1 Kings 5:10

KJV

¶ So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees [according to] all his desire.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Hiram {H2438} gave {H5414} Solomon {H8010} cedar {H730} trees {H6086} and fir {H1265} trees {H6086} according to all his desire {H2656}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Hiram gave Shlomo all the cedar logs and cypress logs he wanted;

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Hiram of Tyre generously provided King Solomon of Israel with vast quantities of cedar and fir timber, precisely "according to all his desire," for the monumental construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse 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. It 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
* **Literary Context:** 1 Kings 5:10 is situated within the broader narrative of King Solomon's early reign, specifically detailing the meticulous preparations for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. The chapter opens with Hiram, King of Tyre, sending envoys to Solomon upon hearing of his anointing, indicating an established friendly relationship between their kingdoms. Solomon then leverages this relationship, sending a formal request to Hiram for cedar and fir timber from Lebanon, acknowledging his father David's inability to build the Temple and his own divine mandate to do so ([1 Kings 5:3-5](/1-kings/5-3 "Solomon's Request to Hiram")). Hiram responds with great enthusiasm, praising the Lord for granting David a wise son ([1 Kings 5:7](/1-kings/5-7 "Hiram's Praise for Solomon")). Our verse, [1 Kings 5:10](/1-kings/5-10 "Hiram's Provision of Timber for the Temple"), then immediately follows Hiram's commitment to supply the timber in exchange for food provisions, marking the tangible beginning of the Temple's material acquisition phase. This sets the stage for the detailed accounts of the Temple's construction found in [1 Kings 6](/1-kings/6 "The Construction of the Temple") and [1 Kings 7](/1-kings/7 "Solomon's Palace and Temple Furnishings").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, the Phoenician city-state of Tyre, located to Israel's north along the Mediterranean coast, was renowned for its abundant cedar and fir forests in Lebanon, as well as its highly skilled craftsmen in timber work, masonry, and metalwork. Israel, while a burgeoning regional power under Solomon, lacked these specialized resources and expertise on the scale required for a project as grand as the Temple. The alliance between Solomon and Hiram, therefore, was a strategic and mutually beneficial one, reflecting common ancient Near Eastern diplomatic practices where powerful rulers exchanged resources, labor, and gifts to solidify political and economic ties. This partnership allowed Israel to access premium building materials and skilled labor, while Tyre gained a stable trading partner and access to Israel's agricultural produce. The construction of the Temple itself was not merely a religious endeavor but a monumental national project, symbolizing Israel's consolidated power, divine favor, and the establishment of a central place of worship for the Lord, fulfilling a vision initiated by King David.

