1 Kings 5:8

KJV

And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for: [and] I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hiram {H2438} sent {H7971} to Solomon {H8010}, saying {H559}, I have considered {H8085} the things which thou sentest {H7971} to me for: and I will do {H6213} all thy desire {H2656} concerning timber {H6086} of cedar {H730}, and concerning timber {H6086} of fir {H1265}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Hiram sent Shlomo this message: "I have heard the message you sent me, and I will do everything you want concerning cedar logs and cypress logs.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Hiram sent a reply to Solomon, saying: “I have received your message; I will do all you desire regarding the cedar and cypress timber.

American Standard Version

And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have heard the message which thou hast sent unto me: I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 5:8 records King Hiram of Tyre's affirmative and comprehensive response to King Solomon's request for timber—specifically cedar and fir—for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse marks a pivotal moment in the diplomatic alliance between Israel and Tyre, securing the essential high-quality resources needed for one of the most significant architectural and spiritual undertakings in Israelite history, demonstrating God's sovereign provision for His dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Solomon's reign, immediately following his consolidation of power and his commitment to fulfill his father David's vision of building a permanent house for the Lord. Solomon had previously sent a message to Hiram, reminding him of the long-standing friendship between their fathers and requesting skilled laborers and timber from Lebanon ([1 Kings 5:1-6](/1_kings/5-1 "1 Kings 5:1-6 - Solomon's Overture to Hiram")). Hiram's reply in [1 Kings 5:7-9](/1_kings/5-7 "1 Kings 5:7-9 - Hiram's Favorable Reply") expresses joy and agreement, setting the stage for the detailed arrangements of the alliance, including the exchange of goods and the organization of labor, which are elaborated in the subsequent verses of [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon's Preparations for the Temple"). The immediate context highlights the successful initiation of a crucial international partnership vital for the Temple's construction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The alliance between Israel under Solomon and the Phoenician city-state of Tyre under King Hiram was a strategic and mutually beneficial arrangement typical of ancient Near Eastern diplomacy. Tyre, a powerful maritime nation, possessed unparalleled expertise in logging, skilled craftsmanship, and access to the prized cedar and fir forests of Lebanon. These timbers were highly valued throughout the ancient world for their durability, aromatic qualities, and resistance to decay, making them ideal for monumental architecture. Israel, while rich in agricultural produce, lacked these specific natural resources and specialized skills. This partnership allowed Israel to acquire the necessary building materials and expertise, while Tyre gained a reliable source of food (wheat and oil, as seen in [1 Kings 5:11](/1_kings/5-11 "1 Kings 5:11 - Solomon's Provision for Hiram's Household")). The exchange reflects the intricate economic and political interdependencies of the region, where alliances were often cemented through trade and shared projects.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Provision and Sovereignty**, demonstrating how God orchestrates circumstances, even through foreign kings, to ensure the fulfillment of His purposes, specifically the building of His Temple. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **International Cooperation for God's Work**, showing that God can use diverse people and nations, even those outside the covenant community, to achieve His plans. This alliance was not merely political but served a sacred purpose. Thirdly, it exemplifies **Wisdom in Leadership and Diligent Preparation**, as Solomon's foresight and diplomatic skill in securing these vital resources showcase the importance of careful planning and resource management in undertaking significant spiritual endeavors, echoing the meticulous preparations detailed in [1 Chronicles 22](/1_chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cedar (Hebrew, _’erez'_):** This refers to the magnificent Cedars of Lebanon, renowned throughout the ancient Near East. Cedarwood was highly prized for its strength, natural resistance to decay and insects, aromatic qualities, and impressive size. It was a symbol of majesty, durability, and luxury, making it the premier choice for royal palaces and sacred structures like the Temple. Its use signified the grandeur and permanence intended for God's dwelling place.
* **Fir (Hebrew, _bərôš'_):** Also known as cypress or juniper, fir wood from Lebanon was another valuable coniferous timber. While perhaps not as grand as cedar, it was highly valued for its straight grain, workability, and durability. It was commonly used for flooring, paneling, beams, and other structural or decorative elements in prestigious buildings, complementing cedar in the Temple's construction, as seen in [1 Kings 6:15](/1_kings/6-15 "1 Kings 6:15 - Fir Wood for the Temple Floor").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying":** This phrase indicates a formal, diplomatic communication, underscoring the official nature of the interaction between the two kings. It signifies the commencement of the reciprocal exchange that would solidify their alliance.
* **"I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for":** Hiram's response is not impulsive but thoughtful and deliberate. The phrase "I have considered" (Hebrew: שָׁמַעְתִּי, _šāma‘tî_, "I have heard/listened") implies that he has fully grasped Solomon's request and its implications. This demonstrates a respectful and professional approach to their international relations.
* **"[and] I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir":** This is Hiram's unequivocal affirmation. The phrase "all thy desire" signifies a complete and willing fulfillment of Solomon's request, promising not just some timber, but precisely what was asked for—cedar and fir. This commitment was crucial for the Temple project, ensuring the availability of the highest quality materials.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several **literary devices**. The **diplomatic language** used in the exchange between Hiram and Solomon establishes the formal and respectful tone of their international alliance, highlighting the gravity of the undertaking. The specific mention of "timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir" serves as **metonymy**, where the specific materials stand in for the entire, grand project of the Temple's construction. There is also an element of **foreshadowing** in Hiram's ready agreement, hinting at the immense scale and splendor of the Temple that will soon be built, made possible by this very provision. Furthermore, the narrative implicitly uses **divine irony**; the God of Israel orchestrates the provision of the finest materials for His dwelling place through a foreign, pagan king, underscoring His universal sovereignty and ability to use any means to accomplish His will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's meticulous provision for His people and His purposes. Even before the physical construction begins, God ensures that the necessary resources are secured through an unexpected international alliance. This highlights that God's work is not limited by human capabilities or conventional means; He can move the hearts of foreign kings and orchestrate global trade to achieve His divine will. The alliance between Israel and Tyre, though seemingly a secular political and economic arrangement, is clearly presented as being within the scope of God's plan for the Temple's construction, showing His sovereignty over all nations and their affairs. This principle reassures believers that God will provide what is needed for the tasks He calls them to, often in surprising ways.

