1 Kings 5 6

1 Kings 5:6 kjv

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.

1 Kings 5:6 nkjv

Now therefore, command that they cut down cedars for me from Lebanon; and my servants will be with your servants, and I will pay you wages for your servants according to whatever you say. For you know there is none among us who has skill to cut timber like the Sidonians.

1 Kings 5:6 niv

"So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My men will work with yours, and I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set. You know that we have no one so skilled in felling timber as the Sidonians."

1 Kings 5:6 esv

Now therefore command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. And my servants will join your servants, and I will pay you for your servants such wages as you set, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians."

1 Kings 5:6 nlt

"Therefore, please command that cedars from Lebanon be cut for me. Let my men work alongside yours, and I will pay your men whatever wages you ask. As you know, there is no one among us who can cut timber like you Sidonians!"

1 Kings 5 verses

1 Kings 5 6 Meaning

This verse records King Solomon's formal request to Hiram, King of Tyre, to supply cedar timber from Lebanon and provide skilled laborers for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon proposes a cooperative arrangement where his servants would work alongside Hiram's, and he promises to pay the requested wages for Hiram's workforce. The request is based on the acknowledged superior expertise of the Sidonians (Phoenicians) in felling and processing timber, a skill not readily available within Israel.

1 Kings 5 6 Context

1 Kings chapter 5 sets the stage for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. King David had desired to build a permanent house for the Lord, but God ordained that his son, Solomon, would undertake this monumental task (2 Sam 7; 1 Chr 22). Upon ascending the throne, Solomon reaffirmed his father's intentions and, having secured a period of peace through God-given wisdom (1 Kgs 4:24-25), he initiates diplomatic relations with Hiram, the long-standing king of Tyre (Phoenicia). Verse 6 specifically details Solomon's precise request to Hiram for materials and skilled labor, recognizing Tyre's natural resources and the specialized skills of the Phoenicians (referred to as Sidonians here), particularly in logging. This verse demonstrates a respectful alliance between two sovereign nations, built on mutual recognition of resources and skills, and highlights the logistical and collaborative efforts required for a project of such divine significance.

1 Kings 5 6 Word analysis

• Now therefore command: Solomon uses formal, diplomatic language, reflecting the established protocols between monarchs. The Hebrew ṣaw (צַו) carries the weight of a royal directive but within a negotiated treaty context, implying mutual benefit rather than coercion.

• that they cut for me cedars from Lebanon:

  • cut: Hebrew kārat (כָּרַת), implies skilled felling, not mere hacking.
  • for me: This indicates Solomon's personal project (the Temple for Yahweh, but undertaken by him).
  • cedars (אָרְזִים - 'ărazîm): Specifically Cedrus libani, renowned for its grandeur, durability, aromatic quality, and resistance to decay. They were highly prized for grand construction due to their strength and size, and their import was a massive undertaking. Symbolically, they represented strength, majesty, and enduring presence in the ancient Near East.
  • from Lebanon (לְבָנוֹן - lěvānôn): The mountain range north of Israel, historically part of Phoenician territory, was the primary source of these valuable cedars. This identifies the specific source and reinforces Phoenicia's control over these vital natural resources.

• and my servants will be with your servants: This implies a cooperative labor force. Solomon is not simply buying wood; he is proposing a joint operation, allowing his people to learn from the more skilled Phoenicians and perhaps assist with the sheer volume of work. It speaks to a partnership rather than mere employer-employee relationship.

• and I will pay you the wages (שְׂכַר - sek̲ar) of your servants: Solomon affirms a fair, paid transaction for labor. This contrasts with later practices of forced labor for general projects (e.g., 1 Kgs 9:20-22). The emphasis on wages highlights the value placed on skilled labor and the integrity of the alliance.

• according to all that you shall say: Solomon grants Hiram the right to determine the compensation. This shows Solomon's trust, generosity, and deference to Hiram's knowledge of market rates and labor costs, fostering good relations. It's a significant concession reflecting respect for Tyre's economic and craft authority.

• for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber (לִכְרֹות עֵצִים - likhrōt 'ētzîm) like the Sidonians (צִידֹנִים - tsîḏōnîm).

  • you know: Acknowledgment of shared knowledge and reality. Solomon is appealing to a self-evident fact, flattering Hiram and solidifying the premise of his request.
  • no one among us: This is an explicit admission of a skill deficit within Israel regarding specialized logging. It points to a limitation within Israelite society at that time, and God's provision using foreign expertise.
  • cut timber (literally "cut wood"): More generally, refers to felling, processing, and shaping logs, implying comprehensive forestry skills.
  • the Sidonians: While Hiram was King of Tyre, Sidon was an older, prominent Phoenician city-state, and the term "Sidonians" often referred to Phoenicians in general in biblical texts (Gen 10:19, Jdg 18:7). This acknowledges the deep-rooted and specialized expertise of the Phoenicians as a whole in shipbuilding, commerce, and by extension, large-scale logging, which was integral to their maritime trade. Their mastery of this craft was unparalleled in the region.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "command that they cut for me cedars from Lebanon": This phrase encapsulates the strategic importance of Solomon's request. It's not a casual ask but a kingly decree rooted in necessity and alliance, targeting a specific, high-value natural resource from a foreign king's territory for a divine purpose.
  • "my servants will be with your servants, and I will pay you the wages of your servants": This outlines a practical and ethical framework for the labor arrangement. It signifies partnership, resource sharing, and fair economic compensation, establishing a foundation of trust and mutual benefit, avoiding exploitation.
  • "for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians": This is the justification and persuasive element of Solomon's appeal. It demonstrates humility and a pragmatic recognition of specialized foreign expertise essential for God's house, acknowledging divine providence using various means. It is an honest appraisal of regional skills.

1 Kings 5 6 Bonus section

• The relationship between Solomon and Hiram in 1 Kings is a model of peaceful inter-national relations, often cited as an example of diplomacy facilitated by shared economic interests and mutual respect, which was unusual for the period marked by frequent conflicts.
• The vast scale of the Temple project meant immense logistical challenges. The transportation of these massive cedar logs from the Lebanese mountains, possibly floated down the coast and then hauled overland to Jerusalem (1 Kgs 5:9), would have been a massive feat requiring advanced organization and labor.
• This specific verse lays the groundwork for the future extensive trade and maritime ventures between Solomon's kingdom and Tyre (1 Kgs 9:26-28; 10:22), showcasing an economic partnership that expanded beyond just temple materials.
• While God had given Israel the land, the fact that a non-Israelite nation supplied essential materials and skills for the building of God's dwelling emphasizes God's sovereignty over all creation and nations, and His ability to provide for His purposes through any means He chooses.

1 Kings 5 6 Commentary

1 Kings 5:6 reveals King Solomon's strategic and divinely inspired wisdom in initiating the construction of God's Temple. Understanding that Israel, despite its prosperity under Solomon, lacked the specific large-scale logging and timber processing expertise required for such a monumental undertaking, Solomon turned to King Hiram of Tyre. This alliance underscores the practical realities of temple building: it demanded resources and specialized skills not limited to Israel. Solomon's willingness to acknowledge Phoenician superiority in this specific craft and commit to fair wages (a principle rooted in Israelite law for daily workers) demonstrates not only shrewd diplomacy but also respect for foreign nations and their distinct contributions. The meticulous sourcing of Lebanese cedars and the engagement of skilled Sidonian timbermen highlight the high standard Solomon intended for the Lord's dwelling, recognizing God's provision even through external means and partnerships.