1 Kings 5:7-12

Solomon’s treaty with Hiram 5:7-12

The fact that Hiram cooperated with and even blessed Yahweh (1 Kings 5:7) shows how God brought blessing to Gentiles as well as to the Israelites through David and Solomon’s godly dedication to the Lord. The covenant between Israel and Phoenicia (1 Kings 5:12) resulted in peace for many years.

"Sometimes Solomon has been criticized for entering into such an agreement with an unbelieving pagan like Hiram. Scripture says, ’Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers’ (2 Corinthians 6:14). The principle does not apply in this case, however. Solomon did not join in a partnership with Hiram to build the temple. Solomon built it and merely purchased material and hired workers from Hiram." [Note: Wood, p. 312.]