# Overview 1 Kings Chapter 5 details the preparations for building the #Temple, a significant undertaking initiated by #KingSolomon. This chapter highlights the diplomatic relationship between Solomon and #Hiram, the king of #Tyre. Solomon reaches out to Hiram, acknowledging the assistance and goodwill that Hiram extended to Solomon's father, #David. Solomon expresses his desire to build a temple for the name of the #LORD, as a fulfillment of the promise God made to David. Hiram, recognizing the wisdom God has given to Solomon, agrees to supply cedar and cypress timber from Lebanon. The logistics of transporting the timber via the sea and the arrangement for payment in food supplies for Hiram’s household are established, illustrating the cooperation between the two kings. The chapter also underscores the organization and labor force mobilized by Solomon for this grand project. Solomon drafts a vast workforce, including 30,000 men from all #Israel, who work in shifts in Lebanon, alongside 70,000 burden bearers and 80,000 stonecutters in the hill country. This meticulous arrangement reflects Solomon's commitment to building a house for the LORD, as well as the unity and purpose among the people of Israel in this monumental task. As preparations unfold, the chapter sets the stage for the eventual construction of the temple, symbolizing the central place of worship and the covenant relationship between God and His people. ## Theological Insights 1 Kings Chapter 5 presents the preparations that #Solomon undertakes for building the #Temple, which serves as a central place of worship for #Israel and a physical representation of God's presence among His people. This chapter underscores several theological themes: 1. **Divine Wisdom and Provision**: Solomon's wise governance is evident in his diplomatic relations with #Hiram, king of #Tyre. Solomon’s request for cedarwood and Hiram's positive response (1 Kings 5:7-12) demonstrate God's provision through international cooperation, showing that God's wisdom can lead to peaceful and prosperous outcomes. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon for wisdom (see [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 3]]). 2. **Covenantal Faithfulness**: The preparations for the Temple highlight God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, as Solomon fulfills the charge given to him to build a house for the Lord (1 Kings 5:5). This ties back to God's covenant with David in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]], where God promised David that his son would build the Temple. It emphasizes God's steadfast commitment to His promises. 3. **Unity and Cooperation**: The chapter illustrates a spirit of unity and cooperation among the people of Israel as Solomon organizes labor and resources for the Temple construction (1 Kings 5:13-18). This collective effort mirrors the unity that God desires among His people, as seen in other scriptures like [[Psalm/Psalm 133]]. 4. **God's Sovereignty and Peace**: The peaceful conditions under Solomon's reign, allowing for the Temple's construction, point to God's sovereignty in orchestrating events according to His divine plan. This peace is a direct result of God giving Solomon rest from his enemies, as promised in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 4]]. 5. **Spiritual Significance of the Temple**: The Temple is not merely a physical structure but represents the dwelling place of God's name among His people (1 Kings 5:5). It foreshadows the presence of God with humanity, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is described as the true Temple (see [[John/John Chapter 2]]). In summary, 1 Kings Chapter 5 illustrates God's wisdom, faithfulness, and sovereignty through Solomon's preparations for the Temple, setting the stage for a central place of worship that signifies God's enduring presence with His people. ## Thematic Connections ### Divine Wisdom and Provision for God’s Work In 1 Kings Chapter 5, we see the theme of divine wisdom and provision manifesting through #Solomon as he prepares to build the #Temple for the #LORD. Solomon’s wisdom, granted by God as seen in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 3]], allows him to skillfully negotiate with #Hiram, king of #Tyre, for the materials necessary for the temple construction. This theme echoes the divine provision in other biblical narratives, such as the provision of materials for the #Tabernacle in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 35]] and the rebuilding of the temple in [[Ezra/Ezra Chapter 3]]. ### The Unity of God's People and Allies Solomon’s alliance with Hiram demonstrates the importance of unity and cooperation in fulfilling God’s purposes. Just as Solomon forms a treaty with Hiram, the unity among the tribes of #Israel was crucial during the construction of the Tabernacle under #Moses. This theme of unity is further reiterated in the New Testament, where the early #Church is called to unity in the Spirit, as seen in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 4]]. ### The Role of Gentiles in God’s Plan The involvement of Hiram, a Gentile king, in the building of the temple highlights the theme of God using non-Israelites in His divine plan. This anticipates the inclusion of the #Gentiles into the covenant community, as prophesied in #Isaiah and fulfilled in the New Testament, particularly in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 10]] with #Peter and #Cornelius. ### The Significance of the Temple The meticulous preparations for the temple construction underscore the significance of the temple as a dwelling place for God’s