1 Kings 5:10-11
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It's easy to gloss over this verse, but notice it's not just that Hiram provided the timber, but that he supplied all that Solomon desired. This highlights not only a business deal, but a deep, willing partnership God was orchestrating, even between nations, to bring about His purposes.
So Hiram supplied Solomon with all the timber of cedar and cypress that he desired, while Solomon gave Hiram 20,000 cors of wheat as food for his household, and 20,000 cors of beaten oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Solomon has just ascended the throne and is preparing to build the magnificent Temple for God, an undertaking that requires immense resources and skilled labor. He needs a specific type of timber, and since Israel doesn't have extensive cedar forests, he appeals to King Hiram of Tyre, a renowned Phoenician city known for its woodworking and trade. This verse marks the beginning of their crucial partnership, where Hiram agrees to supply the materials needed for the Temple, paving the way for its construction.
Building the magnificent Temple for God wasn't just Israel's job. Even the most secular empires and pagan kings could be used by God to accomplish His purposes.
A Global Effort for God's House
Think about it: the grandest dwelling place for the God of Israel was being built, and the materials were coming from all over.
This wasn't just a simple trade; it was a strategic partnership. God doesn't just want us to have the resources; He equips people with the skills to prepare them.
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More Than Just Logs
Hiram wasn't just sending raw logs. The Phoenicians were renowned sailors and woodworkers. This partnership was about skilled labor and specialized knowledge.
This verse highlights the crucial international cooperation and trade agreements necessary for major religious and political projects in the ancient world, showcasing Solomon's kingdom leveraging Tyre's maritime expertise and resources.
c. 1000 BC
David Reigns in Jerusalem
King David unites Israel and establishes Jerusalem as his capital, setting the stage for a unified kingdom and future prosperity.
c. 992 BC
Solomon Becomes King
David's son Solomon ascends to the throne. He is known for his wisdom and his ambitious building projects, especially the Temple.
c. 990 BC
Hiram's Reign in Tyre Begins
Hiram I, a powerful Phoenician king, begins his long and prosperous reign over the influential city-state of Tyre, a major trading and maritime power.
c. 967 BC— this verse
Temple Construction Begins
Solomon's grand project to build the First Temple in Jerusalem commences, requiring immense resources, skilled labor, and extensive trade networks.
c. 966 BC
Cedar and Cypress Supplied
As part of the agreement, Hiram of Tyre provides Solomon with vast quantities of high-quality cedar and cypress timber, crucial for the Temple's construction.
c. 960 BC
Temple Completion
After seven years of construction, the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem is completed, symbolizing Israel's devotion to God and its establishment as a significant regional power.
This passage shows David's desire to build a house for God, setting the stage for Solomon's temple construction.
1 Chronicles 22:14-16David encourages Solomon, emphasizing that the temple project is from the Lord and requires dedication, much like the supply of materials.
Ezra 3:7This verse highlights the ongoing need for skilled workers and materials, mirroring the initial provision for Solomon's temple.
Psalm 127:1This psalm reminds us that without the Lord's blessing, human efforts to build anything significant are in vain, underscoring the divine enablement behind Solomon's project.
It's easy to gloss over this verse, but notice it's not just that Hiram provided the timber, but that he supplied all that Solomon desired. This highlights not only a business deal, but a deep, willing partnership God was orchestrating, even between nations, to bring about His purposes.
Solomon has just ascended the throne and is preparing to build the magnificent Temple for God, an undertaking that requires immense resources and skilled labor. He needs a specific type of timber, and since Israel doesn't have extensive cedar forests, he appeals to King Hiram of Tyre, a renowned Phoenician city known for its woodworking and trade. This verse marks the beginning of their crucial partnership, where Hiram agrees to supply the materials needed for the Temple, paving the way for its construction.
Solomon has just ascended the throne and is preparing to build the magnificent Temple for God, an undertaking that requires immense resources and skilled labor. He needs a specific type of timber, and since Israel doesn't have extensive cedar forests, he appeals to King Hiram of Tyre, a renowned Phoenician city known for its woodworking and trade. This verse marks the beginning of their crucial partnership, where Hiram agrees to supply the materials needed for the Temple, paving the way for its construction.
"So Hiram supplied Solomon with all the timber of cedar and cypress that he desired, while Solomon gave Hiram 20,000 cors of wheat as food for his household, and 20,000 cors of beaten oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year." — It's easy to gloss over this verse, but notice it's not just that Hiram provided the timber, but that he supplied all that Solomon desired. This highlights not only a business deal, but a deep,…
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Last reviewed October 2026
