1 Kings 5

10–12 In these verses, the writer sums up the agreement between Hiram and Solomon,²⁷ which resulted in a formal treaty (verse 12).

13–16 Solomon then conscripted thirty thousand Israelite laborers; these were sent to Lebanon in shifts, so that each laborer worked a total of four months out of the year. This forced labor was under the direction of Adoniram (2 Samuel 20:24; 1 Kings 4:6). Together with the burden of the provisions the Israelites were required to supply, this forcedlabor program led directly to a civil uprising and the eventual splitting apart of Solomon’s kingdom (1 Kings 12:1–21).

In addition to the Israelite laborers, Solomon employed large numbers of non Israelite carriers and stonecutters (verse 15);accordingto2Chronicles2:17–18,these were aliens who were living within the borders of Israel at the time.²⁸

17–18 Here the writer mentions the large blocks of quality stone which were used to provide a foundation for the temple. Some of these stones were over four meters in length (1 Kings 7:10); they can still be seen in Jerusalem today.