1 Kings 7:40-47 – Using our talents to glorify God

For ceremonial use in the temple, First Kings 7:40 tells us that Hiram’s fourth project was to construct smaller basins, shovels, and sprinkling bowls. Then in verses 41-45 we are given a listing of the bronze work that Hiram had made.  They were the pillars, the capitals, the complex designs surrounding the two capitals, the Sea, the ten bronze lavers complete with the stands, and as well as the shovels and the bowls mentioned in verse 40.  All the utensils that he made were of polished bronze. Verses 46-47 rounded all that Hiram had made by saying that he had them cast at the plain of Jordan because the ground there was more suitable for these works.

Hiram, whose father was from Tyre and mother, a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, was endowed with wisdom and understanding in bronze work. His intricate work of constructing underscored his unusual talent. He was a craftsman who stood among God’s uniquely gifted personalities such as Oholiab and Bezalel from Moses’ era. This is what 1 Kings 7:14 said of Hiram. “He was a widow’s son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze; and he was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill for doing any work in bronze. So he came to King Solomon and performed all his work.”

He had the talent and was willing to be used to complete all the work required of his capability. The point is that he used his talent for the task he excelled best. If God’s work is to be gloriously completed, we need talented and willing people. Are we hiding our talents? We must rise up, be like a “Hiram” and willingly give of our talents to serve the purpose of God. Ephesians 2:19 says, “For we are His (God) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Whatever talents and gifts we have, are we putting them into building and completing the grand tapestry of God? For to whom much is given, much will be required!