This chapter is a classic and powerful testimony of what it means for a person, a family and a nation to experience God’s favor. Verse 1 tells us that Hiram, the king of Tyre loved David, the king of Israel. After hearing that Solomon had succeeded his father, Hiram sent his greetings to Solomon. In his words to Hiram, it is interesting to note that Solomon first mentioned the Lord as God with reference to his father David in third person pronoun, “the Lord his God” (v3). However, in verse 4, there is a complete change of third person to first person pronoun – “the Lord my God.” In the word that Solomon sent to Hiram in v2-5, God is being mentioned seven times from the vantage points of David, Solomon and God Himself. First in v3, David wanted to build a house for God but as the enemies were all around him, he could only depend on God to subdue them. Second in v4-5a, since God had granted him peace after all the battles that his father had won, Solomon was able to set out his plan to build the house for God. Third, verse 5b includes God’s promise given to David that Solomon his son would succeed him as the next king and would be the one to build the house for God.

The reply that King Hiram gave to King Solomon in verses 7-12 describes God’s amazing favor shown to Solomon through the pagan king. After hearing Solomon’s plan to build a house or temple for God, it is remarkable that this pagan king gave praise to Yahweh (v7) for blessing David with a wise son to be his successor. And because God’s favor was upon Solomon, Hiram acceded to each and every request from Solomon asking to buy the raw resources from him to build the temple.

Verses 13-18 contain the vivid details concerning of how Solomon applied the wisdom from God to carry out the plans to build the house. Truly this is indeed God’s amazing favor showered upon Solomon as the new king of Israel.

In the same way, can you recall any point of time in your life – now or in the past – how God has granted you favor at home, in school or at work? May we be like the one leper that Jesus healed who came back and thanked Him, and not be like the other nine lepers who either forgot, were ungrateful or were busy to thank God for His favor in our life.

Prayer ：

Thank you, God for showing me your favor when _______________ (describe in detail what happened and how God showed you favor). In the same way as the one leper who came back to Jesus, I am grateful to You for helping me at that time. Amen.