The surprising thing here isn't just Solomon asking for help, but his honest admission of dependence: he plainly states that his people lack the specialized skills of the Sidonians. It shows wisdom isn't just about having resources, but recognizing your limitations and valuing the unique talents God has given others. This humility allows for true partnership and builds a stronger kingdom, both ancient and modern.
Now therefore command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. And my servants will join your servants, and I will pay you for your servants such wages as you set, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Solomon, having ascended the throne and secured peace, is now embarking on a massive building project: the Temple for God. He's reaching out to King Hiram of Tyre, a neighboring Phoenician city known for its skilled craftsmen and valuable resources, to collaborate. This verse is Solomon's direct proposal to Hiram, outlining the specific materials and labor he needs for the Temple's construction, especially the cedarwood essential for its grandeur.
Solomon needed something he didn't have, and he wasn't afraid to ask for help. He recognized that others possessed specialized knowledge that was crucial for his grand vision.
The Power of Acknowledging Expertise
Solomon’s request to Hiram is a masterclass in recognizing and valuing unique skills. He openly admits, 'you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.' This isn't a sign of weakness, but of wisdom. It shows an understanding that a project’s success often hinges on tapping into specialized talents.
Great partnerships aren't one-sided. Solomon offered not just a request, but a generous proposal for compensation, ensuring the deal was good for both sides.
Building Bridges Through Fair Dealing
Solomon’s proposal to Hiram is built on principles of fairness and mutual benefit. He doesn’t just expect a handout; he offers fair compensation: 'I will pay you for your servants such wages as you set.' This demonstrates a mature understanding of how healthy relationships and successful projects are sustained.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
erez · Hebrew Noun
A fragrant, durable conifer wood prized in the ancient Near East for its strength and prestige. It was frequently used in the construction of temples, palaces, and significant architectural works due to its resistance to decay and insects.
Tsidoni · Hebrew Proper Noun
A people group known in the ancient world for their skill in maritime trade, craftsmanship, and particularly forestry and timber management. They were located in the coastal city-state of Sidon.
This request highlights the sophisticated international relations and resource management needed for monumental ancient building projects, showing how Solomon leveraged both diplomacy and economic agreements to achieve his divine commission.
c. 1000 BC
David's United Kingdom Flourishes
Following his successful reign, King David established a strong, united Israel, laying the groundwork for its greatest building projects. He secured borders and access to resources.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Becomes King
David's son, Solomon, inherits a prosperous kingdom. He is known for his wisdom and his ambition to build a magnificent Temple for God, fulfilling David's dream.
c. 967 BC— this verse
Solomon Begins Temple Construction
Solomon initiates the monumental task of building the First Temple in Jerusalem, a project requiring vast resources, skilled labor, and specialized materials.
c. 967 BC
Phoenician Alliance Secured
Solomon forms a crucial alliance with King Hiram of Tyre, a major Phoenician city-state. This alliance grants Israel access to Phoenician expertise and trade routes.
c. 967 BC
Lebanon Timber Harvest Begins
Following the agreement with Hiram, Solomon's and Hiram's servants begin the extensive work of felling cedar and cypress trees in the Lebanon mountains.
c. 960 BC
Temple Completion
After years of intensive construction, the magnificent First Temple in Jerusalem is completed, a testament to the wealth, resources, and international cooperation of Solomon's reign.
This passage mirrors the request for cedar from Lebanon, highlighting the continuous and significant trade relationship for building materials between Israel and Tyre (Sidon's neighbor and closely related Phoenician city).
Ezekiel 27:11This chapter describes the wealth and trade of Tyre, explicitly mentioning the skilled workers and valuable woods like cedar that they provided to other nations, confirming the expertise of the Sidonians.
Matthew 4:13-16This prophecy speaks of light coming to the Gentiles in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, which includes the coastal areas of Phoenicia, hinting at the eventual spiritual connection and outreach beyond Israel's borders.
Acts 12:20This passage shows a delegation from Tyre and Sidon coming to Herod, indicating continued political and economic interactions between these Phoenician cities and the broader region, centuries after Solomon's reign.
The surprising thing here isn't just Solomon asking for help, but his honest admission of dependence: he plainly states that his people lack the specialized skills of the Sidonians. It shows wisdom isn't just about having resources, but recognizing your limitations and valuing the unique talents God has given others. This humility allows for true partnership and builds a stronger kingdom, both ancient and modern.
King Solomon, having ascended the throne and secured peace, is now embarking on a massive building project: the Temple for God. He's reaching out to King Hiram of Tyre, a neighboring Phoenician city known for its skilled craftsmen and valuable resources, to collaborate. This verse is Solomon's direct proposal to Hiram, outlining the specific materials and labor he needs for the Temple's construction, especially the cedarwood essential for its grandeur.
King Solomon, having ascended the throne and secured peace, is now embarking on a massive building project: the Temple for God. He's reaching out to King Hiram of Tyre, a neighboring Phoenician city known for its skilled craftsmen and valuable resources, to collaborate. This verse is Solomon's direct proposal to Hiram, outlining the specific materials and labor he needs for the Temple's construction, especially the cedarwood essential for its grandeur.
"Now therefore command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. And my servants will join your servants, and I will pay you for your servants such wages as you set, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like th…" — The surprising thing here isn't just Solomon asking for help, but his honest admission of dependence: he plainly states that his people lack the specialized skills of the Sidonians. It shows wisdom i…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
