1 Kings Chapter 5
Preparations for Building the Temple
1 Hiram, king of Tyre, sent ambassadors to Solomon when he heard they’d anointed him king in place of his father. He’d always been a friend to David. 2 Solomon sent him a message,
3 “You know my father couldn’t build a temple for Yahveh his God because he carried on warfare till Yahveh put down his enemies. 4 But now Yahveh has given me peace in every direction. There’s no adversary or misfortune. 5 I intend to build a temple for Yahveh like he said, ‘Your son that I’ll set on your throne will build me a temple.’ 6 Have your woodsmen cut cedars from Lebanon, and my workmen will work with yours. I’ll pay them whatever wages you set. You know there’s nobody among us that knows how to cut timber like Sidonians.”
7 When Hiram heard what Solomon said, he was happy, “Bless Yahveh that’s given David a wise son over this great people.” 8 He sent word to Solomon,
“I’ve heard your message. I’ll do what you want about the cedar and cypress timber. 9 My workmen will bring it down from Lebanon to the sea, and tie it together in rafts to go by sea to where you designate. I’ll have them taken apart there for you to take away. Then you’ll satisfy me by feeding my household.”
10 Hiram gave him as much cedar and cypress as he wanted. 11 Each year Solomon gave him 220,000 bushels 20,000 kors of wheat and 1800 gallons 20 kors of pressed olive oil for his household. 12 Yahveh gave Solomon wisdom like he’d promised. Hiram and Solomon signed a peace treaty.
1 Kg 5:1-12
13 King Solomon conscripted 30,000 laborers from all over Israel, 14 and sent them to Lebanon in shifts of 10,000 a month. They worked in Lebanon a month and were home two months. Adoniram oversaw them. 15 Solomon had 70,000 transporters and 80,000 stone cutters in the mountains, 16 besides the 3,300 foremen that oversaw the project and managed the workmen. 17 He commissioned them to quarry huge, high-quality stones for the foundation of the Temple. 18 His and Hiram’s builders and workmen from the town of Gebal cut them and prepared the timbers and stones for the Temple. 1 Kg 5:13-18