Live in such a way to encourage others to acknowledge God! 
(2 Chron 2.12)

“Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who has given King David a wise son, endowed with discretion and understanding, who will build a temple for the LORD, and a royal palace for himself.

Background

First Chronicles ended with the death of David and Solomon becoming king. The first nine chapters of Second Chronicles are about King Solomon—most of which focus on the construction of the Temple. Those chapters also include six prayers.

When Solomon becomes king, God asks him what he wants. He asks for wisdom rather than wealth or power. God is so impressed that He gives him wisdom, power, and wealth! It is a good start for Solomon, but later he becomes seduced by power and money to the detriment of himself and Israel. He failed to rely on his wisdom.

The first prayer is a prayer of praise—not by Solomon, but by another king. Solomon had written a letter to King Hiram of Tyre for artisans to help build the Temple and a palace. He also placed a large order for cedar, cypress, and algum timber.

King Hiram responded, agreeing to help with the building of the magnificent Temple. He and David had good relations, so he was happy to continue that alliance.

Archaeologists have found many letters like this from the ancient world, where kings not only seek diplomacy but do business together. Solomon and Hiram’s interaction is a typical business transaction in the ancient world. It would not have been unusual to include a prayer or reference to the gods. Hiram’s prayer is a prayer to Solomon’s God, which is unusual because he was a not a follower of God, but of pagan deities. Yet it indicates that he had some understanding of Israel’s faith.

Like many of the biblical writings, there is a literary structure that emphasizes certain elements and provides order. Just as Solomon is bringing order to Israel, so the story about it has order.

A Conscription of laborers (2:2)

B Solomon’s letter (2:3–10)

B’ Hiram’s letter and prayer (2:11–16)

A’ Conscription of laborers (2:17–18)

Meaning

Why did the writer include the words of Hiram’s prayer? After all, it is unlikely that Hiram worships the God of Israel. He would have had his own gods. But in paying homage to Solomon’s God, it shows that he respected and recognized the good that God was doing for Solomon and Israel.