presence among His people. This theme is central throughout Scripture, from the Tabernacle in the wilderness to the vision of the New Jerusalem in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21]], where God’s dwelling is with humanity. The temple symbolizes God’s desire to be among His people, a theme fully realized in the incarnation of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] as described in [[John/John Chapter 1]]. ### Obedience to God’s Commands Solomon’s commitment to fulfilling his father #David’s desire to build a house for the Lord, as instructed by God, highlights the theme of obedience. This theme resonates with other biblical figures who obeyed God’s commands, such as #Noah building the ark in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 6]] and #Abraham’s journey to the promised land in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12]]. Solomon’s obedience is a reminder of the blessings that come from aligning with God’s will. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Building of the Temple In [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 5]], preparations are made for the building of the #Temple, which Solomon aims to construct for the #LORD, fulfilling the divine promise and desire expressed to #David. This chapter marks the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to David that his son would build a house for God’s name, as initially prophesied in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|2 Samuel 7:12-13]]. The construction of the Temple symbolizes the establishment of a central place of worship for #Israel, signifying God’s abiding presence with His people, and foreshadowing the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, as referenced in [[John/John Chapter 2|John 2:19-21]], where Jesus speaks of His body as the Temple. ### Peace and Prosperity The peaceful relations between #Solomon and #Hiram, King of Tyre, in this chapter, reflect the fulfillment of the prophecy of peace and prosperity during Solomon’s reign. This era of peace, as promised to David in [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 22|1 Chronicles 22:9]], allows for the Temple to be built without interruption. It foreshadows the ultimate peace brought by the #Messiah, who is referred to as the “Prince of Peace” in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 9|Isaiah 9:6]]. Solomon’s reign thus prefigures the greater peace that will be established through Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King. ## Verses - **1 Kings 5:1** - "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." - See also [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 5]] for the relationship between Hiram and David. - **1 Kings 5:2** - "Then Solomon sent this message back to Hiram:" - **1 Kings 5:3** - "“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." - Reference [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]] regarding God’s covenant with David about building the temple. - **1 Kings 5:4** - "But now the LORD my God has given me peace on every side; I have no enemies, and all is well." - See also [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 4]] for Solomon's reign of peace and prosperity. - **1 Kings 5:5** - "So I am planning to build a Temple to honor the name of the LORD my God, just as he instructed my father, David. For the LORD told him, ‘Your son, whom I will place on your throne, will build the Temple to honor my name.’" - Reference [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]] for God’s promise to David about Solomon building the temple. - **1 Kings 5:6** - "“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!”" - See also [[Ezra/Ezra Chapter 3]] for the use of cedar in temple construction. - **1 Kings 5:7** - "When 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.”" - **1 Kings 5:8** - "Then he sent this reply to Solomon: “I have received your message, and I will supply all the cedar and cypress timber you need." - **1 Kings 5:9** - "My servants will bring the logs from the Lebanon mountains to the Mediterranean Sea and make them into rafts. We will float them along the coast to whatever place you choose. Then we will break the rafts apart so you can carry the logs away. You can pay me by supplying me with food for my household.”" - **1 Kings 5:10** - "So Hiram supplied as much cedar and cypress timber as Solomon desired." - **1 Kings 5:11** - "In return, Solomon sent him an annual payment of 100,000 bushels of wheat for his household and 110,000 gallons of pure olive oil." - See also [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 4]] for Solomon's wealth and provision. - **1 Kings 5:12** - "So the LORD gave wisdom to Solomon, just as he had promised. And Hiram and Solomon made a formal alliance of peace." - Reference [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 3]] about Solomon’s wisdom. - **1 Kings 5:13** - "Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of 30,000 men from all Israel." - **1 Kings 5:14** - "He sent them to Lebanon in shifts, 10,000 every month, so that each man would be one month in Lebanon and two months at home. Adoniram was in charge of this labor force." - **1 Kings 5:15** - "Solomon also had 70,000 common laborers, 80,000 quarry workers in the hill country," - **1 Kings 5:16** - "and 3,300 foremen to supervise the work." - **1 Kings 5:17** - "At the king’s command, they quarried large blocks of high-quality stone and shaped them to make the foundation of the Temple." - **1 Kings 5:18** - "Men from the city of Gebal helped Solomon’s and Hiram’s builders prepare the timber and stone for the Temple."