← Back to 1 Kings

1 Kings 5

18 verses

TL;DR

Solomon secures cedar timber from Hiram of Tyre to build the temple, forming a peaceful alliance and trading wheat and oil, while mobilizing a massive workforce for the construction.

Summary

Solomon sends a request to Hiram, king of Tyre, asking for cedar and fir from Lebanon to build a house for the LORD, as commanded to David and now to Solomon. Hiram is pleased, offers the timber and transport, and agrees to supply the materials by sea. In return, Solomon gives Hiram 20,000 measures of wheat and 20 measures of pure oil each year. The LORD grants Solomon wisdom, and a peace league is formed between the two kings. Solomon raises a levy of 30,000 men, led by Adoniram, to labor in Lebanon for one month and then return home. He organizes 70,000 laborers for carrying burdens, 80,000 hewers, and 3,300 overseers for the work. The king commands the gathering of large stones and costly stones for the temple foundation, and the builders from both Israel and Tyre work together to prepare timber and stones.

Outline
  1. Solomon petitions Hiram for cedar and fir to build the temple
  2. Hiram supplies timber and agrees to trade, establishing peace
  3. Solomon provides wheat and oil to Hiram and forms a league
  4. Solomon mobilizes a massive workforce and organizes construction
Themes
Diplomatic alliances and cooperationDivine provision and fulfillment of covenantHuman effort in building God's house
Keywords
templecedarSolomonHiramTyrealliancelaborwisdompeace
People
SolomonHiramDavidAdoniram
Places
TyreLebanonSeaSolomon’s appointed place
Things
cedar treesfir treeswheatpure oilgreat stonescostly stones
Key Verses
  • 1 Kings 5:5: Solomon declares his purpose to build the temple as commanded to David
  • 1 Kings 5:8: Hiram’s agreement and commitment to supply timber, marking the start of the alliance
  • 1 Kings 5:12: The LORD gives Solomon wisdom and peace between the two kings, highlighting the divine blessing of the cooperation
  • 1 Kings 5:13: Solomon raises a levy of 30,000 men, showing the scale of labor required
  • 1 Kings 5:18: The gathering of stones and coordination of builders, illustrating the practical steps toward temple construction
Questions
  • What does Solomon’s request to Hiram reveal about his priorities as king?
  • How does the alliance with Tyre reflect Israel’s relationship with neighboring nations?
  • In what ways does the provision of resources (wood, wheat, oil) demonstrate mutual dependence?
  • What lessons can be drawn from the organization of such a large workforce for a national project?
  • How does the theme of divine wisdom connect to the practical achievements in the chapter?
Sentiment

positive
The chapter depicts successful cooperation, divine blessing, and constructive work.