1 Kings 5

1 Kings 5:1

KIng] To distinguish him from another Hiram, Chap. 7. v. 13, 14.

of Tyre] And Sidon; for the Sidonians were his subjects: they were two sea-towns (Isai. 23. 1, 2.) in Phoenicia, bordering upon Galilee, towards Lebanon.

sent] To congratulate, and renew a league, v. 12.

ever] Heb. all days; All the time that they lived together.

lover] Ready to do all good offices, 2 Samuel 5:11.

1 Kings 5:2

Solomon sent to Hiram] 1 Chron. 2. 3.

1 Kings 5:3

Thou knowest] By the common report that was every where spread thereof.

Name] Glory (Psalms 76:1.) The Name of God is oft put for God himself, Deuteronomy 28:58.

wars] For, 1. They afforded him not time enough. 2. They occasioned him to shed much blood, 1 Chronicles 22:8.

under the soles] A note of full conquest, Joshua 10:24. Psalms 110:1. Malachi 4:3.

1 Kings 5:4

rest] From all enemies: Peace.

evil occurrent] To hinder this work.

1 Kings 5:5

purpose] Heb. say. See 2 Chron. 2. 1.

to the Name] Or, honour. See the Notes on Chap. 8. 16.

as the Lord spake unto avid] 2 Samuel 7:13. 1 Chronicles 22:10.

1 Kings 5:6

Lebanon] An high, large and goodly mountain (Deuteronomy 3:25.) whereon cedars grew (Psalms 92:12.) on the north-side of Judea, bordering on Sidon.

my servants] To help, that all the burden may not lie on thy servants.

appoint] Heb. say.

Sidonians] Exercised in that work. Severall countreys have their severall abilities.

1 Kings 5:7

Blessed] See Chap. 10. v. 8.

Lord] Jehovah, who had by such wonders made himself known to be the true God, as the heathen had knowledge thereof, Deuteronomy 32:31. Note Joshua 2:11. 2 Kings 5:15. Daniel 3:28. and Daniel 6:26. Besides, Hiram had this benefit by his amity with David, to know the true God, See Chap. 8. 41.

1 Kings 5:8

considered] Heb. heard.

firre] These trees also grew on Lebanon, 2 Kings 19:23. musicall instruments were made hereof, 2 Samuel 6:5. It was much used in the temple, Chap. 6. 15, 34. 2 Chronicles 3:5.

1 Kings 5:9

flotes] Flat bottomed vessells; or boards fastned together, and towed with ropes. Word for word, I will put them flotes; that is, I will so fasten them together, as they shall flote upon the water and be towed.

the place, &c.] Joppa, 2 Chronicles 2:16. Ezra 3:7. an haventown, Jonah 1:3.

appoint] Heb. send.

food] Heb. bread; All manner of provision, as v. 11. See Ch. 4. 22. Although Tyrus were stored with all manner of merchandises brought from other countreys (Ezekiel 27:3, &c.) yet the land was but barren, and brought not forth provision enough for it self (it was nourished by Herods countrey, Acts 12:20.) therefore he desired food.

1 Kings 5:11

measures] Heb. cors. See Chap. 4. 22. There is a far greater quantity promised, 2 Chron. 2. 10. but that might, be for his houshold and work-men too, and this for his houshold onely: or here synechdochically one kinde put for the rest. He might have twenty measures of pure oil (as here) and the rest in ordinary oil for labourers.

yeer by yeer] So long as they continued to labour for Solomons works.

1 Kings 5:12

as he promised him] Chap. 3. 12.

1 Kings 5:13

levie] Heb. tribute of men.

all Israel] Of aliens that were dispersed up and down in Israel, chap. 9. 21.

1 Kings 5:14

by courses] That they might have some time to be at their own houses, and not be over-wearied with continuall labour.

1 Kings 5:15

threescore and ten thousand] These also were aliens, 2 Chron. 2. 17, 18.

hewers] Both of timber and stone.

1 Kings 5:16

three thousand and three hundred] 2 Chron. 2. 2. three thousand and six hundred: The three hundred over-reckoned were over-seers of the officers: or else there might be three thousand and three hundred over hewers of stone, and three hundred over hewers of timber.

1 Kings 5:17

hewed stones] Heb. stones of cutting, such as were fit to be cut, hewed and squared. So 2 Chron. 22. 2.

foundation] Though they were hid in the earth, yet Solomon would spare no cost, but make them every way of the best sort; therefore the great stones are said to be precious, of great worth.

1 Kings 5:18

stone-squarers] Or, Giblites; Inhabitants of Gebal (Ezekiel 27:9.) neer to Sidon, were artificiall stone-cutters.