to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc. אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) שָׂרַף (sâraph, H8313) — to be (causatively, set) on fire אֵשׁ (ʼêsh, H784) — fire (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗פְּלִשְׁתִּי (Pᵉlishtîy, H6430) — a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth יָסַף (yâçaph, H3254) — to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing) פָּשַׁט (pâshaṭ, H6584) — to spread out (i.e. deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e. unclothe,… עֵמֶק (ʻêmeq, H6010) — a vale (i.e. broad depression)
Open source ↗דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse שָׁאַל (shâʼal, H7592) — to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… אַחַר (ʼachar, H310) — properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various… סָבַב (çâbab, H5437) — to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) מוּל (mûwl, H4136) — properly, abrupt, i.e. a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially… בָּכָא (bâkâʼ, H1057) — the weeping tree (some gum-distilling tree, perhaps the balsam)
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
They gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food and drink and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to Joppa by sea, as authorized by Cyrus king of Persia.
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.
he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.”
After David had settled into his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under a tent.”
Now therefore, order that cedars of Lebanon be cut down for me. My servants will be with your servants, and I will pay your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that there are none among us as skilled in logging as the Sidonians.”
So Solomon’s and Hiram’s builders, along with the Gebalites, quarried the stone and prepared the timber and stone for the construction of the temple.
So David gave orders to gather the foreigners in the land of Israel, from whom he appointed stonecutters to prepare finished stones for building the house of God.
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.