King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 14:1 Mean?

“Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.”

Context

Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.

And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.

And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters. more: Heb. yet

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(1) **Hiram.**—So the Hebrew text of Chronicles spells the name, and the LXX. and all the other ancient versions both of Samuel and Chronicles have it so. But the Hebrew margin of Chronicles writes “Huram.” **Messengers.**—Ambassadors. **Timber of cedars.**—Felled from the Lebanon, and sea-borne to Joppa (2 Chronicles 16). **With masons and carpenters.**—Literally, and craftsmen of walls, and craftsmen of timber. 2Samuel 5:11 has “craftsmen of wood, and craftsmen of stone of wall.” **To build him an house**.—Samuel, “and they built a house for David.” (2Samuel 5:11.) **House.**—Palace. So the Temple was called “the house” (*hab-bayith*) as well as “the palace” (*h*ē*k*ē*l*; comp, the Accadian e-gal, “great house”). We may think of the numerous records of palace building which the Assyrian and Babylonian sovereigns have left us. The cedar of Lebanon (*Labnânu*) was a favourite material with them.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 14:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.