I Kings 5:7

Preparations for Building the Temple - 1 Kings 5 Immediately after the consolidation of his kingdom, Solomon commenced the preparations for the building of a temple, first of all by entering into negotiations with king Hiram of Tyre, to procure from him not only the building materials requisite, viz., cedars, cypresses, and hewn stones, but also a skilled workman for the artistic work of the temple (Kg1 5:1-12); and, secondly, by causing the number of workmen required for this great work to be raised out of his own kingdom, and sending them to Lebanon to prepare the materials for the building in connection with the Tyrian builders (Kg1 5:13-18). - We have a parallel passage to this in 2 Chron 2, which agrees with the account before us in all the leading points, but differs in many of the details, omitting several things which were not essential to the main fact, and communicating others which are passed over in our account, e.g., Solomon's request that a Tyrian workman might be sent. This shows that the two accounts are extracts from a common and more elaborate source, the historical materials being worked up in a free and independent manner according to the particular plan adopted by each of the two authors. (For further remarks on the mutual relation of the two narratives, see my apologetischer Versuch ber die Bcher der Chronik, pp. 216ff.)

The great work which Solomon was raised up to do was the building of the temple; his wealth and wisdom were given him to qualify him for that. In this, especially, he was to be a type of Christ, for "he shall build the temple of the Lord," Zac 6:12. In this chapter we have an account of the preparations he made for that and his other buildings. Gold and silver his good father had prepared in abundance, but timber and stones he must get ready; and about these we have him treating with Hiram king of Tyre. I. Hiram congratulated him on his accession to the throne (Kg1 5:1). II. Solomon signified to him his design to build the temple and desired him to furnish him with workmen (Kg1 5:2-6). III. Hiram agreed to do it (Kg1 5:7-9). IV. Solomon's work was accordingly well done and Hiram's workmen were well paid (Kg1 5:10-18).

5:7-12 Hiram’s reply to Solomon confirmed and perpetuated the cordial relations that he had with David. The venture was mutually beneficial. Solomon received needed construction materials for the Temple; in return, he supplied necessities for Hiram’s household (5:9-10) and paid Hiram’s workers (5:6). The passage illustrates the Phoenicians’ skillful commercial enterprises and Solomon’s immense wealth, and it again emphasizes Solomon’s God-given wisdom. The largely commercial venture led to a formal alliance of peace (5:12). 5:7 Praise the Lord: Hiram did not acknowledge Israel’s God as his own but, following ancient Near Eastern protocol, he politely recognized Solomon’s God (see 10:9; 2 Kgs 18:22-25; Ezra 1:2-4; 6:12; Dan 2:47; 3:29; 6:26-27).