Wow, I'm so glad I found this as I'm going through the book of 1 Kings and am in chapter 9. You mentioning the part where God is more concerned about the heart of His people is just what I was focusing on myself. I'm going to listen to all your studies on the previous chapters. I believe God led me to your study. Thanks!
I don't think Solomon gifted the cities to Hiram rather the cities were used as collateral for the gold that Hiram gave Solomon. check 2chron 8:1,2. Wiersbe commentary. 1 kings 9. Thoughts