Solomon’s request for wood isn't just about building the Temple; it’s about a sophisticated, international timber trade. Notice how he offers to handle the complex logistics of cutting, rafting, and shipping, a massive undertaking demonstrating his growing economic power. This exchange highlights that even God's sacred work relies on skilled labor, resource management, and shrewd negotiation.
My servants shall bring it down to the sea from Lebanon, and I will make it into rafts to go by sea to the place you direct. And I will have them broken up there, and you shall receive it. And you shall meet my wishes by providing food for my household.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Solomon is in the process of building the magnificent Temple for God, and he's struck a crucial alliance with King Hiram of Tyre, a seasoned master of seafaring and lumber. This agreement details how Hiram's skilled workers will provide the immense quantities of cedar and cypress lumber from Lebanon needed for the Temple, transporting it down the coast by sea. In exchange, Solomon promises to supply Hiram's kingdom with a substantial amount of grain and olive oil to sustain his people.
King Hiram's willingness to supply King Solomon with abundant resources might seem like just a business deal. But when we look closer, it reveals a deeper principle.
Solomon needed cedars from Lebanon, a resource not available in Israel. He reached out to Hiram, king of Tyre, who not only agreed to supply the timber but also offered his skilled laborers and extensive shipping network. This wasn't just a transaction; it was a significant act of generosity.
Hiram provided:
This incredible provision was given in anticipation of Solomon meeting Hiram's needs for food. True partnership involves giving generously, trusting that needs will be met in return. God’s provision for us often comes through the generosity of others, and He calls us to be generous too.
Solomon and Hiram's agreement wasn't one-sided. It highlights the beauty of mutual service and fulfilling one another's needs.
Hiram's generous supply of timber and labor was contingent on Solomon providing for his household. This shows a clear understanding of reciprocal responsibility.
Ask a follow-up
This demonstrates that even the grandest projects require practical support. Solomon's commitment to supply food solidified the partnership. It’s a powerful reminder that our faith isn't lived in isolation; it involves actively contributing to the well-being of those around us, especially within the community of believers.
This verse highlights the international cooperation and complex logistics required for the Temple's construction, showcasing Solomon's diplomatic skill and the global reach of his kingdom in securing vital resources.
c. 970 BC
David's Reign Ends
King David, who had amassed vast wealth and resources, prepared extensively for the construction of the Jerusalem Temple but was forbidden by God to build it himself.
c. 970-931 BC
Solomon's Reign Begins
Solomon, David's son, became king and inherited the plans and preparations for the Temple. He sought wisdom from God and began consolidating his kingdom.
c. 967 BC
Temple Construction Begins
Solomon initiated the monumental construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a project requiring immense resources, skilled labor, and specialized materials.
c. 966 BC
Phoenician Alliance Strengthened
Solomon formalized and expanded an alliance with King Hiram of Tyre, a major Phoenician trading city known for its skilled mariners and vast cedar forests.
c. 965 BC— this verse
Timber Procurement Agreement
Solomon and Hiram struck a deal for Hiram's people to harvest the famed cedars of Lebanon and transport them by sea to Jerusalem for the Temple construction.
c. 959 BC
Temple Dedication
After seven years of construction, the magnificent Temple was completed and dedicated by Solomon, marking a high point of Israelite religious and political history.
This passage echoes the agreement from 1 Kings, detailing Hiram's commitment to provide skilled workers and materials for Solomon's temple project, emphasizing the cooperative nature of the endeavor.
Ezra 3:7This verse shows a similar reliance on logistical support and resources from outside, as the builders of the second temple requested Cedars of Lebanon and provisions for the workers, mirroring the arrangement made by Solomon.
Psalm 104:17This Psalm speaks of the cedars of Lebanon as a creation of God, highlighting the natural resources that kings and builders have historically drawn upon for their grand projects, like the one described in 1 Kings 5.
While on a different topic, this parable of the unforgiving servant underscores the importance of graciously fulfilling obligations and the consequences of failing to do so, reflecting the reciprocal nature of the agreement between Solomon and Hiram.
Solomon’s request for wood isn't just about building the Temple; it’s about a sophisticated, international timber trade. Notice how he offers to handle the complex logistics of cutting, rafting, and shipping, a massive undertaking demonstrating his growing economic power. This exchange highlights that even God's sacred work relies on skilled labor, resource management, and shrewd negotiation.
King Solomon is in the process of building the magnificent Temple for God, and he's struck a crucial alliance with King Hiram of Tyre, a seasoned master of seafaring and lumber. This agreement details how Hiram's skilled workers will provide the immense quantities of cedar and cypress lumber from Lebanon needed for the Temple, transporting it down the coast by sea. In exchange, Solomon promises to supply Hiram's kingdom with a substantial amount of grain and olive oil to sustain his people.
King Solomon is in the process of building the magnificent Temple for God, and he's struck a crucial alliance with King Hiram of Tyre, a seasoned master of seafaring and lumber. This agreement details how Hiram's skilled workers will provide the immense quantities of cedar and cypress lumber from Lebanon needed for the Temple, transporting it down the coast by sea. In exchange, Solomon promises to supply Hiram's kingdom with a substantial amount of grain and olive oil to sustain his people.
"My servants shall bring it down to the sea from Lebanon, and I will make it into rafts to go by sea to the place you direct. And I will have them broken up there, and you shall receive it. And you shall meet my wishes by providing food for…" — Solomon’s request for wood isn't just about building the Temple; it’s about a sophisticated, international timber trade. Notice how he offers to handle the complex logistics of cutting, rafting, and…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
