1 Kings 5:9

KJV

My servants shall bring [them] down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive [them]: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.

KJV (with Strong's)

My servants {H5650} shall bring them down {H3381} from Lebanon {H3844} unto the sea {H3220}: and I will convey {H7760} them by sea {H3220} in floats {H1702} unto the place {H4725} that thou shalt appoint {H7971} me, and will cause them to be discharged {H5310} there, and thou shalt receive {H5375} them: and thou shalt accomplish {H6213} my desire {H2656}, in giving {H5414} food {H3899} for my household {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My servants will bring them down from the L'vanon to the sea. I will make them into rafts to go by sea to whatever place you tell me and will have them broken up there, and you will receive them. You will compensate me by providing food for my household."

Berean Standard Bible

My servants will haul the logs from Lebanon to the Sea, and I will float them as rafts by sea to the place you specify. There I will separate the logs, and you can take them away. And in exchange, you can meet my needs by providing my household with food.”

American Standard Version

My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea; and I will make them into rafts to go by sea unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be broken up there, and thou shalt receive them; and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 5:9 meticulously details King Hiram of Tyre's logistical commitment to King Solomon concerning the transport of vast quantities of cedar and fir timber from Lebanon for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse outlines the sophisticated process by which Hiram's skilled laborers would fell the trees, move them to the Mediterranean Sea, and then convey them by sea in floats to a designated location appointed by Solomon, ensuring their safe discharge. In return for this vital service, Hiram stipulated Solomon's responsibility to provide sustenance for his royal household, highlighting the mutually beneficial and intricately planned alliance that facilitated one of ancient Israel's most significant building projects.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an essential component of the strategic alliance and comprehensive trade agreement forged between King Solomon of Israel and King Hiram of Tyre. The preceding verses establish Solomon's profound spiritual ambition to build a magnificent Temple for the Lord, a project his father David was unable to complete. Solomon's initial request to Hiram, detailed in [1 Kings 5:6](/1_kings/5-6 "1 Kings 5:6 - Solomon's Request to Hiram"), specifically sought skilled workers and the renowned timber from Lebanon. Hiram, acknowledging God's favor upon Solomon, readily assented, expressing his delight in the partnership. Verse 9 then serves as Hiram's concrete proposal, articulating the precise method for delivering the precious materials, thereby demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the agreement. This detailed logistical plan is met with Solomon's reciprocal commitment to provide food for Hiram's household, a term further elaborated and fulfilled in [1 Kings 5:11](/1_kings/5-11 "1 Kings 5:11 - Solomon's Provision for Hiram"). The immediate literary context thus positions 1 Kings 5:9 as a crucial step in the practical execution of a divinely inspired architectural marvel, underpinned by shrewd international diplomacy and mutual obligation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The era of Solomon's reign, during which the Temple was constructed, marked a zenith of peace and prosperity for Israel. Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state, stood as a preeminent maritime power, celebrated for its unparalleled craftsmanship, sophisticated shipbuilding, and privileged access to the extensive cedar forests of Lebanon. Cedar wood was highly coveted across the ancient Near East due to its exceptional durability, natural aromatic qualities, and remarkable resistance to decay, making it an ideal, albeit costly, material for monumental structures. The method of transport described in the verse—felling trees, hauling them to the coast, and then binding them into "floats" (rafts) to be towed by sea—was a common, highly efficient, and technologically advanced practice for large-scale timber transport in the ancient Mediterranean. This alliance between Israel, primarily an agricultural power, and Tyre, a formidable maritime and industrial force, represented a strategic geopolitical maneuver. It allowed Israel to secure vital resources and specialized expertise, while Tyre gained consistent access to Israel's abundant agricultural produce, as explicitly noted in [1 Kings 5:11](/1_kings/5-11 "1 Kings 5:11 - Solomon's Provision for Hiram"), fostering a symbiotic relationship.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Kings 5:9 significantly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Provision and Human Cooperation**, demonstrating how God's grand architectural plans for His Temple were realized not through isolated miracles, but through the ingenious application of human skill, meticulous planning, and international collaboration. The verse also highlights the theme of **Logistics and Engineering in the Ancient World**, offering a compelling glimpse into the impressive capabilities of ancient civilizations to manage immense projects demanding significant labor, specialized skill, and strategic foresight. Furthermore, it exemplifies **International Diplomacy and Trade**, showcasing a period of peaceful and mutually beneficial relations between Israel and its powerful neighbors, which was crucial for securing the diverse resources necessary for Israel's most sacred building project. Finally, the detailed nature of Hiram's promise reinforces