1 Kings 5 (KJV)
Read 1 Kings chapter 5 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
1 Kings 5
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1 Kings 5 Summary
1 Kings 5 records Solomon's alliance with Hiram king of Tyre to obtain cedar and cypress timber for the temple. Solomon conscripted 30,000 laborers to work in shifts in Lebanon and employed 150,000 carriers and stonecutters.
The international cooperation between Israel and Tyre shows that God's purposes sometimes require partnerships beyond the covenant community. Hiram blessed God for giving David 'a wise son' — even a pagan king recognized God's gift of wisdom.
Key Themes
Temple PreparationsInternational CooperationLabor and ResourcesDivine Wisdom Recognized
Key Verses in 1 Kings 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."
— 1 Kings 5:5
Solomon declared his purpose to fulfill God's promise to David — building the temple was an act of covenant faithfulness.
Life Application
Great projects for God require practical preparation, partnership, and resources. Don't separate spiritual vision from practical planning — God's work deserves excellence in every detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Solomon need Hiram's help?
Lebanon's cedar was the finest building material available, and Tyre's craftsmen were renowned woodworkers. Solomon combined the best resources with Israel's labor force.
How large was the labor force?
Solomon employed 30,000 conscripted laborers (in shifts of 10,000), plus 70,000 carriers, 80,000 stonecutters, and 3,300 supervisors.
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