I Kings 5:1-12 · Bible study
1 Kings 5:1-12 Commentary: Solomon, Hiram, and the Temple Treaty
Hebrew · 9 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Examine Solomon’s peaceful alliance with Hiram of Tyre, the temple preparations, and God’s gift of wisdom. A study in covenant and provision.
Research Summary
- Meaning: God gave Solomon a season of peace so he could build the temple, partnering with Tyre through a wise treaty that blesses both kingdoms.
- Key words: Rest (vv. 4, 12), build (vv. 3-5, 18), wisdom (v. 12), treaty (v. 12), timber, cedar, wheat, oil.
- Main debate: Whether Hiram is the same king from David’s time or a later successor; most scholars affirm the same Hiram based on external sources and the narrative continuity.
- Theological theme: The fulfillment of the Davidic covenant regarding a future son who will build a house for God’s name, and God’s provision of wisdom for that work.
- Best use: As a model of faithful initiative during a season of peace, and of cooperation between God’s people and outside partners for a holy project.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
1Now when Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king in his father’s place, he sent envoys to Solomon; for Hiram had always been a friend of David.
2And Solomon relayed this message to Hiram:
3“As you are well aware, due to the wars waged on all sides against my father David, he could not build a house for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD had put his enemies under his feet.
4But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or crisis.
5So behold, I plan to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, according to what the LORD said to my father David: ‘I will put your son on your throne in your place, and he will build the house for My Name.’
6Now therefore, order that cedars of Lebanon be cut down for me. My servants will be with your servants, and I will pay your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that there are none among us as skilled in logging as the Sidonians.”
7When Hiram received Solomon’s message, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the LORD this day! He has given David a wise son over this great people!”
8Then Hiram sent a reply to Solomon, saying: “I have received your message; I will do all you desire regarding the cedar and cypress timber.
9My servants will haul the logs from Lebanon to the Sea, and I will float them as rafts by sea to the place you specify. There I will separate the logs, and you can take them away. And in exchange, you can meet my needs by providing my household with food.”
10So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted,
11and year after year Solomon would provide Hiram with 20,000 cors of wheat as food for his household, as well as 20,000 baths of pure olive oil.
12And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.
WEB World English Bible 2000
1Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the place of his father, and Hiram had always loved David.
2Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,
3“You know that David my father could not build a house for the name of Yahweh his God because of the wars which were around him on every side, until Yahweh put his enemies under the soles of his feet.
4But now Yahweh my God has given me rest on every side. There is no enemy and no evil occurrence.
5Behold, I intend to build a house for the name of Yahweh my God, as Yahweh spoke to David my father, saying, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place shall build the house for my name.’
6Now therefore command that cedar trees be cut for me out of Lebanon. My servants will be with your servants; and I will give you wages for your servants according to all that you say. For you know that there is nobody among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.”
7When Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly, and said, “Blessed is Yahweh today, who has given to David a wise son to rule over this great people.”
8Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, “I have heard the message which you have sent to me. I will do all your desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning cypress timber.
9My servants will bring them down from Lebanon to the sea. I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place that you specify to me, and will cause them to be broken up there, and you will receive them. You will accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.”
10So Hiram gave Solomon cedar timber and cypress timber according to all his desire.
11Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand cors of wheat for food to his household, and twenty cors of pure oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year.
12Yahweh gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty together.
KJV King James Version 1769
1And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.
2And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,
3Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet.
4But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.
5And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name.
6Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians.
7And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the Lord this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.
8And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for: and I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir.
9My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.
10So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire.
11And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year.
12And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
1And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.
2And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,
3Thou knowest how that David my father could not build a house for the name of Jehovah his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until Jehovah put them under the soles of his feet.
4But now Jehovah my God hath given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary, nor evil occurrence.
5And, behold, I purpose to build a house for the name of Jehovah my God, as Jehovah spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build the house for my name.
6Now therefore command thou that they cut me cedar-trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants; and I will give thee hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt say: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that knoweth how to cut timber like unto the Sidonians.
7And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be Jehovah this day, who hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.
8And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have heard the message which thou hast sent unto me: I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir.
9My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea; and I will make them into rafts to go by sea unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be broken up there, and thou shalt receive them; and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.
10So Hiram gave Solomon timber of cedar and timber of fir according to all his desire.
11And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year.
12And Jehovah gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him; and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
1And Hiram king of Tyre sendeth his servants unto Solomon, for he heard that they had anointed him for king instead of his father, for Hiram was a lover of David all the days;
2and Solomon sendeth unto Hiram, saying,
3`Thou hast known David my father, that he hath not been able to build a house to the name of Jehovah his God, because of the wars that have been round about him, till Jehovah's putting them under the soles of his feet.
4`And now, Jehovah my God hath given rest to me round about, there is no adversary nor evil occurrence,
5and lo, I am saying to build a house to the name of Jehovah my God, as Jehovah spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son whom I appoint in thy stead on thy throne, he doth build the house for My name.
6`And now, command, and they cut down for me cedars out of Lebanon, and my servants are with thy servants, and the hire of thy servants I give to thee according to all that thou sayest, for thou hast known that there is not among us a man acquainted with cutting wood, like the Sidonians.'
7And it cometh to pass at Hiram's hearing the words of Solomon, that he rejoiceth exceedingly, and saith, `Blessed is Jehovah to-day, who hath given to David a wise son over this numerous people.'
8And Hiram sendeth unto Solomon, saying, I have heard that which thou hast sent unto me, I do all thy desire concerning cedar-wood, and fir-wood,
9my servants bring down from Lebanon to the sea, and I make them floats in the sea unto the place that thou sendest unto me, and I have spread them out there; and thou dost take them up, and thou dost execute my desire, to give the food of my house.'
10And Hiram is giving to Solomon cedar-trees, and fir-trees, all his desire,
11and Solomon hath given to Hiram twenty thousand cors of wheat, food for his house, and twenty cors of beaten oil; thus doth Solomon give to Hiram year by year.
12And Jehovah hath given wisdom to Solomon as He spake to him, and there is peace between Hiram and Solomon, and they make a covenant both of them.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
1And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the place of his father; for Hiram always loved David.
2And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,
3Thou knowest that David my father could not build a house unto the name of Jehovah his God, because of the wars which were about him on every side, until Jehovah put them under the soles of his feet.
4But now Jehovah my God has given me rest on every side: there is neither adversary nor evil event.
5And behold, I purpose to build a house unto the name of Jehovah my God, as Jehovah spoke to David my father saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy stead, he shall build a house unto my name.
6And now command that they hew me cedar-trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants; and I will give thee hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt say; for thou knowest that there is not among us any that are experienced in cutting timber like to the Zidonians.
7And it came to pass when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be Jehovah this day, who has given to David a wise son over this great people.
8And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have heard the things which thou sentest to me for: I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of cypress.
9My servants shall bring [them] down from Lebanon to the sea; and I will convey them by sea [in] rafts to the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be broken up there, and thou shalt receive them. And thou shalt accomplish my desire in giving food for my household.
10So Hiram gave Solomon cedar-trees and cypress-trees [according to] all his desire.
11And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat as food for his household, and twenty measures of beaten oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year.
12And Jehovah gave Solomon wisdom as he promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
1And Hiram, king of Tyre, sent his servants to Solomon: for he heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram had always been David's friend.
2Solomon sent to Hiram, saying:
3Thou knowest the will of David, my father, and that he could not build a house to the name of the Lord his God, because of the wars that were round about him, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet.
4But now the Lord my God hath given me rest round about; and there is no adversary nor evil occurrence.
5Wherefore I purpose to build a temple to the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spoke to David my father, saying: Thy son, whom I will set upon the throne, in thy place, he shall build a house to my name.
6Give orders, therefore, that thy servants cut me down cedar trees, out of Libanus, and let my servants be with thy servants: and I will give thee the hire of thy servants whatsoever thou wilt ask: for thou knowest how there is not among my people a man that has skill to hew wood like to the Sidonians.
7Now when Hiram had heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced exceedingly, and said: Blessed be the Lord God this day, who hath given to David a very wise son over this numerous people.
8And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying: I have heard all thou hast desired of me; and I will do all thy desire concerning cedar trees, and fir trees.
9My servants shall bring them down from Libanus to the sea: and I will put them together in floats, on the sea, and convey them to the place, which thou shalt signify to me, and will land them there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt allow me necessaries to furnish food for my household.
10So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees, and fir trees, according to all his desire.
11And Solomon allowed Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat, for provision for his house, and twenty measures of the purest oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram every year.
12And the Lord gave wisdom to Solomon, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and they two made a league together.
Verse in Context
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that in these verses Solomon negotiates a treaty with Hiram of Tyre to obtain timber for the temple, fulfilling a promise God made to David. Clarke, Barnes, and the Cambridge Bible all note that Hiram had been a longtime friend of David (1 Kgs 5:1; cf. 2 Sam 5:11), and that this relationship continued with Solomon. The passage traces a progression: David could not build because of constant war; God gave Solomon rest; so Solomon moves to build. Hiram responds positively, praising God for giving David a wise son. The exchange is mutual, timber from Tyre in return for wheat and oil for Hiram’s household. Keil-Delitzsch observes how the narrative highlights that the Lord gave Solomon wisdom (v. 12), which enabled the favorable agreement. The consensus, as Barnes argues from Menander of Ephesus, is that Hiram here is the same king who earlier assisted David, not a later successor.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Single Hiram (same from David’s era): 2 Sam 5:11; 1 Chron 14:1; v.1 says Hiram ‘had always loved David’; Barnes cites Menander of Ephesus for Hiram’s 34-year reign from age 19.
- Different Hiram (a later successor): Some scholars calculate years between David and Solomon’s building may require a later reign; Kitto distinguishes ‘Hiram the grandfather’ from ‘Hiram the grandson’.
What is clear: Regardless of which Hiram, the passage depicts a peaceful, mutually beneficial alliance between Israel and Tyre, enabling preparation for the temple, and it underscores that God gave Solomon wisdom to carry out his promises.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Hiram’s identity | Hiram king of Tyre was a contemporary of David and succeeded in maintaining friendship with Solomon. | Some (e.g., Kitto) argue this is a different, later Hiram (perhaps a grandson) because of the length of reigns; others (Barnes, Keil-Delitzsch) argue the same Hiram reigned 34 years and could have spanned both kings. |
| Hiram’s faith | Hiram used language that acknowledged the God of Israel (“Blessed be the Lord”). | Some (Matthew Henry, Clarke) see this as genuine worship; others (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown) argue it reflects polytheistic courtesy, thanking each god in its own territory. |
| The meaning of ‘rest’ | God gave Solomon a period free from war, enabling the temple project. | Whether this rest was absolute (no threats at all) or relative (no open conflict) is debated; Keil notes that adversaries like Hadad arise later (1 Kgs 11:14). |
| The treaty’s fairness | Solomon paid for the timber with food supplies year by year. | Some readers ask if Hiram was paid adequately; 2 Chr 2:10 mentions additional barley and wine, suggesting the original account may be abbreviated. |
| Wisdom and the temple | God gave Solomon wisdom, including for negotiations and construction. | Whether the wisdom was primarily practical (Barnes) or also included revelation about the temple design; the text focuses on diplomatic wisdom. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Tyre, a Phoenician city-state on the Mediterranean coast, was a major maritime power. Its king, Hiram, controlled the famous cedar forests of Lebanon. These cedars were prized across the ancient Near East for their size and durability, used for palaces and temples. By Solomon's time, Hiram had already sent workmen and materials to help David build his royal house (2 Sam 5:11; 1 Chron 14:1). The friendship between the two kingdoms was economically beneficial: Israel supplied grain and oil; Tyre provided timber and skilled craftsmen.
Solomon's message reflects an awareness of a divine timetable. He states that his father David could not build because of wars (v. 3), echoing 2 Samuel 7:1-13, where God promised David that his son would build a house for God's name. Solomon interprets his own peaceful reign (v. 4) as the moment to act. The Hebrew phrase translated “rest on every side” (v. 4) parallels the language of Deuteronomy 12:10 and Joshua 21:44, where God gives rest from enemies. This rest is both political and theological, a quiet environment suited for worship.
The logistics described are precise. Hiram’s servants would fell trees in Lebanon, haul them down to the coast (likely near Byblos or Sidon), and float them as rafts south to Joppa (the port closest to Jerusalem, about 35 miles away). From there the timber would be transported inland. The agreement was annual: 20,000 cors of wheat (perhaps about 120,000 bushels) and 20 cors of oil (roughly 1,200 gallons) provided for Hiram’s household (v. 11). Some commentators (Clarke, Barnes) note that 2 Chronicles 2:10 mentions additional payments of barley and wine, suggesting the deal was even more extensive than the summary here.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources indicate no significant textual variants in the Hebrew of 1 Kings 5:1-12 that affect interpretation. The passage is consistent across the major manuscripts and versions. The parallel account in 2 Chronicles 2:3-16 provides a more detailed version, but variations in numbers (e.g., amounts of wheat and oil) are understood as a fuller record rather than a contradiction.
Reception History
In the early church, this passage was often read as a type of the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s building project: Hiram, a foreign king, provides resources for the temple, prefiguring the nations bringing glory to God’s house (e.g., Augustine, City of God 17.4). Medieval interpreters saw here a moral lesson on using peace for holy purposes. Reformers like Calvin pointed to Solomon’s wisdom as a gift of God for governance, not just piety. In modern evangelical preaching, the passage is used to illustrate faithful stewardship of peaceful seasons and partnerships with non-believers for common good.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God’s Timing for Rest and Building: David’s wars precluded temple construction; Solomon’s peace opened the door. Recognize that God often prepares seasons of quiet to accomplish his purposes. (vv. 3-4)
- Wisdom in Partnership: Solomon’s request to Hiram shows practical wisdom, he acknowledges the Sidonians’ skill and negotiates fairly. God’s gift of wisdom extended to statecraft and commerce. (vv. 6-12)
- Mutual Blessing in Covenant: Hiram gave timber; Solomon gave food. Both parties benefited. The treaty became a model of peaceful cooperation, and the temple project united resources from Israel and the nations. (vv. 10-12)
Five-point outline
- Hiram’s Loyalty to David’s House: Hiram had “always loved David” and extended that same friendship to Solomon. (v. 1)
- From War to Rest: Solomon contrasts his father’s constant conflicts with his own God-given peace. He uses rest as an opportunity, not an excuse for ease. (vv. 3-4)
- Initiative Based on Promise: He builds because God had spoken through Nathan (2 Sam 7). The temple is a response to God’s initiative. (v. 5)
- Skilled Labor for a Sacred Task: The table acknowledges that the best materials and craftsmanship are appropriate for God’s house. (vv. 6-9)
- A Treat of Peace and Prosperity: Both parties faithfully kept their word. The covenant mirrors the peace God intends for his people (v. 12).
Illustration hooks
- Building a team for a major project: When a church or organization undertakes a large initiative, it often requires partnerships beyond its own expertise. Like Solomon sought Sidonian loggers, we can recognize limits and seek allies who bring complementary skills.
- Peace as a window for productivity: A family that finally moves past a season of conflict may find unexpected energy for home improvements, new ventures, or deeper relationships. Peace from God opens doors.
- Trading in expertise: Think of how different cities trade their specialties, a region known for wheat trades with one known for timber. Both parties give and receive; the whole is stronger.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Was Hiram a believer in the true God, or just using religious language to be polite?
- Is it okay for Christians to partner with non-believers in doing good work for God’s kingdom?
- How do we know when God is giving us “rest” to build, and when we are supposed to wait and fight?
Leading a Discussion
In this passage we see God’s promise to David about a temple fulfilled through the wisdom of Solomon and the friendship of a foreign king. The peace that surrounded Israel after decades of war created the opportunity for worship. As you read these verses again, notice how every party, Solomon, Hiram, and the servants, plays a part in something greater than themselves.
Discussion questions
- What do we learn about Hiram’s character from verse 1? Why do you think the narrator includes the detail that Hiram “had always loved David”?
- Solomon explains why his father could not build the temple (v. 3). What reasons does he give, and how does that shape our understanding of David’s reign in relation to God’s plan?
- How does Solomon interpret his own peaceful situation in verse 4? Have you ever experienced a season of “rest on every side”? What did you do with it?
- In verse 5, Solomon connects his building plan to God’s earlier promise. Why is it important that he recalls God’s promise before beginning a grand project?
- Hiram responds by blessing God (v. 7). Does this prove he was a believer, or could he have been speaking in the polytheistic style of his culture? Read 2 Chronicles 2:11-12 for a fuller statement. What do you think?
- The treaty is mutual: timber for food. What does this exchange say about interdependence and how God works through ordinary trade and diplomacy?
- Verse 12 says the Lord gave Solomon wisdom “as he promised.” Where else in the story do we see wisdom in action? How is this wisdom different from just intelligence?
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| II Samuel 5:11 | Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, with cedar trees, carpenters, and masons; and they built David a house. |
| II Samuel 8:10 | then Toi sent Joram his son to King David to greet him and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and struck him; for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. Joram brought with him vessels of silver, vessels of gold, and vessels of bronze. |
| II Samuel 10:1 | After this, the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. |
| II Samuel 10:2 | David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent by his servants to comfort him concerning his father. David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon. |
| I Kings 5:13 | King Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men. |
| I Kings 9:12 | Hiram came out of Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him; and they didn’t please him. |
| I Kings 9:14 | Hiram sent to the king one hundred twenty talents of gold. |
| I Chronicles 14:1 | Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees, masons, and carpenters, to build him a house. |
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
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What the Commentators Say
6 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes draws on the ancient historian Menander to give Tyrian context for Hiram's identity and length of reign. He then explains the practical arrangements for timber transport and notes that Solomon's wisdom enabled him to secure favorable terms, including annual payment of wheat and pure oil for Hiram's court.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge commentary notes that Hiram's greeting to Solomon may have come from a different king than the one who aided David, since two Tyrian rulers possibly bore the same name. It also observes that Hiram's blessing of Jehovah likely acknowledged Him only as Israel's national god, not the one true God.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva notes highlight that Hiram's rejoicing shows he recognized God's faithfulness in giving David a wise son. They emphasize that the peaceful covenant between the two kings fulfilled God's promise of rest for Israel, and that Solomon's wisdom for building the temple came directly from the Lord.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights Solomon's practical wisdom in securing skilled Sidonian workers for the temple timber, noting that Israel lacked such expertise. The peace between Solomon and Hiram, built on Hiram's existing friendship with David, allowed this cooperation as part of God's promised rest for Solomon.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB notes that Hiram's blessing of the Lord does not necessarily mean he worshipped the true God; it was more likely a polytheistic courtesy toward Israel's deity. He also points out that the timber contract was a formal written agreement, preserved in both Jewish and Tyrian historical records.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch treat the parallel accounts in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles as independent extracts from a common source, each shaped by its author's plan. They note that Hiram's praise of Jehovah does not mean he worshiped Israel's God as the only true God, only that he accepted Him as a real deity alongside his own. The two payment lists in Kings and Chronicles are distinct and clear, despite later critics trying to merge them.