the enduring theme of **Fulfilling Agreements and Trust**, foundational elements for successful partnerships and the faithful execution of God's purposes, echoing the wisdom and administrative acumen that characterized Solomon's reign, as described in [1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4 "1 Kings 4 - Solomon's Wisdom and Prosperity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Floats (Hebrew, _dôbᵉrâh'_):** (H1702) This term, derived from a root suggesting "driving," refers to a raft or timbers lashed together for transport on water. In the context of ancient maritime trade, particularly along the Phoenician coast, this was the standard and most efficient method for moving large quantities of heavy timber. The logs would be bound together, often forming massive rafts, and then towed by ships to their destination. This detail underscores the practical, large-scale engineering involved and Hiram's expertise in such operations, highlighting the specialized knowledge required for such an undertaking.
* **Convey (Hebrew, _sûwm'_):** (H7760) This primitive root means "to put," but is used with great latitude, including to "convey." In this context, it implies a deliberate, organized, and responsible act of transportation. It suggests that Hiram would not merely make the timber available, but would actively manage and oversee its journey across the sea, ensuring its safe arrival. This highlights his personal commitment and the professional, hands-on nature of the service offered, indicating a high degree of reliability.
* **Desire (Hebrew, _chêphets'_):** (H2656) From a root meaning "to delight" or "to be pleased," this word signifies pleasure, hence desire, or concretely, a valuable thing. Here, it refers to Hiram's specific request or stipulation for payment. It reveals that Hiram's primary "desire" or "pleasure" was not in silver or gold, but in the provision of food for his household, a common and practical form of exchange in ancient trade, especially between an agricultural nation like Israel and a maritime nation like Tyre. This term clarifies the reciprocal nature of the alliance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My servants shall bring [them] down from Lebanon unto the sea:"** This clause describes the initial, land-based phase of timber transport. Hiram's skilled laborers would fell the trees in the mountainous forests of Lebanon and then meticulously move these massive logs down to the Mediterranean coast. This was a labor-intensive and challenging undertaking, requiring specialized knowledge of terrain, hauling techniques, and significant manpower.
* **"and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt appoint me,"** This transitions to the maritime phase, where Hiram takes personal responsibility ("I will convey"). The timber, now at the coast, would be assembled into "floats" (rafts) and then towed by sea. Crucially, the destination would be a specific port chosen by Solomon, indicating a collaborative planning process and Solomon's ultimate authority over the final delivery point, likely a port closest to Jerusalem.
* **"and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive [them]:"** This clause details the final act of delivery and transfer of responsibility. Hiram ensures the timber is unloaded at the agreed-upon location, at which point Solomon's representatives would take possession. This signifies the completion of Hiram's logistical obligation and the commencement of Israel's responsibility for the materials, ready for the Temple construction.
* **"and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household."** This final clause articulates the reciprocal obligation from Solomon. Hiram's "desire" (or "request") was not for precious metals, but for agricultural provisions for his royal household, a common and practical form of payment in ancient trade agreements, especially between an agricultural nation like Israel and a maritime nation like Tyre. This highlights the mutually beneficial and equitable nature of the alliance, ensuring both parties' needs were met.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Kings 5:9 is **Detailed Description** or **Realism**. The verse is remarkably specific in outlining the logistical steps involved in transporting the timber: from the felling in Lebanon, to the arduous movement to the sea, the innovative use of "floats," the sea journey to a designated place, and the final discharge. This meticulous detail grounds the narrative in a tangible reality, emphasizing the immense scale, complexity, and practical challenges of the Temple project. It also subtly employs **Reciprocity**, as the verse explicitly states Hiram's comprehensive service and then immediately follows with Solomon's reciprocal obligation, framing the agreement as a balanced and mutually beneficial exchange. This highlights the covenantal or treaty-like nature of the relationship between the two kings, built on trust and fulfilled promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 5:9, while seemingly focused on mundane logistics, profoundly illustrates how God often uses human ingenuity, international cooperation, and meticulous planning to accomplish His divine purposes. The building of the Temple, God's dwelling place among His people, was not achieved through miraculous, instantaneous means alone, but through the diligent, skilled labor of many, both Israelite and Gentile. This highlights a key theological principle: God partners with humanity, inviting us to participate in His work, even in the practical and seemingly ordinary aspects of life. It underscores the value of integrity in agreements and the importance of each party fulfilling their commitments for the success of a shared vision, demonstrating that even secular alliances can serve divine ends when conducted with faithfulness and wisdom.

