Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

Solomon had been anointed king in place of his father David, and word of this reached Hiram king of Tyre. He was a great admirer of David, and now he wanted to congratulate Solomon on becoming king.

Solomon wrote to Hiram, "My father David couldn't build a temple for the Lord God because of all the wars that surrounded him. But now the Lord has given me peace on every side, just as he promised my father David. So I want to build a house for the name of the Lord, just as the Lord said through my father David." Solomon asked Hiram to provide cedar trees from Lebanon, which would be cut and transported by both their servants.

Hiram was overjoyed with Solomon's words and praised God for giving him such a wise son. He agreed to help Solomon, sending his message: "I'll do everything you want concerning the timber – cedar, fir, or whatever you need. My servants will transport it from Lebanon to the sea, where I'll load it onto rafts and deliver it to the place of your choice." Hiram gave Solomon all the timber he needed, and in return, Solomon provided him with wheat and olive oil for his household.

As a result of their agreement, God blessed Solomon with wisdom, just as he had promised. Peace reigned between Hiram and Solomon, and they formed an alliance. Solomon required thirty thousand men from all Israel to work on the project, divided into ten thousand groups that would alternate between working in Lebanon and being at home. Adoniram was in charge of those who were subject to forced labor.

In addition to his officers, Solomon had 3,300 workers overseeing the people laboring on the temple. The king instructed them to prepare great stones, costly stones, and hewn stones for the foundation of the house. Working together, Solomon's builders, Hiram's builders, and the skilled stonecutters hewed out the stones and prepared timber to build the temple.