1 Kings 5:2-6

2 Solomon sent back this message to Hiram:

3 “You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build a temple for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD put his enemies under his feet.

4 But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster.

5 I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the LORD my God, as the LORD told my father David, when he said, ‘Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.’

6 “So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My men will work with yours, and I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set. You know that we have no one so skilled in felling timber as the Sidonians.”

1 Kings 5:2-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KINGS 5

This chapter relates Solomon's preparation for building the temple: on Hiram, king of Tyre, sending a congratulatory letter to him, he returned another to him, signifying his intention to build an house for God, and requesting him to supply him with timber, and men to work it, 1Ki 5:1-6; to which Hiram readily agreed, and sent him cedar and fir, and Solomon in return sent him food for his household; and things went on very amicably between them, 1Ki 5:7-12; the chapter concludes with an account of Solomon's workmen, where, how, and in what they were employed, 1Ki 5:13-18.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Chronicles 22:8; 1 Chronicles 28:3
• 2. S 2 Samuel 7:5
• 3. 2 Samuel 22:40; Psalms 8:6; Psalms 110:1; S Matthew 22:44; 1 Corinthians 15:25
• 4. S Joshua 14:15; 1 Kings 4:24; 1 Chronicles 22:9; Luke 2:14
• 5. 1 Kings 11:14,23
• 6. S Deuteronomy 12:5; 1 Chronicles 17:12; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Revelation 21:22
• 7. Deuteronomy 12:5; 2 Samuel 7:13; 1 Chronicles 22:10
• 8. 1 Chronicles 14:1; 1 Chronicles 22:4