* [Nehemiah 2:8](/nehemiah/2-8 "Nehemiah 2:8 - Artaxerxes Provides Timber for Nehemiah")
* [Ezra 3:7](/ezra/3-7 "Ezra 3:7 - Timber from Tyre and Sidon for the Second Temple")
* [1 Corinthians 3:9](/1_corinthians/3-9 "1 Corinthians 3:9 - God's Fellow Workers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Hiram's logistical plan for the Temple timber serves as a powerful reminder that great undertakings, especially those for God's glory, often require meticulous planning, diverse skills, and collaborative effort. It teaches us the profound value of diligence in fulfilling our commitments, whether they are grand spiritual endeavors or seemingly mundane practical tasks. Just as Hiram outlined his part of the agreement with precision and intended to execute it faithfully, we are called to be people of our word, honoring our promises and responsibilities in all aspects of life, recognizing that even our practical efforts can contribute to God's overarching plan. This verse encourages us to embrace strategic planning, valuing the foresight and preparation necessary for success, and to appreciate the diverse contributions of others, understanding that God often uses various individuals, even those from different backgrounds and belief systems, to achieve His purposes, fostering unity and mutual respect within the body of Christ. Our faithfulness in the "small" things often paves the way for the "great" things God intends to do.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed logistical planning in this verse challenge our perception of "spiritual" work versus "practical" work within the context of God's kingdom?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you called to demonstrate diligence and integrity in fulfilling commitments, even the logistical or seemingly small ones?**
* **How can we better recognize and value the diverse skills and contributions of others in collaborative efforts for God's purposes, much like the partnership between Solomon and Hiram?**

### FAQ
**Why was timber from Lebanon so important for the Temple?**

Answer: Lebanon was renowned throughout the ancient world for its vast forests of cedars, particularly the Cedars of Lebanon, which were highly prized building materials. These trees were known for their exceptional durability, natural resistance to decay and insects, beautiful grain, and distinct aromatic qualities. Unlike other common woods, cedar could withstand the test of time and provided a majestic, fragrant ambiance. Its use in the Temple, the most significant structure in Israel, symbolized the grandeur, permanence, and sacredness of God's dwelling place, reflecting the highest quality materials available. The demand for Lebanese cedar was so high that it became a significant trade commodity, as seen in this agreement for the Temple's construction, with specific details of its use found in [1 Kings 6:9-10](/1_kings/6-9 "1 Kings 6:9-10 - Cedar Beams and Inner Sanctuary").

**What does "floats" mean in ancient maritime transport?**

Answer: In the context of ancient maritime transport, "floats" (Hebrew: _dôbᵉrâh_) refers to large rafts constructed by lashing together numerous logs, typically cedar or fir, to be towed by ships along coastal waters. This method was a highly efficient and practical way to transport massive quantities of timber over long distances by sea, avoiding the arduous and costly overland routes through difficult terrain. The Phoenicians, masters of ancient seafaring, were particularly adept at this technique, showcasing their advanced engineering and logistical capabilities in moving heavy cargo for major construction projects like Solomon's Temple. This allowed for the delivery of raw materials directly to a port near the construction site, minimizing further land transport and significantly streamlining the building process.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous planning and international cooperation involved in bringing the timber from Lebanon to Jerusalem for the earthly Temple in [1 Kings 5:9](/1_kings/5-9 "1 Kings 5:9 - Hiram's Promise to Solomon") beautifully foreshadow the ultimate building project of God: His spiritual Temple, the Church, built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Just as the finest cedar was brought from afar, so too are believers, "living stones," gathered from every nation, tribe, and tongue to form a spiritual house for God, a dwelling place for His Spirit ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones, a Spiritual House")). Christ Himself is the ultimate "provision," the cornerstone upon whom this spiritual edifice rests, uniting Jew and Gentile into one body ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets, Christ Jesus Himself Being the Cornerstone")). The earthly Temple, though glorious, was a shadow of the true dwelling place of God, which is found in Christ's resurrected body, broken and raised again ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). The diligent labor of Hiram's servants and the careful transport of materials point to the divine wisdom and sovereign hand that orchestrated Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection—the ultimate "discharge" of God's redemptive plan, by which humanity is reconciled to God. Through Christ, the desire of God's household (His people) for communion and redemption is fully accomplished, far exceeding any earthly provision, culminating in the eternal city where God dwells with His people, and there is no longer need for a temple, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "God's Dwelling with Man") and [Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "No Temple in the New Jerusalem")).

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

Ezra 3:7

They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

Ezekiel 27:17

Judah, and the land of Israel, they [were] thy merchants: they traded in thy market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.

Acts 12:20

¶ And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's [country].

2 Chronicles 2:16

And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 1:15

And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem [as plenteous] as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that [are] in the vale for abundance.

Deuteronomy 3:25

I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that [is] beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon.