Hiram, King of Tyre
B. Dale 2 Samuel 5:12 And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake… Hiram was another of those heathen princes with whom David stood in friendly relation (Achish of Gath; the King of Moab, 1 Samuel 22:3; Talmai of Geshur, 2 Samuel 3:3; Tel, or Tou, of Hamath, 2 Samuel 8:9; Joram, or Hadoram, his son, 1 Chronicles 18:10; Nahash, the Ammonite king of Rabbah, ch. 10:1, 2; Shobi, his son, 2 Samuel 17:27). He was king of "the strong (fortified) city, Tyre" (Joshua 19:29); chief of those Phoenician cities "whose flag waved at once in Britain and the Indian Ocean" (Humboldt); celebrated alike for its maritime enterprise, commercial activity, and mechanical arts (Isaiah 23:8; Ezekiel 27.). "Hiram, like David, had just established his throne securely upon the ruins of the rule of the shophetim, or judges, and raised the country to a position of power and independence which it had not previously enjoyed" (A.S. Wilkins, 'Phoenicia and Israel'). Notice: 1. His political sagacity. In seeking to secure a "commercial treaty" with the King of Israel, by means of which his people might receive corn, oil, etc. (Acts 12:20), in exchange for manufactured goods, Tyrian purple, articles of tin and bronze, weapons of war, jewellery, etc., and might not be prevented from continuing their commercial pursuits along the great caravan lines of traffic with Egypt, Arabia, Babylon, and Assyria, that ran through the country. 2. His peaceable disposition. In sending "messengers" with friendly communications, either of his own accord, or in response to an embassy. "How little David resembled the later Assyrian, Chaldean, and Persian disturbers of the world is most immediately and clearly shown by the fact that he did not, like these great conquerors, seize upon the Phoenician maritime towns, but always remained on the best terms with the little Phoenician states, which were entirely occupied in commerce and the productive arts, and readily sought peace with him" (Ewald). 3. His generous appreciation. Without jealousy or suspicion of David, of whom, doubtless, he had heard much, on account of his ability, energy, and integrity, confirmed by personal intercourse. "God knows how to incline toward pious rulers the minds of neighbouring princes and kings, that they may show them all friendly good will" (Starke). 4. His valuable assistance. With "cedar trees" (from Lebanon, as subsequently, 1 Kings 5.), "and carpenters, and masons," in building a "house of cedar" (2 Samuel 7:2; 2 Samuel 6:16: 9:13; 11:2), or stately palace in Zion, the city of David; perhaps in erecting and adorning other houses in the city, and generally promoting the arts and industries of Israel (1 Chronicles 22:2). The intercourse thus commenced was immensely beneficial, though it ultimately proved an occasion of evil. "Many have excelled in arts and sciences that were strangers to the covenants of promise; yet David's house was never the worse nor the less fitting to be dedicated to God for its being built by the sons of the stranger" (Matthew Henry). 5. His steadfast friendship with David during his life, afterwards with Solomon, contributing to the maintenance of peace and the increase of prosperity among both peoples. "Hiram was ever a lover of David" (1 Kings 5:1). 6. His reverential spirit. "Blessed be Jehovah," etc. (1 Kings 5:7). Without entirely renouncing the worship of "the Lord Melkarth [king of the city], Baal of Tyre," he was drawn to the faith of Israel; and, to that extent, represented the gathering of the Gentiles to "the Desire of all nations" (Psalm 45:12; Matthew 15:27; Acts 21:3-6). He was an extraordinary man, eminent in life, honoured in death (by the erection of "the tomb of Hiram," Robinson, 2:456); and he will "rise in the judgment and condemn" the unfaithful under higher privileges (Matthew 11:21). - D. Parallel Verses KJV: And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake. WEB: David perceived that Yahweh had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.