6
"Now therefore, command that they cut for me 1cedars 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 noone among us who knows how to cuttimber like the Sidonians."
7
When Hiramheard the words of Solomon, he rejoicedgreatly and said, "Blessed be the LORDtoday, who has given to David a wisesonoverthisgreatpeople."
8
So Hiramsent word to Solomon, saying, "I have heard the message which you have sent me; I will dowhat you desire concerning the cedar and cypresstimber.
9
"My servants will bring them down from Lebanon to the sea; and I will make them into rafts to go by sea2to the placewhere you direct me, and I will have them broken up there, and you shall carry them away. Then 3you shall accomplish my desire by givingfood to my household."
10
So HiramgaveSolomon as much as he desired of the cedar and cypresstimber.
11
4Solomon then gaveHiram20,000*kors of wheat as food for his household, and twentykors of beatenoil; thusSolomon would giveHiramyear by year.
12
5The LORDgavewisdom to Solomon, just as He promised him; and there was peacebetweenHiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a covenant.
Conscription of Laborers
13 Now 6KingSolomonleviedforcedlaborers from allIsrael; and the forcedlaborersnumbered30,000*men.
14
He sent them to Lebanon, 10,000* a month in relays; they were in Lebanon a month and twomonths at home. And 7Adoniram was over the forcedlaborers.
15
Now 8Solomonhad70,000*transporters*, and 80,000*hewers of stone in the mountains,
16
9besides*Solomon's3,300***chiefdeputieswho were over the project and who ruled over the people who were doing the work.