1 Kings 9:10-14 – Being true friends

Hiram's relationship with Israel went as far back as David’s time. Apparently,  he and David had good diplomatic ties. When the former learned that Solomon had succeeded the reign, 1 Kings 5:1-6 said that he sent words to congratulate him. Solomon then wisely seized the opportunity to ask Hiram to supply him with materials for his temple building project. Hiram not only supplied materials to build the temple but also materials to build the palace.

Here 1 Kings 9:10 revealed that after 20 years the temple of God and the palace of Solomon were completed. Verse 11 made it clear that Hiram kept the side of his bargain and supplied all the cedar and cypress wood and the required amount of gold for the two buildings. Reciprocating the kindness of Hiram, Solomon gave 20 cities in the land of Galilee to him. When Hiram came to inspect the cities, he was apparently not pleased with them. No reason was given why he was not pleased. So verse 13 said that Hiram asked, as if sneeringly, “What are these cities which you have given me, my brother?” So he named the cities the land of Cabul, meaning worthless land. Despite his unhappiness, verses 14 said that Hiram sent Solomon 120 talents of gold.    

This account could be interpreted two ways. Firstly we can see this passage as showing a not-so-pleasant side of Solomon. For the kind favor Hiram had shown to him, he could return the kindness with something that commensurates it. Instead, he gave him 20 cities that were worthless to him. Secondly, it could also be seen as Hiram having too high an expectation. So he was displeased with the gifts of the 20 cities.

The lesson we can derive from this passage is that friendship must be carefully cherished and guarded. Friendliness must be a mutually edifying experience. Each should not take advantage of the other. No friend should be made to feel as if he or she has been taken advantage of.  It will certainly help when each has a realistic expectation of the other. One attitude to adopt in developing a great friendship is to acknowledge that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Every one of us should seek to be a great friend to one another in the fellowship. Then we will be a great witness for God.