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1KINGS
CHAPTER 5

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.

Hiram was king of Tyre and Sidon, two cities on the coast of the Mediterranean. Hiram was a very influential king. He had constructed a sea wall for the city of Tyre and a connection between the city and an island off the coast. This gave Tyre (and king Hiram) a tremendous opportunity for world trade.
Hiram had been a friend to David. He had sent workers and timber to build David's house. He and David had a treaty for trading merchandise, and a tremendous amount of Israel's goods were shipped through Tyre.
When Hiram heard that David was dead and Solomon was now king, he sent some servants to Solomon. Obviously Hiram wanted to continue the relationship.

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.

Solomon was glad to hear from Hiram. He was aware of the close relationship David had with him, and knew that Kiram would understand the problem that Solomon faced.
David was not allowed to build a temple for God, though it was his heart's desire (verse 3). Hiram knew that. But now, Solomon is going to build that temple (verse 5), and he asks for Hiram's help.
Solomon offered servants to work with Hiram's men and cut the timber needed for the temple. The wood was cedar, a long-lasting wood. The timber cutters from Sidon were very skilled in cutting to specific dimensions (verse 6).

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.

To Hiram this was good news; he was now assured that Solomon would be as good a friend as David. He gladly offered his men and even further said that he would see that the timber was shipped to any place Solomon wanted to receive it (on the coast).
Notice that Hiram says, "Blessed be the Lord this day,..." (verse 7). The capitalization of the word "Lord" indicates taht Hiram could be speaking of no other than Jehovah God. Even though Hiram had built a great temple to another god in Tyre, he could have been converted by the friendship with David. Of course, it is very possible that he was one of those "worldly" men who worshipped ALL gods. But there is NO doubt that he gives credit to Jehovah God for granting a "..wise son.." to rule over Israel.
The SMALLEST witness we give may be effective. But surely through a long-term relationship with someone, we should speak to them about the Lord.
All Hiram asked for was that Solomon provide "food" for his household (which, by the way, was probably very LARGE).

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.

The agreement was made, and Solomon began to send the food for Hiram. Probably Hiram wanted this particular food, because Israel was famous for its fine wheat and olive oil.
Notice (verse 13) that Solomon raised a "levy" - or created a form of taxation. This particular tax was WORK - or conscripted labor. The first labor force was to cut the timbers out of Lebanon. Lebanon was more than likely part of Israel at that time. It was sort of a separation area between Phoenecia and Israel. Thiry thousand men were chosen, and they were to work one month and be home two months.
A second work force was chosen designed to cut stones and to carry them to the designated place (vese 15). Eighty thousand men were to cut the stones while seventy thousand carried them. Also, 3,300 officers were chosen to coordinate these efforts.
Therefore, Solomon had men cutting trees for timber and men cutting and carrying stones - all for the temple.

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.

The first order of business was to lay the "foundation" for the temple. A securely structured building must have a very firm and strong foundation.
Jesus said He would, "..build my church.." (Matthew 16:18), and that it would be so strong that "..the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Paul says in 1Corirnthians 3:11 that "..other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
Our God is a CARPENTER! He KNOWS it is impossible to have a good house without a strong foundation. There can be no better or stronger foundation for the church than God HIMSELF! He is perfect and eternal!

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