2 Chronicles 2:3
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It's easy to focus on the request for cedar, but notice Solomon’s subtle reminder of the relationship he's building on. He's not just asking for lumber; he's invoking a precedent of generosity and partnership that already existed, implying that this new venture with Hiram is a continuation of that established trust.
And Solomon sent word to Hiram the king of Tyre: “As you dealt with David my father and sent him cedar to build himself a house to dwell in, so deal with me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Solomon, having just ascended to the throne after his father David's death, is embarking on the monumental task of building God's temple. He's reaching out to Hiram, the king of Tyre, a skilled craftsman and provider of timber, to continue the partnership David had with him for his own palace. This request sets the stage for the immense construction project, highlighting Solomon's reliance on skilled labor and resources from outside Israel to fulfill God's command.
Solomon didn't start from scratch. He leaned on the established connections his father, David, had already built.
A Foundation of Favor
King Solomon is stepping into his role, and his first major project is building the Temple. But instead of sending a brand new request to King Hiram of Tyre, he reminds Hiram of their past dealings.
Solomon expects a similar response from Hiram. It's a subtle reminder that relationships thrive on giving and receiving.
A Fair Exchange
Solomon's request is framed in a way that appeals to fairness and continued partnership. He's not demanding, but reminding Hiram of a pattern of interaction.
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This verse highlights the continuation of international relations and trade that were crucial for major state projects in the ancient Near East, even for religiously motivated endeavors like building the Temple.
c. 1000 BC
David's House Built
David, after becoming king of Israel, desired to build a permanent palace for himself. Hiram, king of Tyre, a Phoenician city-state known for its skilled artisans and abundant timber, supplied David with cedar logs and craftsmen for this project.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Becomes King
Upon David's death, his son Solomon succeeded him as king. Solomon inherited a united kingdom and the task of building a magnificent temple for the Lord, as David had envisioned.
c. 970 BC— this verse
Solomon Requests Materials
Solomon, needing vast amounts of cedar and other resources for the Temple, reached out to Hiram, the king of Tyre. He invoked the prior relationship and assistance Hiram had provided to David.
c. 970 BC
Hiram Agrees to Provide Materials
Hiram responded positively, recognizing the religious significance of the project and continuing the trade relationship. He agreed to supply Solomon with cedar and cypress logs, as well as skilled Phoenician laborers, in exchange for provisions for Tyre.
c. 967 BC
Temple Construction Begins
With the necessary materials and expertise secured, Solomon commenced the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental undertaking that lasted seven years.
This passage details the broader agreement between Solomon and Hiram, showing the specific terms of the cedar and cypress wood, and the provisions Solomon gave in return.
1 Kings 10:22This verse highlights the immense wealth and trade network Solomon established, which included goods from Tarshish brought by Hiram's ships, echoing the cooperative relationship initiated in 2 Chronicles.
2 Samuel 5:11This verse shows Hiram's earlier relationship with David, supplying cedar logs and carpenters to build David's palace, establishing the precedent that Solomon is referencing and building upon.
Ezra 3:7This passage shows a later rebuilding effort where materials and skilled workers were again hired from Tyre and Sidon, demonstrating the enduring regional partnerships for significant construction projects.
It's easy to focus on the request for cedar, but notice Solomon’s subtle reminder of the relationship he's building on. He's not just asking for lumber; he's invoking a precedent of generosity and partnership that already existed, implying that this new venture with Hiram is a continuation of that established trust.
Solomon, having just ascended to the throne after his father David's death, is embarking on the monumental task of building God's temple. He's reaching out to Hiram, the king of Tyre, a skilled craftsman and provider of timber, to continue the partnership David had with him for his own palace. This request sets the stage for the immense construction project, highlighting Solomon's reliance on skilled labor and resources from outside Israel to fulfill God's command.
Solomon, having just ascended to the throne after his father David's death, is embarking on the monumental task of building God's temple. He's reaching out to Hiram, the king of Tyre, a skilled craftsman and provider of timber, to continue the partnership David had with him for his own palace. This request sets the stage for the immense construction project, highlighting Solomon's reliance on skilled labor and resources from outside Israel to fulfill God's command.
"And Solomon sent word to Hiram the king of Tyre: “As you dealt with David my father and sent him cedar to build himself a house to dwell in, so deal with me." — It's easy to focus on the request for cedar, but notice Solomon’s subtle reminder of the relationship he's building on. He's not just asking for lumber; he's invoking a precedent of generosity and…
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Last reviewed October 2026
