Solomon Makes the Arrangements for Wood to Build the Lord’s House |
1 Kings 5:1-18 1 Kings [in Smaller Chunks] |
Hiram, king of Tyre, sent his servants to Solomon, [because] he had heard [Solomon was] anointed king in [place] of his father, David: for Hiram [always admired] David. |
Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, You know that David, my father couldn’t build a house [for] the Lord, his God, [because of all] the wars [around] him on every side, until the Lord put [his enemies] under the soles of [David’s] feet. Now, the Lord my God, has given me [peace] on every side, so there is neither [enemy or calamity]. |
[See,] I [plan] to build a house [to honor] the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord [had spoken] to my father, David, saying, Your son, whom I will set upon your throne in your [place] shall build a house to [honor] My name. |
Therefore, now command that they [cut for] me cedar trees [from] Lebanon & my servants shall be with your servants. I will [pay the wages] for your servants according to all you [say,] for you [know] there isn’t [any] among us that [is as skillful at cutting] timber [as] the Sidonians. |
It [happened] when Hiram heard [Solomon’s] words, he rejoiced greatly & said, Blessed be the Lord this day [who] has given David a wise son over His people. Hiram sent to Solomon saying, I have considered the things you [requested from me] & I will do all you desire concerning the timber of cedar & fir. |
My servants shall bring[the lumber] down from Lebanon & into the sea. I will [move] them by sea [on rafts] to the place you [tell] me & I will [have] them [released] there. You shall [fulfill] my desire by giving food for my household. |
So, Hiram gave Solomon cedar & fir according to all [he desired]. Solomon gave Hiram 20,000 measures of wheat & 20 measures of pure olive oil for [Hiram’s] household [each] year. |
The Lord [God] gave Solomon wisdom, as He [had] promised [Solomon] & there was peace between Hiram & Solomon & the 2 [became peaceful allies] together. King Solomon [caused the drafting] of 30,000 [workmen] out of all Israel. |
[Solomon] sent [Hiram] 10,000 men to Lebanon in shifts [each] month. They were in Lebanon one month & 2 months [they were] at home. Adoniram [was over [these drafted laborers]. |
Solomon had 50,000 [who carried] burdens & 80,000 [woodcutters] in the mountains. [In addition to] the chief of Solomon’s officers over the work, 3,300 [supervised] the people who [did] the work. |
King [Solomon] commanded [that] they bring & lay great costly [cut] stones [for] the foundation of the [Lord’s temple]. |