* **Key Themes:** Several key themes emerge from [1 Kings 5:10](/1-kings/5-10 "Hiram's Provision of Timber for the Temple"). Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Provision and Abundance**. The phrase "according to all his desire" underscores God's faithfulness in equipping Solomon for the immense task of building the Temple, far beyond mere sufficiency, aligning with God's earlier promises of riches and honor to Solomon in [1 Kings 3:13](/1-kings/3-13 "God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon"). Secondly, the verse highlights the critical theme of **International Cooperation and Strategic Alliances**. The partnership between Israel and Tyre was essential for the Temple's construction, demonstrating how God can use relationships with those outside the immediate covenant community to accomplish His purposes. This collaboration was a hallmark of Solomon's peaceful and prosperous reign, as prophesied in [1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1-chronicles/22-9 "David's Prophecy of Solomon's Peaceful Reign and Temple Building"). Finally, it emphasizes the theme of **Diligent Preparation for God's Work**. The vast quantities of high-quality timber signify the meticulous planning, substantial resources, and extensive coordination required for a project dedicated to the Lord, setting a precedent for the importance of intentionality and excellence in sacred undertakings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cedar trees (Hebrew, _erez'_):** Refers specifically to the Cedars of Lebanon (Cedrus libani), a highly prized timber in the ancient Near East. Renowned for its durability, resistance to decay, aromatic qualities, and majestic appearance, cedar was considered a luxury building material. It was used extensively in royal palaces and temples, symbolizing strength, permanence, and divine favor. Its mention here emphasizes the premium quality of materials used for God's dwelling.
* **Fir trees (Hebrew, _berosh'_):** Often identified as the cypress or juniper, fir wood was also a valuable timber, though typically less prestigious than cedar. It was commonly used for flooring, paneling, and other structural elements in large buildings. Its inclusion alongside cedar indicates a comprehensive provision of necessary timbers for various parts of the Temple's construction, showcasing the completeness of Hiram's supply.
* **Desire (Hebrew, _chephets'_):** This word signifies pleasure, delight, or strong inclination. In this context, "according to all his desire" conveys that Hiram's provision was not merely adequate but precisely matched or even exceeded Solomon's every wish and requirement for the Temple project. It speaks to the generosity of the gift and, more profoundly, to God's abundant provision that perfectly aligns with the needs of His chosen servant for His sacred work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees":** This clause directly states the action and the primary actors. King Hiram of Tyre, in fulfillment of his agreement with King Solomon, initiated the delivery of the specified timber. The mention of "cedar trees and fir trees" highlights the specific, high-quality materials essential for the Temple's construction, sourced from the renowned forests of Lebanon. This act signifies the tangible commencement of the material acquisition phase for the Temple, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative of its building.
* **"[according to] all his desire":** This crucial phrase emphasizes the remarkable generosity and completeness of Hiram's provision. It indicates that the quantity and quality of timber supplied by Hiram perfectly matched, or even surpassed, every specification and aspiration Solomon had for the Temple. Beyond a simple transaction, this phrase underscores the divine orchestration behind the provision, reflecting God's abundant grace and faithfulness in equipping Solomon with precisely what was needed to accomplish the monumental task of building His house. It implies not just sufficiency, but overflowing abundance and satisfaction of need.

#### 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 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.

* [1 Kings 3:13](/1-kings/3-13 "God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon")
* [1 Chronicles 22:9](/1-chronicles/22-9 "David's Prophecy of Solomon's Peaceful Reign and Temple Building")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Will Supply All Your Needs According to His Riches in Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Kings 5:10](/1-kings/5-10 "Hiram's Provision of Timber for the Temple") 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life or ministry are you currently experiencing a need, and how might this verse encourage you to trust more deeply in God's abundant provision?**
* **How does the collaboration between Solomon and Hiram challenge your perspective on working with those outside your immediate faith community for a shared, God-honoring goal?**
* **What does "according to all his desire" imply about God's generosity, and how might this shape your prayers and expectations for His work through you?**

### 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 ([2 Samuel 5:11](/2-samuel/5-11 "Hiram's Initial Help to David")). Hiram also expressed admiration for Solomon's wisdom, recognizing God's favor upon him ([1 Kings 5:7](/1-kings/5-7 "Hiram's Praise for Solomon")). Economically, the arrangement was mutually beneficial: Tyre provided valuable timber and skilled labor, while Israel supplied food provisions (wheat and olive oil), which Tyre needed ([1 Kings 5:11](/1-kings/5-11 "Solomon's Payment to Hiram")). Beyond the practical, Hiram's actions can be seen as divinely orchestrated, as God 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: _erez_) was known for its durability, aromatic qualities, resistance to decay, and majestic appearance, making it ideal for the Temple's main structure, paneling, and beams ([1 Kings 6:9-10](/1-kings/6-9 "Temple Construction Details")). Fir (Hebrew: _berosh_) was also valuable, often used for flooring, doors, and other structural elements ([1 Kings 6:15](/1-kings/6-15 "Temple Interior Woodwork")). 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.

**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 because he did not ask for long life or wealth for himself ([1 Kings 3:11-13](/1-kings/3-11 "God's Promise to Solomon")). 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 ([2 Samuel 7:13](/2-samuel/7-13 "God's Covenant with David")), and 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.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Kings 5:10](/1-kings/5-10 "Hiram's Provision of Timber for the Temple") describes the material provision for a physical temple, it 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](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Chief Cornerstone") upon whom the entire structure rests, and believers are [living stones](/1-peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House") 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](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power"). 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](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ"), but all are united in Christ, forming one body, the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1-corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.