1
Hiram king of Tyre sent ambassadors to Solomon when he heard that he had been crowned king in David's place. Hiram had loved David his whole life.
2
Solomon responded, saying,
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"You know that David my father was not able to build a temple in honor of God because of the wars he had to fight on all sides, until God finally put them down.
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But now God has provided peace all around - no one against us, nothing at odds with us.
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"Now here is what I want to do: Build a temple in honor of God, my God, following the promise that God gave to David my father, namely, 'Your son whom I will provide to succeed you as king, he will build a house in my honor.'
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And here is how you can help: Give orders for cedars to be cut from the Lebanon forest; my loggers will work alongside yours and I'll pay your men whatever wage you set. We both know that there is no one like you Sidonians for cutting timber."
7
When Hiram got Solomon's message, he was delighted, exclaiming, "Blessed be God for giving David such a wise son to rule this flourishing people!"
8
Then he sent this message to Solomon: "I received your request for the cedars and cypresses. It's as good as done - your wish is my command.