TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire.
Berean Standard Bible
So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted,
American Standard Version
So Hiram gave Solomon timber of cedar and timber of fir according to all his desire.
World English Bible Messianic
So Hiram gave Solomon timber of cedar and timber of fir according to all his desire.
Young's Literal Translation
And Hiram is giving to Solomon cedar-trees, and fir-trees, all his desire,
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In the KJVVerse 8,889 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Kings 5 verses 10–18
10 ¶ So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire.
11 And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year.
12 And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.
13 And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men.
14 And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram was over the levy.
15 And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains;
16 Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.
17 And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.
18 And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.
Here is, I. The performance of the agreement between Solomon and Hiram. Each of the parties made good his engagement. 1. Hiram delivered Solomon the timber, according to his bargain, Kg1 5:10. The trees were Solomon's, but perhaps - Materiam superabat opus - The workmanship was of more value than the article. Hiram is therefore said to deliver the trees. 2. Solomon conveyed to Hiram the corn which he had promised him, Kg1 5:11. Thus let justice be followed (as the expression is, Deu 16:20), justice on both sides, in every bargain.
II. The confirmation of the friendship that was between them hereby. God gave Solomon wisdom (Kg1 5:12), which was more and better than any thing Hiram did or could give him; but this made Hiram love him, and enabled Solomon to improve his kindness, so that they were both willing to ripen their mutual love into a mutual league, that it might be lasting. It is wisdom to strengthen our friendship with those whom we find to be honest and fair, lest new friends prove not so firm and so kind as old ones.
III. The labourers whom Solomon employed in preparing materials for the temple. 1. Some were Israelites, who were employed in the more easy and honourable part of the work, felling trees and helping to square them, in conjunction with Hiram's servants; for this he appointed 30,000, but employed only 10,000 at a time, so that for one month's work they had two months' vacation, both for rest and for the despatch of their own affairs at home, Kg1 5:13, Kg1 5:14. It was temple service, yet Solomon takes care that they shall not be over-worked. Great men ought to consider that their servants must rest as well as they. 2. Others were captives of other nations, who were to bear burdens and to hew stone (Kg1 5:15), and we read not that these had their resting times as the other had, for they were doomed to servitude. 3. There were some employed as directors and overseers (Kg1 5:16), 3300 that ruled over the people, and they were as necessary and useful in their place as the labourers in theirs; here were many hands and many eyes employed, for preparation was now to be made, not only for the temple, but for all the rest of Solomon's buildings, at Jerusalem, and here in the forest of Lebanon, and in other places of his dominion, of which see Kg1 9:17-19. He speaks of the vastness of his undertakings (Ecc 2:4, I made me great works), which required this vast number of workmen.
IV. The laying of the foundation of the temple; for that is the building his heart is chiefly upon, and therefore he begins with that, Kg1 5:17, Kg1 5:18. It should seem, Solomon was himself present, and president, at the founding of the temple, and that the first stone (as has been usual in famous buildings) was laid with some solemnity. Solomon commanded and they brought costly stones for the foundation; he would do every thing like himself, generously, and therefore would have some of the costliest stones laid, or buried rather, in the foundation, though, being out of sight, worse might have served. Christ, who is laid for a foundation, is an elect and precious stone (Isa 28:16), and the foundations of the church are said to be laid with sapphires, Isa 54:11, compare Rev 21:19. That sincerity which is our gospel perfection obliges us to lay our foundation firm and to bestow most pains on that part of our religion which lies out of the sight of men.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–18. Public domain.
