The
Book of first kings
Chapter 5
[1] And Hiram king of
1) Ambassadors
(vs 1)
Hiram, king of
Hiram loved and respected Solomon’s father King David
Hiram also wanted to renew his alliance
upon the succession of government with Solomon’s accession
[2] And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,
[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.
[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 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.
2)
Assistance (vs
2-6)
Solomon asks Hiram for help
A.
Concept
Solomon reminds Hiram of David’s concept for
a House unto the name of the Lord
But
God did not permit David to build because of bloodshed (I Chr 28:2,3)
But
God did give David the pattern for the House (I Chr
28:19)
God
did allow David to purchase the land for the temple (I Chr 21:18)
It
was God that selected the place for His Temple (2 Chr
3:1)
And
God allowed to David to prepare in that he stored up materials (I Chr 29:2,3)
And
God allowed David to place these plans into Solomon’s hand (I Chr 28:10-12) 2S7:12
B.
Contract
Solomon states that God
has given peace & prosperity and purpose to build
The cedars of Lebanon
were the best materials available (Strong & Durable)
In fact Josh 13:5 says
that
Solomon asks that King
Hiram hew timber out of
Solomon
will assist them (my servants will work under yours)
Solomon
will give them wages for their service (2 Chr 2:3-10)
Solomon
acknowledges that the people of
[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 sentest to 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 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.
3) Arrangement
(vs 7-9)
King Hiram rejoiced to
hear this news
God’s House would be
built and Solomon walks in his fathers footsteps
King Hiram granted to
Solomon that which he desired
King Hiram and his
people will provide the cedar and fir for Solomons
project for the Lord
King Hiram proposes that
the trees be cut and sent down by floats via the sea
Solomon would appoint
the place where the timber would be delivered (2Chr 2:11-16 Joppa)
King Hiram asks that his
people receive food for their wages..... (about 13mil
lbs/ yr)
He is not about to take advantage of the situation
[10] So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees 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.
4) Activity (vs 10-12)
The arrangements and
details were proposed and agreed upon
Thus one country has
need of another and work together and justice is
followed
[13] And king Solomon raised a levy out of all
[14] And he sent them to
[15] And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and
fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains;
[16] Beside 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 stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build
the house.
5) Account
(Vs 13-18)
A.
Construction
1. Solomon employed a
labor force of 30,000 men
10,000 would
work in
Adoniram, a member of Solomon’s executive cabinet is over
this labor force
2. Solomon enterprised 150,000 in the work that bare burdens
(strangers, slaves?) & hewed trees
3300 men
were overseers or middle management
3. Solomon enacted some
that would hew stones for the foundation of the temple
Great stones, costly stones
Concl: This
temple for God would be built using the labor of Jews and Gentiles
In fact the material is
cedars from
The church is the body
of Christ, together we are an holy temple unto God
Is 60:10 Gentiles
In fact Solomon is a
type of Christ in building the temple Zech 6:12,13,15
Christ is the chief cornerstone Ps 118:22, Is
28:16, Eph 2:19-22, I Pet 2:6,7
Christ is the foundation I Cor 3:11
Heaven is built by God. Rev 21:10-27, Rev
22:1-7
But there is no temple in heaven (Rev 21:22)
for God and the Lamb are the temple