1 Kings 5:7-11

When Hiram heard the words of Solomon.

Hiram and Solomon

I. Gratification. Hiram “rejoiced greatly” when he heard the words of King Solomon. This arose partly from the love he bore to his father David. The gratification of Hiram sprang also from a recognition of Solomon’s wisdom: gratification in another’s good.

II. Consideration (1 Kings 5:8). The demand of Solomon was no small one, and deserved consideration. It involved, in all probability, a great sacrifice on the part of the Tyrians.

III. Satisfaction. “All his desire” (1 Kings 5:10). There was not one thing which Solomon asked, which Hiram did not grant; it is not right to ask or expect unreasonable things. It is right to grant reasonable requests, even if they should occasion sacrifice. Unreasonable requests should not be granted, even if it should be more easy to do so than to refuse.

IV. Recognition. “Endued with understanding “ (2 Chronicles 2:13). Knowledge, genius, skill are of heavenly birth, and to despise them is to be guilty of a sin.

V. Combination. Solomon and Hiram were not independent of each other. No one can serve God properly in isolation: “two are better far than one,” etc. Query--Have Christians a right to remain detached from the Church of Christ?

VI. Distribution (2 Chronicles 2:16). Each did the part allotted to him; the result was success. (F. Wagstaff.)

Joy

Joy of sharing in a good work:--It was a saying of the late Professor Samuel Miller, of Princeton, that he loved to have “a nail in every building intended for the glory of God or the good of man.” Here and there he scattered the gifts he had, a portion to seven and also to eight--benedictions wherever he went. Few are so poor but that they can adopt this plan of continuous beneficence.