1 Kings - Chapter 5

1 Kings 5.1 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. 1 Kings 5.2 And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 1 Kings 5.3 Thou knowest 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 soles of his feet. 1 Kings 5.4 But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent. 1 Kings 5.5 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. 1 Kings 5.6 Now therefore command thou that they hew 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 hew timber like unto the Sidonians. 1 Kings 5.7 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. 1 Kings 5.8 And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for: and I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir. 1 Kings 5.9 My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats 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. 1 Kings 5.10 So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire. 1 Kings 5.11 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. 1 Kings 5.12 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. 1 Kings 5.13 And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men. 1 Kings 5.14 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. 1 Kings 5.15 And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains; 1 Kings 5.17 And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house. 1 Kings 5.18 And Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.

1 Kings : Chapter 5

Preparations for the Construction of the Temple

The fifth chapter of the book of 1 Kings marks the beginning of essential preparations for the construction of the Temple. This pivotal moment in Israel's history is characterized by the way in which Solomon mobilized precious resources for this monumental undertaking.

Agreement between Solomon and Hiram

This fundamental text illustrates the agreement between Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre, which enabled the acquisition of the necessary materials and skilled labor for the construction. This exchange demonstrates significant international cooperation, highlighting the importance of friendly ties and divine promises in the project of building a place of worship for God. Solomon's Diplomatic Skills 1 Kings 5 ​​also highlights Solomon's diplomatic skills. His ability to forge wise alliances is an example to all who aspire to serve with respect and harmony. We invite you to meditate on five biblical passages that enrich our understanding of the principles of dedication and preparation for divine service found in this crucial chapter.

Revealing Bible Passages

Proverbs 18:24

"Whoever has many friends can be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." » This proverb illustrates the friendly alliance forged between Solomon and Hiram, a partnership that recalls the importance of strong relationships in achieving great works.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

"Company is better than alone, for the reward of two is greater. If one falls, a friend can help him up. But a poor man who falls and has no one to help him up!" » These verses reflect the close cooperation between Solomon and Hiram, a collaboration that made this ambitious project possible.

2 Chronicles 2:11-12

“Hiram king of Tyre wrote to Solomon, saying, ‘The Lord loves his people, and therefore he has made you king over them. » » This parallel passage underscores the positive and collaborative relationship between Solomon and Hiram, as described in 1 Kings 5, and reinforces the idea that God supports those who work for Him.

Amos 1:9

"Thus says the Lord: 'For three transgressions of Tyre and for four, I will not withhold punishment.' » » Although later, this verse refers to the importance of treaties of friendship, such as the one established between Solomon and Hiram, and reminds us of the importance of honoring our commitments.

Zechariah 14:16

“Then the survivors of all the nations that fought against Jerusalem will go up year by year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. » This prophetic verse echoes the international cooperation seen in the construction of the Temple, foreshadowing the future worship of the nations in Jerusalem.

Conclusion

As we meditate on these passages, we discover valuable lessons about the importance of cooperation and commitment in our service to God. May we all be inspired by the example of Solomon and Hiram, and seek to build relationships that glorify the Lord.