* [Ezra 3:7](/ezra/3-7 "Ezra 3:7 - Timber from Tyre and Sidon for the Second Temple")
* [Isaiah 60:13](/isaiah/60-13 "Isaiah 60:13 - Glory of Lebanon for God's Sanctuary")
* [Haggai 1:8](/haggai/1-8 "Haggai 1:8 - Bring Timber to Build the House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The readiness of King Hiram to supply the precious timber for God's Temple is a profound reminder that God often works through unexpected channels and diverse individuals to accomplish His divine purposes. Just as Solomon diligently sought out the best resources and forged strategic alliances, we are called to be proactive and wise in our endeavors for God's kingdom, yet always trusting in His ultimate provision. This passage encourages us to recognize and appreciate God's hand in every resource, skill, or relationship He brings into our lives, understanding that even seemingly secular interactions can be part of His grand design. It challenges us to be open to collaboration, even with those who may not share our exact beliefs, if it serves a greater, God-honoring purpose. Ultimately, it reinforces the truth that when God calls us to build, He also provides the "timber" necessary for the task, whether it be spiritual gifts, financial resources, or human connections.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be providing for His work through unexpected sources or individuals in my life or community today?**
* **How can I better recognize and appreciate the diverse "timber" (resources, talents, relationships) that God has already provided for the "building projects" He has called me to?**
* **What opportunities for collaboration, even with those outside my immediate spiritual circle, might God be presenting to advance His kingdom purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why was cedar and fir timber specifically requested and so important for the Temple?**

Answer: Cedar and fir were not just any woods; they were the premium building materials of the ancient Near East, particularly from the renowned forests of Lebanon. Cedar was prized for its extraordinary durability, natural resistance to decay and insects, aromatic qualities, and impressive size, making it ideal for grand, long-lasting structures. Fir (or cypress/juniper) was also highly valued for its strength, workability, and attractive grain, often used for flooring, paneling, and other structural and decorative elements. The use of these specific, high-quality timbers for the Temple underscored its sacred importance, its intended permanence, and the reverence due to God's dwelling place. It reflected Solomon's commitment to building a structure worthy of the Lord, using the best available resources, as described in passages like [1 Kings 6:9-10](/1_kings/6-9 "1 Kings 6:9-10 - The Temple Roof and Chambers").

**What does this alliance between Solomon and Hiram tell us about God's work and His methods?**

Answer: This alliance reveals several profound truths about God's work. Firstly, it demonstrates God's **sovereignty over all nations and their leaders**. He is not limited to working only through His covenant people; He can use anyone, even a pagan king like Hiram, to accomplish His divine purposes. Secondly, it highlights God's **meticulous provision**. Long before the first stone was laid, God had prepared the resources and relationships necessary for the Temple's construction. Thirdly, it illustrates the principle of **divine orchestration**, where seemingly secular political or economic arrangements are integrated into God's grand plan. This alliance, driven by mutual benefit, ultimately served to provide the essential materials for the house of the Lord, showing that God can use diverse means and unexpected collaborations to achieve His will, as also seen in the provision for the second Temple in [Ezra 3:7](/ezra/3-7 "Ezra 3:7 - Timber from Tyre and Sidon for the Second Temple").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The provision of the finest cedar and fir timber for Solomon's Temple, secured through the alliance with Hiram, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect "building" of God's spiritual house in Christ. While the physical Temple was a magnificent structure, built with perishable materials, it was merely a shadow of the true dwelling place of God. Jesus Christ Himself is the true and greater Temple, as He declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). He is the foundational cornerstone, the very essence of God's presence among humanity, in whom "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). The precious timbers of Lebanon, meticulously prepared for God's earthly dwelling, point to the incomparable value and eternal excellence of Christ's person and work. He is the one who builds His church, not with wood and stone, but with living stones—believers united in Him, forming a spiritual house and a holy priesthood ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones Building a Spiritual House")). Thus, Hiram's provision for Solomon's temple finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Christ, who perfectly embodies God's presence and constructs an eternal, spiritual dwelling for His people.

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.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 3:5

And the greater house he cieled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains.

1 Kings 6:15

¶ And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the cieling: [and] he covered [them] on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir.

2 Samuel 6:5

And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of [instruments made of] fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.

1 Kings 6:34

And the two doors [were of] fir tree: the two leaves of the one door [were] folding, and the two leaves of the other door [were] folding.