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1 Kings 5

1 Kings 5 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

1 Kings 5 shows Solomon moving from plans to action as he prepares to build the temple for the Lord. He arranges timber from Lebanon, secures help from Hiram of Tyre, and organizes a large workforce. The chapter highlights peace, wisdom, and careful preparation for worship.

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What happens in 1 Kings 5?

When Hiram hears that Solomon has become king, he sends goodwill to him. Solomon explains that David could not build the temple because of ongoing wars, but now the Lord has given rest, and the time has come to build a house for God's name. He asks Hiram for cedar and cypress wood, offering fair payment and skilled labor. Hiram gladly agrees, praising the Lord for Solomon's wisdom. The two kings make a treaty, and Solomon supplies food in return. The chapter ends with Solomon organizing thousands of workers, quarrying costly stones, and preparing timber and stone for the temple.

This chapter follows Solomon's early reign and the Lord's gift of wisdom and peace. It shifts from ruling the kingdom to preparing the central place of worship in Jerusalem. The arrangements with Hiram and the large labor force set the stage for the temple construction that begins in the next chapter.

Themes to notice

  • Wisdom in leadershipSolomon uses peace, planning, and fair dealing to carry out the work God has given him.
  • Partnership and provisionHiram and Solomon work together, showing how God can provide through willing allies and shared resources.
  • Preparation for worshipThe careful gathering of materials and workers points to the importance of building a place set apart for the Lord.

Questions for 1 Kings 5

  • What does Solomon's message to Hiram show about his priorities and sense of timing?
  • How do the trade and treaty between Solomon and Hiram reflect peace and cooperation?
  • Why does the chapter spend so much time on materials and workers before the temple is built?

Read the full text of 1 Kings 5 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

1 Kings 5

Preparations for the Temple

1Now 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: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.’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.”

Hiram’s Reply to Solomon

7When Hiram received Solomon’s message, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the LORD this day! He has given David a wise son over this great people!”8Then Hiram sent a reply to Solomon, saying: “I have received your message; I will do all you desire regarding the cedar and cypress timber.9My servants will haul the logs from Lebanon to the Sea, and I will float them as rafts by sea to the place you specify. There I will separate the logs, and you can take them away. And in exchange, you can meet my needs by providing my household with food.”

10So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted,11and year after year Solomon would provide Hiram with 20,000 cors of wheat as food for his household, as well as 20,000 baths of pure olive oil.12And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.

Solomon’s Labor Force

13Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of 30,000 men from all Israel.14He sent them to Lebanon in monthly shifts of 10,000 men, so that they would spend one month in Lebanon and two months at home. And Adoniram was in charge of the forced labor.15Solomon had 70,000 porters and 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains,16not including his 3,300 foremen who supervised the workers.17And the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones.18So Solomon’s and Hiram’s builders, along with the Gebalites, quarried the stone and prepared the timber and stone for the construction of the temple.

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