1 Kings Chapter 5

At a Glance

  • In 1 Kings 5, the narrative shifts toward the practical realization of Solomon’s dream: the building of the great Temple in Jerusalem.
  • Solomon then requests cedar and cypress timber from Lebanon, signaling a grand, collaborative enterprise.
  • Historically & Literary Context.
  • This chapter sits squarely in the early Solomon narrative, after his accession to the throne and before the Temple’s completion.
  • The setting is the mid-10th century BCE, portraying a period when Israel’s fortunes pivot from tribal confederation toward a centralized, monarchic, temple-centered worship.

1 KINGS CHAPTER 5

Chapter Overview

In 1 Kings 5, the narrative shifts toward the practical realization of Solomon’s dream: the building of the great Temple in Jerusalem. The chapter opens with Iram (Hiram) of Tyre sending emissaries to Solomon, confirming the political and diplomatic groundwork behind the project. Solomon explains that his father David “could not build an house to the name of the LORD” because of continual warfare, but now the LORD has given him rest on every side. With peace secured, Solomon declares his intention to construct a house for the LORD’s name, echoing the divine promise to David that his son would build this temple. This establishes both continuity (Davidic covenant) and a fresh commitment to fulfillment.

Solomon then requests cedar and cypress timber from Lebanon, signaling a grand, collaborative enterprise. Hiram’s response is enthusiastic: he will supply timber and even provide labor and food, turning this into an international partnership. The exchange emphasizes the temple as a national project that involves foreign allies in service to Israel’s God. The chapter also signals grapevine theology: while human agency (craftsmanship, logistics, diplomacy) plays a major role, the underlying motive remains: the LORD’s wisdom and blessing rest upon Solomon’s leadership. The chapter culminates with a note that the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, which foreshadows the temple’s renowned craftsmanship and the book’s repeated emphasis on wisdom as central to legitimate kingship and worship.

Historically & Literary Context

This chapter sits squarely in the early Solomon narrative, after his accession to the throne and before the Temple’s completion. It is part of the Deuteronomistic history that emphasizes covenant faithfulness, kingly legitimacy, and central worship in Jerusalem. The genre blends royal reportage with theological reflection: a political-architectural project is framed as obedience to God’s covenant, and the alliances Solomon forms are interpreted in light of the Lord’s blessing or potential testing.

The setting is the mid-10th century BCE, portraying a period when Israel’s fortunes pivot from tribal confederation toward a centralized, monarchic, temple-centered worship. The dialogue with Hiram foregrounds international diplomacy and wealth as both the means and symbol of national sacred space. The chapter fits as a prelude to the temple-building saga in chapters 5–7, establishing motives, arrangements, and divine sovereignty that will be tested later by faithfulness and fidelity to the covenant.

Key Themes

- The continuity of the Davidic Covenant: Solomon’s plan to build a temple follows the promise that his son would construct the house for the LORD.

- The integration of wisdom and craft: God’s wisdom rests on Solomon, enabling complex diplomacy and grand architectural vision.

- Sacred space as a communal enterprise: the temple project unfolds through international cooperation, logistics, and provision, highlighting that worship is a communal, nation-building endeavor rather than an isolated religious act.

- Divine sovereignty within human planning: while humans plan and negotiate with Hiram, the chapter points to the LORD’s initiative and blessing as the ultimate source of success.

- Stewardship and dependence: Solomon’s readiness to allocate resources (cedar, timber, food) demonstrates prudent stewardship and recognition that all resources come from God’s gracious provision.

Modern Application

1 Kings 5 invites modern readers to consider how large religious or spiritual projects emerge from a posture of peace, purpose, and humility before God. Christians and readers today can reflect on the balance between human initiative and divine blessing: is our leadership partnering with God’s purposes, and do our plans align with the broader covenant aims? The chapter also speaks to the value of wisdom in leadership—Solomon’s discernment is not merely administrative but theological, seeing the temple as a place where heaven touches earth.

Additionally, the international dimensions remind us that true worship has public significance and communal investment. Building sacred spaces—church buildings, campuses, or mission centers—should involve diverse partnerships, generous stewardship, and a shared sense of calling to honor God’s name. The emphasis on rest in the land prior to undertaking the project challenges contemporary readers to pursue “rest” and stability as prerequisites for meaningful ministry, rather than rushing into grand ventures from a place of anxiety.

- 2 Samuel 7 (Davidic covenant and the promise of a temple)

- 1 Kings 3 (Solomon’s wisdom and understanding as foundation for leadership)

- 2 Chronicles 2–4 (parallel account of temple preparations and materials)

- Psalm 132 (the temple as God’s chosen resting place)

Recommended Personas (Which Biblical personas provide unique insight)

- Solomon (as architect-leader/wisdom figure)

- Hiram of Tyre (diplomatic ally and builder-king)

- Moses (as the justifier of a sacred space, the externalization of divine presence)

Chapter Text

1

And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.

2

And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,

3

Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.

4

But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.

5

And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name.

6

Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians.

7

And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.

8

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.

9

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.

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.

Discuss This Chapter with Biblical Personas

Explore 1 Kings Chapter 5 with Biblical figures who can provide unique perspectives grounded in Scripture.

Ask Apostle PaulAsk MosesAsk King DavidAsk Jesus Christ
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