This chapter relates Solomon's preparation for building the temple: on Hiram, king of Tyre, sending a congratulatory letter to him, he returned another to him, signifying his intention to build an house for God, and requesting him to supply him with timber, and men to work it, 1Ki 5:1; to which Hiram readily agreed, and sent him cedar and fir, and Solomon in return sent him food for his household; and things went on very amicably between them, 1Ki 5:7; the chapter concludes with an account of Solomon's workmen, where, how, and in what they were employed, 1Ki 5:13.
Ver. 1. And Hiram king of Tyre sent servants unto Solomon,.... His ambassadors, to condole him on the death of his father, and congratulate him on his accession to the throne; this king is called by the Phoenician historians Hirom, and by Eupolemus Suron, as he is Huram in 2Ch 2:3; and by Theophilus of Antioch Hierom the son of Abelmalus, in the twelfth year of whose reign the temple was built:for he had heard that they had anointed him, king in the room of his father; that the Israelites had anointed him king:for Hiram was ever a lover of David; a friend and ally of his; and we never read of the Tyrians being at war with him, or assisting any of his enemies.
Apud Joseph. contr. Apion. l. 1. c. 17, 18. Apud Euseb. Praepar. Evangel. l. 9. c. 33, 34. Ad Antolyc. l. 3. p.