1 Kings 5:1-18, NLT
1 Kings 5
Preparations for Building the Temple
1*5:1 Verses 5:1-18 are numbered 5:15-32 in Hebrew text.King Hiram of Tyre had always been a loyal friend of David. When Hiram learned that David’s son Solomon was the new king of Israel, he sent ambassadors to congratulate him.
2Then Solomon sent this message back to Hiram:
3“You know that my father, David, was not able to build a Temple to honor the name of the Lord his God because of the many wars waged against him by surrounding nations. He could not build until the Lord gave him victory over all his enemies.
6“Therefore, please command that cedars from Lebanon be cut for me. Let my men work alongside yours, and I will pay your men whatever wages you ask. As you know, there is no one among us who can cut timber like you Sidonians!”
7When Hiram received Solomon’s message, he was very pleased and said, “Praise the Lord today for giving David a wise son to be king of the great nation of Israel.”
“I have received your message, and I will supply all the cedar and cypress timber you need.
10So Hiram supplied as much cedar and cypress timber as Solomon desired.
13Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of 30,000 men from all Israel.