1 Kings 5

1 Kings 5:1-2

In this chapter we have an account of the preparations Solomon made for the temple and his other buildings. 1. Hiram congratulates Solomon’s occasion to the throne, ver. 1. 2. He says: to him his dogue to build the temple, and desires him to furnish him with workmen, ver. 2—6. 3. Hiram agrees to do it, ver. 7—9. 4. Solomon’s work is accordingly well done, and Hiram’s workmen well paid, ver. 10—18. 1. AND Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon (for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father) for Hiram was ever a lover of David. 2. And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 3. Thou knoweth how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God, for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the sides of his feet. 4. But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent. 5. And behold I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD (spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name. 6. Now therefore command thou, that they hee me cedar-trees out of Lebanon, and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants, according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hee timber like unto the Solomans. 7. And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, ‘Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people. 8. And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things which thou senteth unto me for: and I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir. 9. My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in stones, unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household. Hiram king of Tyre had ever been a friend to David, and therefore no sooner hears of his death, than he sends ambassadors to condone with Solomon, and to congratulate him on his occasion. Note, (1.) Condolance with the afflicted is kind. (2.) A faithful friend loves the children for the sake of the father. 1. Solomon takes occasion from Hiram’s civility to cement the union between them; and being now about to build the temple, he sends to beg his Tyrian workmen to prepare the materials. Hiram knew it had been his father’s design, but frequent wars prevented him; now Solomon is in peace, he reolves to prosecute the work, for which David had provided, and according to the divine promise concerning him, v. 5. He offers therefore to pay handsomely for the assistance, the Tyrians being the most ingenious artists, and to send his own servants to assist Hiram’s, in the selling and preparing the timber at Lebanon. Note, (1.) When we are at rest from outward trials, we should give greater diligence to build up the spiritual temple within. (2.) We may put our hands comfortably to that work, in which we have the Divine promise to encourage us. (3.) They have often most of this world’s ingenuity, who have no knowledge of Israel’s God. (4.) God can employ those in building his church, who have themselves no part nor lot in it. 2. Hiram readily consents to the proposal, rejoiced to find his friend David had left so wide a son behind him, and bleffing God for the mercy. He stipulates to sell the timber, and transport it by floats to the nearest port, which was Joppa, 2 Chros. ii. 16. and desires to be repaid in corn, of which the Tyrians were desirous, and in which Canaan demanded. Note, (1.) In every bargain let the conditions be clear, and disputes will be prevented. (2.) Every country hath its staple commodity, by exchange of which, intercourse is maintained with its neighbours. It is our happiness, that with the corn of Canaan we possess also the shipping of Tyre. 10. So Hiram gave Solomon cedar-trees, and firtrees, according to all his desire. 11. And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil; thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year. 12. And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and they two made a league together. 13. And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men. 14. And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram was over the levy. 15. And Solomon had therefore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourteen thousand hewers in the mountains: 16. Besides the chief of Solomon’s officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work. 17. And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house. 18. And Solomon’s builders, and Hiram’s builders did hew them, and the stonequarters: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.

1 Kings 5:10-18

The bargain being made, each party set about the fulfilment of it. 1. Hiram פלled the cedar and fir in Lebanon, and Solomon sent him yearly the promised supply of corn and oil. Note, Fair reckonings make firm friendships. 2. Solomon’s wisdom is again observed on this occasion, both in the preparations he made for this great work, and his prodent cultivation of Hiram’s friendship, which was of so great use to him; and it subsisted all their days. Note, True friends only part in death. 3. Solomon, to hasten the work, sent a number of labourers with Hiram’s servants. Thirty thousand Israelites were employed, ten thousand of which wrought alternately every three months, and were then relieved. Three thousand three hundred overseers, with Adoniram at their head, directed the work; and a hundred and fifty thousand slaves constantly laboured in hewing and carrying the stones and timber. Note, (1.) Where the heart is set upon the work of building up God’s church, we shall do it with our might. (2.) In Christ’s service all have their several allotments; and it is not so much what place we fill, as what fidelity we shew, which he will regard and reward. 4. The stones being prepared, the foundation is laid: they were rich and costly, to support the glorious superstructure. Note, Christ is this precious foundation; built upon him, every believer’s soul extends even Solomon’s temple in all his glory, as being the everlasting habitation of God through the Spirit.