1 Kings 5:11
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This passage highlights a significant exchange, not just of goods, but of partnership. Solomon's massive annual shipments of food and oil to Hiram weren't just payment for materials, but a deep commitment that sustained Hiram's entire household, underscoring the relational aspect of their grand building project.
Solomon is now king and wants to build a magnificent Temple for God, a project requiring immense resources and expertise. He turns to his father David's old ally, King Hiram of Tyre, who has the skilled craftsmen and plentiful cedar and cypress lumber needed. This passage describes the agreement between the two kings: Solomon will provide a substantial annual supply of food and oil to Hiram's people in exchange for the materials and labor to build the Temple.
Building something amazing for God often requires resources. Solomon's temple wasn't just built with stones and wood, but also with incredible generosity.
The Generous Giver
Solomon's magnificent temple project was a massive undertaking. To make it happen, he needed skilled craftsmen and vast amounts of materials. He secured a partnership with King Hiram of Tyre, a Phoenician city known for its cedar and expertise.
But this partnership came at a price. While Hiram provided the raw materials and labor, Solomon provided the sustenance for Hiram's household. The verse states Solomon gave '20,000 cors of wheat as food for his household, and 20,000 cors of beaten oil.' That's a staggering amount of food and resources!
This wasn't a one-time payment; it was 'year by year.' This highlights that building God's purposes often requires sustained, sacrificial giving. It's a reminder that God's work is a communal effort, and our generosity can fuel it, even if it's not on the scale of kings.
Solomon wasn't just a builder; he was a manager. His ability to steward resources was as crucial as his wisdom.
More Than Just Giving
Solomon's deal with Hiram wasn't just about handing over supplies. It was a carefully managed transaction. The sheer quantity of wheat and oil suggests that Solomon had a well-organized system for procurement and distribution.
This demonstrates a key principle: building significant projects for God requires not only willingness but also practical wisdom and efficient management of resources. Solomon's ability to consistently provide these vast quantities year after year speaks to a robust infrastructure and foresight.
It's a powerful lesson that even the grandest spiritual visions need solid logistical support. God blesses wise stewardship, allowing His purposes to be carried out effectively and sustainably.
This exchange highlights the massive scale of the Temple project and the intricate international relationships required to achieve it, showing that even grand divine endeavors involve significant earthly trade and resources.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Reign Begins
Solomon becomes king of Israel after his father David's death, inheriting a stable kingdom and plans for a grand temple.
c. 967-960 BC
Temple Construction Begins
Solomon initiates the ambitious project of building the First Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental task requiring vast resources and skilled labor.
c. 965 BC
Hiram's Support Secured
Solomon secures an alliance with Hiram, the king of Phoenicia (Tyre), who provides essential cedar and cypress timber, as well as skilled craftsmen, for the Temple.
c. 965-960 BC— this verse
Solomon's Payments to Hiram
As per their agreement, Solomon begins supplying Hiram with provisions, including wheat and oil, to support Hiram's workforce and household during the joint construction effort.
This passage directly parallels 1 Kings 5:11, showing Solomon's arrangement with Hiram for supplies of wheat and oil in exchange for skilled laborers and materials.
Ezra 3:7This verse highlights a similar exchange of provisions and resources, as the returning exiles paid skilled workers with food and drink for their labor in rebuilding the temple.
Nehemiah 5:14-15While not a direct parallel in exchange, this passage contrasts the proper provision of leaders (Nehemiah) with the exploitative practices of others, showing the importance of fair and generous provision in leadership and building projects.
Matthew 25:35-40Jesus teaches that caring for the needs of others, even in seemingly small ways like providing food and drink, is equivalent to serving Him directly, underscoring the divine significance of such provisions.
This passage highlights a significant exchange, not just of goods, but of partnership. Solomon's massive annual shipments of food and oil to Hiram weren't just payment for materials, but a deep commitment that sustained Hiram's entire household, underscoring the relational aspect of their grand building project.
Solomon is now king and wants to build a magnificent Temple for God, a project requiring immense resources and expertise. He turns to his father David's old ally, King Hiram of Tyre, who has the skilled craftsmen and plentiful cedar and cypress lumber needed. This passage describes the agreement between the two kings: Solomon will provide a substantial annual supply of food and oil to Hiram's people in exchange for the materials and labor to build the Temple.
Solomon is now king and wants to build a magnificent Temple for God, a project requiring immense resources and expertise. He turns to his father David's old ally, King Hiram of Tyre, who has the skilled craftsmen and plentiful cedar and cypress lumber needed. This passage describes the agreement between the two kings: Solomon will provide a substantial annual supply of food and oil to Hiram's people in exchange for the materials and labor to build the Temple.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 1 Kings 5:11 is available in the Sola app.
c. 960 BC
Temple Completion
The First Temple in Jerusalem is completed after seven years of construction, marking a significant religious and architectural achievement for Israel.
"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." — This passage highlights a significant exchange, not just of goods, but of partnership. Solomon's massive annual shipments of food and oil to Hiram weren't just payment for materials, but a deep commi…
