Preparations for the Temple
Hiram, long a friend of David, sends envoys when he hears Solomon has taken the throne, and Solomon sends his message in return. The exchange opens the relationship that will support the temple work.
N1ow when Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king in his father’s place, he sent envoys to Solomon; for Hiram had always been a friend of David. 2And Solomon relayed this message to Hiram:
Solomon explains that David’s wars kept him from building, but now the Lord has given rest on every side. In that peace, Solomon sets out to build the house the Lord promised David’s son would build.
3“As you are well aware, due to the wars waged on all sides against my father David, he could not build a house for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD had put his enemies under his feet. 4But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or crisis. 5So behold, I plan to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, according to what the LORD said to my father David: ‘I will put your son on your throne in your place, and he will build the house for My Name.’
Solomon asks Hiram to order cedars from Lebanon, offering joint labor and fair wages. He names the Sidonians’ skill as the reason for the request.
6Now therefore, order that cedars of Lebanon be cut down for me. My servants will be with your servants, and I will pay your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that there are none among us as skilled in logging as the Sidonians.”