1Ki 5:1 | KingComments | STEP | After the Holy Spirit has described the internal order of the kingdom of Solomon, we get in this chapter and the following chapters what characterizes in a special way the reign of Solomon: the temple of the LORD. The temple is closely linked to peace. God lives with a people who live in peace. Now that Solomon has peace on all sides, he can begin his great mission for God: the building of the temple. This is also the case in the life of someone who has obtained peace with God. Such a person can then occupy himself with the dwelling place of God, that is now the church of God. Hiram king of Tyre had always been a friend of David. Tyre was an important port city on the Mediterranean Sea north of Israel. When Hiram hears that the son of David, Solomon, has become king, he wants to stand in the same relationship with Solomon. Tyre is a picture of the world, with all its wealth and treasures. This is also the case here, but here everything is well used, for it is put at the disposal of Solomon to help him carry out his plans to build the house of the LORD. Tyre is not yet a picture of the evil world here, as it will later be ( ), but as it will contribute to the temple in the realm of peace ( ; ). What is said here also has a meaning for now. The house of God is not limited to Israel; the nations also share in it. Those of us who once did not participate in it have now been brought near by the blood of Christ and we may help build what is now God’s house, the church ( ).

‏ 1 Kings 5:1

Introduction

After the Holy Spirit has described the internal order of the kingdom of Solomon, we get in this chapter and the following chapters what characterizes in a special way the reign of Solomon: the temple of the LORD. The temple is closely linked to peace. God lives with a people who live in peace.

Now that Solomon has peace on all sides, he can begin his great mission for God: the building of the temple. This is also the case in the life of someone who has obtained peace with God. Such a person can then occupy himself with the dwelling place of God, that is now the church of God.

Hiram Seeks Contact With Solomon

Hiram king of Tyre had always been a friend of David. Tyre was an important port city on the Mediterranean Sea north of Israel. When Hiram hears that the son of David, Solomon, has become king, he wants to stand in the same relationship with Solomon.

Tyre is a picture of the world, with all its wealth and treasures. This is also the case here, but here everything is well used, for it is put at the disposal of Solomon to help him carry out his plans to build the house of the LORD. Tyre is not yet a picture of the evil world here, as it will later be (Eze 27:1-36), but as it will contribute to the temple in the realm of peace (Zec 6:15a; Isa 60:10).

What is said here also has a meaning for now. The house of God is not limited to Israel; the nations also share in it. Those of us who once did not participate in it have now been brought near by the blood of Christ and we may help build what is now God’s house, the church (Eph 2:13 ; 19-22).