1 Kings Chapter 5 · Verse 12
And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיהוָ֗ה
And the LORD
H3068
וַֽיהוָ֗ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נָתַ֤ן
gave
H5414
נָתַ֤ן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּר
as he promised
H1696
דִּבֶּר
as he promised
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
6 of 16
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שָׁלֹ֗ם
him and there was peace
H7965
שָׁלֹ֗ם
him and there was peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
9 of 16
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
בֵּ֤ין
H996
בֵּ֤ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
10 of 16
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּבֵ֣ין
H996
וּבֵ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
12 of 16
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וַיִּכְרְת֥וּ
made
H3772
וַיִּכְרְת֥וּ
made
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
14 of 16
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
Cross References
1 Kings 3:12Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.Amos 1:9Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of preparations for building the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. Solomon's God-given wisdom points to Christ, 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' (Colossians 2:3).
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.