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1 Kings 5

In this chapter, Solomon begins preparations for building the temple of the Lord by forming a partnership with Hiram, king of Tyre. Solomon acknowledges the peaceful reign God has given him, enabling him to focus on this great task. Hiram provides materials, while Solomon commits to a reciprocal agreement to supply food. This chapter emphasizes the collaborative efforts, wisdom, and organization of Solomon in constructing the temple.

1 Kings 5:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, because he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram had always loved David.
2 Then Solomon sent to Hiram, saying:
3 "You know how my father David could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the wars which were fought against him on every side, until the Lord put his foes under the soles of his feet.
4 But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor evil occurrence.
5 And behold, I propose to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spoke to my father David, saying, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, he shall build the house for My name.’"

Solomon reaches out to Hiram, who had a close friendship with David. Solomon recounts how David was unable to build the temple due to his many wars but emphasizes that the peace he now enjoys enables him to fulfill the task. He reminds Hiram of God’s promise to David that Solomon, his son, would build the temple. Solomon is beginning the fulfillment of that divine promise and seeks Hiram’s help in obtaining the resources needed for the construction.

1 Kings 5:6 (NKJV)
6 "Now therefore, command that they cut down cedars for me from Lebanon; and my servants will be with your servants, and I will pay you wages for your servants according to whatever you say. For you know there is none among us who has skill to cut timber like the Sidonians."

Solomon requests cedar wood from Lebanon, known for its high-quality timber. He acknowledges the superior skill of the Sidonians in handling and cutting timber and offers to pay whatever wages Hiram demands for his workers. This reflects Solomon’s respect for Hiram’s people and the fair, cooperative nature of their alliance.

1 Kings 5:7-9 (NKJV)
7 So it was, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly and said, "Blessed be the Lord this day, for He has given David a wise son over this great people!"
8 Then Hiram sent to Solomon, saying: "I have considered the message which you sent me, and I will do all you desire concerning the cedar and cypress logs.
9 My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon to the sea; I will float them in rafts by sea to the place you indicate to me, and will have them broken apart there; then you can take them away. And you shall fulfill my desire by giving food for my household."

Hiram is pleased with Solomon’s request and praises the Lord for giving Israel a wise king. He agrees to Solomon’s terms, offering to transport the timber by sea, which was a practical solution for such heavy materials. In exchange, Hiram asks for provisions for his household, setting the terms for their trade agreement.

1 Kings 5:10-11 (NKJV)
10 Then Hiram gave Solomon cedar and cypress logs according to all his desire.
11 And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand kors of wheat as food for his household, and twenty kors of pressed oil. Thus Solomon gave to Hiram year by year.

Hiram delivers the requested timber, and Solomon provides the agreed provisions: large quantities of wheat and olive oil. This exchange continues annually, reflecting the ongoing relationship between the two leaders. The mutual benefit and cooperation demonstrate the successful diplomacy and alliances Solomon built during his reign.

1 Kings 5:12 (NKJV)
12 So the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him; and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty together.

God’s wisdom, granted to Solomon, is evident in the successful negotiations and peaceful relations with Hiram. The treaty solidifies their alliance, with both nations benefiting from the resources and goodwill they share. This verse emphasizes that Solomon’s wisdom was a divine gift, enabling him to lead Israel prosperously.

1 Kings 5:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Then King Solomon raised up a labor force out of all Israel; and the labor force was thirty thousand men.
14 And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month in shifts: they were one month in Lebanon and two months at home. Adoniram was in charge of the labor force.

Solomon organizes a large labor force of 30,000 men from Israel, sending them to Lebanon in monthly shifts. Each group spends one month working in Lebanon and then two months back home, ensuring that the work progresses while the workers also have time to rest. This labor arrangement demonstrates Solomon’s organizational skills and his ability to manage large projects effectively.

1 Kings 5:15-16 (NKJV)
15 Solomon had seventy thousand who carried burdens, and eighty thousand who quarried stone in the mountains,
16 besides three thousand three hundred from the chiefs of Solomon’s deputies, who supervised the people who labored in the work.

In addition to the timber workers, Solomon employs a massive workforce for carrying heavy loads and quarrying stone for the temple. Over 150,000 men are involved in this work, with 3,300 overseers ensuring that the labor is well-coordinated. This immense scale of labor reflects the grandness of the temple project and Solomon’s ability to marshal Israel’s resources.

1 Kings 5:17-18 (NKJV)
17 And the king commanded them to quarry large stones, costly stones, and hewn stones, to lay the foundation of the temple.
18 So Solomon’s builders, Hiram’s builders, and the Gebalites quarried them; and they prepared timber and stones to build the temple.

The temple foundation is made of large, costly stones, carefully quarried and prepared by skilled workers from Israel, Tyre, and Gebal (Byblos). The collaboration between these diverse groups shows the level of expertise and effort that went into constructing a temple worthy of God’s name. The groundwork laid here prepares for the magnificent temple that Solomon will build, symbolizing Israel’s devotion to God.

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