Preparations for the Temple
1 Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the place of his father, and Hiram had always loved David.
2 Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 3 “You know that David my father could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the wars which were around him on every side, until the Lord put his enemies under the soles of his feet. 4 But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor resulting threat. 5 I intend to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spoke to David my father, saying, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place shall build the house for my name.’
6 Now therefore command that cedar trees from Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will be with your servants, and I will give you wages for your servants in accordance with whatever you ask. For you know that there is nobody among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.”
7 When Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed is the Lord today, who has given to David a wise son to rule over this great people.” 8 Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, “I have heard the message which you have sent to me. I will do all you desire concerning timber of cedar and concerning cypress timber. 9 My servants will bring them down from Lebanon to the sea. I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place that you specify to me and will cause them to be broken up there, and you will receive them. You will fulfill my desire, in giving food for my household.”
10 So Hiram gave Solomon all the cedar timber and cypress timber he desired. 11 Solomon gave Hiram 100,000 bushels of wheat for food to his household and 110,000 gallons of pure oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year. 12 The Lord gave Solomon wisdom as he promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty together.
Solomon’s Workmen and Laborers
13 King Solomon raised up a labor force from all of Israel of 30,000 forced laborers. 14 He sent them to Lebanon, 10,000 a month in shifts. For a month they were in Lebanon and two months at home, and Adoniram was over the men subject to forced labor. 15 Solomon had 75,000 who carried loads and 80,000 who were stone cutters in the mountains, 16 besides Solomon’s 3,300 chief officers who were over the work, who ruled over the people who labored in the work. 17 The king commanded them to cut out large stones, costly stones, to lay the foundation of the house with cut stone. 18 Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders and the Gebalites cut them and prepared the timber and the stones to build the house.