1 Kings 5:8

8 So Hiram sent word to Solomon, saying, "I have heard the message which you have sent me; I will do what you desire concerning the cedar and cypress timber.

1 Kings 5:8 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 5:8

And Hiram sent to Solomon
A letter to him, to the following purpose:

saying, I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for;
whether he could, and whether it was fitting he should grant his request; which was acting like a wise and prudent prince:

[and] I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and
concerning timber of fir;
or of cypress, as in Josephus's copy of this letter, and which grew on Lebanon F3; these were odorous, sound, and durable timber, especially the cedar, and therefore chosen by Solomon for building.


FOOTNOTES:

F3 Diodor. Sic. l. 19. p. 700.

1 Kings 5:8 In-Context

6 "Now therefore, command that they cut for me cedars from Lebanon, and my servants will be with your servants; and I will give you wages for your servants according to all that you say, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians."
7 When Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, "Blessed be the LORD today, who has given to David a wise son over this great people."
8 So Hiram sent word to Solomon, saying, "I have heard the message which you have sent me; I will do what you desire concerning the cedar and cypress timber.
9 "My servants will bring them down from Lebanon to the sea; and I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place where you direct me, and I will have them broken up there, and you shall carry them away. Then you shall accomplish my desire by giving food to my household."
10 So Hiram gave Solomon as much as he desired of the cedar and cypress timber.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Lit "all your pleasure"
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