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Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
ON THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS 5:10
Here we do not need to work around any concealed meaning; indeed, in this event there is a clear analogy with Christ and the actions he undertook for the building of the church. As Solomon ordered timbers to be cut from the mountains of Lebanon and stones to be shipped by sea, and employed them after they had been brought to the builder’s yard of the temple, so Christ, after receiving the Jews and the Gentiles from the timbers of infidelity, transported them to the builder’s yard of the temple which is not made by human hands.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
This verse concisely states that King Hiram of Tyre generously supplied King Solomon of Israel with an immense quantity of cedar and fir timber, precisely fulfilling "all his desire," for the monumental construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. It highlights the successful diplomatic and economic alliance between the two kingdoms, underscoring both God's abundant provision for His sacred work and the meticulous preparation involved in building a dwelling place for the Lord. The passage signifies a period of peace and prosperity under Solomon's reign, where divine favor enabled the realization of a long-held vision for God's house.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle but significant literary devices. The phrase "according to all his desire" can be interpreted as a form of Hyperbole, emphasizing the extraordinary generosity and completeness of Hiram's provision. While perhaps not literally every single desire, it powerfully conveys that the supply was overwhelmingly abundant and perfectly suited to Solomon's needs, underscoring the divine hand in orchestrating such provision. The specific mention of Symbolism in "cedar trees and fir trees" is also noteworthy. Cedar, in particular, was a symbol of strength, permanence, and majesty in the ancient world, often associated with royal and divine structures. Its use here elevates the Temple's significance, associating it with enduring quality and divine favor. Furthermore, the narrative implicitly uses Irony or Contrast by showing a Gentile king, Hiram, acting as a crucial instrument in the building of the Lord's Temple, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to use anyone, even outside the covenant, to achieve His sacred purposes.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a profound theological statement on God's abundant provision for His divinely appointed tasks. When God calls His people to a specific work, He also faithfully provides the necessary resources, wisdom, and even unexpected alliances to accomplish it. Hiram's generosity, described as fulfilling "all his desire," is a tangible manifestation of God's overflowing grace and faithfulness to Solomon, echoing the earlier promises of prosperity and wisdom. It underscores that God's plans are never hindered by lack of resources, for He is sovereign over all creation and can orchestrate circumstances, including the cooperation of foreign nations, to bring about His purposes. This principle extends beyond material provision to spiritual and relational enablement, demonstrating that God is always at work, equipping His servants for His glory and ensuring His will is accomplished.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 5:10 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, encouraging a robust faith in God's boundless provision. Just as Solomon's grand vision for the Temple was met with an abundance "according to all his desire," we are reminded that when God calls us to a task, He faithfully supplies the necessary resources, connections, and wisdom. This verse challenges us to move beyond a scarcity mindset, trusting that God's resources are limitless and His desire to equip His people for His purposes is unwavering. Furthermore, it underscores the value of strategic partnerships and collaboration, even with those who may not share our exact theological convictions, when such alliances serve God's broader redemptive plan. It calls us to diligent preparation, faithful stewardship, and a commitment to excellence in all our endeavors for the Lord, recognizing that our work, like the Temple, is ultimately for His glory and should reflect His magnificent character.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Hiram so willing to help Solomon build the Temple?
Answer: Hiram's willingness stemmed from a combination of factors. Historically, there was an existing friendly relationship and trade alliance between Tyre and Israel, established during King David's reign, as noted in 2 Samuel 5:11. Hiram also expressed admiration for Solomon's wisdom, recognizing God's favor upon him, which he articulates in 1 Kings 5:7. Economically, the arrangement was mutually beneficial: Tyre provided valuable timber and skilled labor, while Israel supplied essential food provisions (wheat and olive oil), which Tyre needed, as detailed in 1 Kings 5:11. Beyond the practical, Hiram's actions can be seen as divinely orchestrated, as God sovereignly used this alliance to ensure the Temple's construction.
What was the significance of "cedar trees and fir trees" for the Temple?
Answer: Cedar and fir were highly prized building materials in the ancient Near East, particularly the cedars from Lebanon. Cedar (Hebrew: ʼerez) was known for its exceptional durability, aromatic qualities, resistance to decay, and majestic appearance, making it ideal for the Temple's main structure, paneling, and beams, as described in 1 Kings 6:9-10. Fir (Hebrew: bᵉrôwsh) was also valuable, often used for flooring, doors, and other structural elements, as seen in 1 Kings 6:15. The use of these premium, long-lasting timbers symbolized the importance and permanence of the Temple as God's dwelling place, reflecting the reverence and excellence due to Him. Their acquisition from Tyre also highlighted the extensive resources and international cooperation involved in this monumental sacred project, emphasizing its unparalleled significance.
How does Hiram's provision relate to God's promises to Solomon?
Answer: Hiram's generous provision directly fulfills and exemplifies God's promises to Solomon. God had promised Solomon wisdom, riches, and honor precisely because he did not ask for long life or wealth for himself, as recorded in 1 Kings 3:11-13. The abundance of timber, given "according to all his desire," is a tangible demonstration of this promised prosperity and divine favor. Furthermore, God had promised David that his son would build a house for His name, a covenant established in 2 Samuel 7:13. Hiram's contribution was a crucial element in the fulfillment of that prophecy, showing God's faithfulness in providing all that is necessary for His plans to be realized, even through unexpected means and foreign alliances.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 5:10 describes the material provision for a physical temple, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate divine provision for the spiritual Temple, which is the Church, built upon Christ. Just as Hiram generously supplied Solomon's every desire for the first Temple, God the Father provided His Son, Jesus Christ, as the ultimate and perfect "material" for the spiritual house. Jesus is the chief cornerstone upon whom the entire structure rests, and believers are living stones being built into a spiritual dwelling for God. The lavishness of Hiram's gift points to the immeasurable richness of God's grace in Christ, who is given "according to all our desire" for salvation and spiritual life, indeed, far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. The cooperation between Israel and Tyre, a Gentile nation, also subtly prefigures the inclusion of Gentiles into God's spiritual temple, the Church, where there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but all are united in Christ, forming one body, the temple of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the provision of timber for Solomon's Temple ultimately points to God's ultimate provision of Christ for His eternal, spiritual Temple.