1 Kings 5:8 kjv
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.
1 Kings 5:8 nkjv
Then Hiram sent to Solomon, saying: I have considered the message which you sent me, and I will do all you desire concerning the cedar and cypress logs.
1 Kings 5:8 niv
So Hiram sent word to Solomon: "I have received the message you sent me and will do all you want in providing the cedar and juniper logs.
1 Kings 5:8 esv
And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, "I have heard the message that you have sent to me. I am ready to do all you desire in the matter of cedar and cypress timber.
1 Kings 5:8 nlt
Then he sent this reply to Solomon: "I have received your message, and I will supply all the cedar and cypress timber you need.
1 Kings 5 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Kgs 5:6 | Solomon sent word to Hiram, "You know that David... could not build a house..." | Solomon's initial request to Hiram |
| 1 Kgs 5:9 | "My servants will bring them down... take them from there..." | Hiram's practical plan for timber delivery |
| 1 Kgs 5:10 | So Hiram supplied Solomon with all the timber... | Fulfillment of Hiram's promise |
| 1 Kgs 3:13 | "I will also give you what you have not asked, both wealth and honor..." | God's blessing beyond Solomon's request |
| 1 Kgs 4:29-30 | God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding... wider than sands... | God gifted Solomon with great wisdom |
| 2 Sam 7:13 | "He is the one who will build a house for My Name..." | God's promise to David about Solomon building Temple |
| 1 Chr 22:8-10 | David told Solomon, "...son will build My house..." | David's charge to Solomon to build Temple |
| 2 Chr 2:3 | Solomon sent to Huram king of Tyre, "As you dealt with David my father..." | Parallel account, Solomon sends to Huram |
| 2 Chr 2:16 | "And we will cut whatever timber you need from Lebanon..." | Parallel account, Huram's confirming response |
| Isa 60:6 | "...the wealth of the nations shall come to you." | Nations bringing wealth to Jerusalem |
| Hag 1:8 | "Go up to the hills and bring timber..." | Command to gather materials for Temple |
| Ezr 3:7 | Gave money... to the Sidonians and Tyrians to bring cedar logs from Lebanon | Similar use of Tyrians for Temple materials |
| Ps 72:10 | "May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute..." | Kings bringing gifts to a righteous ruler |
| Ps 122:7 | "May peace be within your walls..." | Desire for peace and prosperity in Jerusalem |
| Zec 6:15 | "And those who are far off shall come and help to build the Temple..." | Gentiles participating in building God's house |
| Acts 10:34-35 | God shows no partiality, but in every nation whoever fears Him... | God uses people from all nations |
| Isa 2:2 | "and all nations shall flow to it." | Nations coming to the Lord's house |
| Ps 29:5-6 | "The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars... like a young wild ox." | The power of God, often associated with cedars |
| Jer 22:23 | "You who dwell in Lebanon, nested among the cedars..." | Cedar representing wealth/prominence |
| Ezek 27:8-9 | "The inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad were your oarsmen... wise men..." | Tyre's seafaring and skilled personnel |
| Rom 15:10 | "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!" | Gentiles included in God's plan |
| Gen 21:27 | Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. | Example of a formal covenant between leaders |
1 Kings 5 verses
1 Kings 5 8 Meaning
This verse records King Hiram of Tyre's swift and favorable response to King Solomon's request for cedar and cypress timber from Lebanon for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Hiram expresses that he has fully received and understood Solomon's message and pledges to fulfill all of Solomon's desires concerning the requested timber. It signifies the commencement of a vital collaboration between the two nations, orchestrated by divine providence for the sacred task of building God's house.
1 Kings 5 8 Context
1 Kings chapter 5 details King Solomon's initial preparations for building the Temple in Jerusalem. After securing his kingdom and establishing peace (1 Kgs 4), Solomon turned his attention to fulfilling his father David's long-cherished dream of constructing a permanent house for the Lord (1 Kgs 5:3). This specific verse is Hiram's prompt and positive reply to Solomon's communication. It marks a critical step, demonstrating not only Hiram's cooperative spirit but also God's orchestration of international relations to achieve His purposes. The long-standing peaceful relationship between Hiram and David (1 Kgs 5:1), rooted in Hiram's affection for David, facilitated this vital alliance. This collaboration, centered on providing rare and valuable materials for a divine project, underlines the theme of God's universal sovereignty, using both His chosen people and gentile rulers to advance His kingdom.
1 Kings 5 8 Word analysis
- So Hiram sent word to Solomon,: This phrase initiates the direct response from King Hiram.
- Hiram (חִירָם - Khiyram): King of Tyre, a major Phoenician city-state known for its naval power, trade, and skilled artisans. He was a long-time ally of David, showing loyalty that continued to Solomon. His name often appears as Huram in Chronicles.
- sent word (וַיִּשְׁלַח חִירָם אֶל־שְׁלֹמֹה - va-yishlaḥ Ḥiram el-Shelomoh): The Hebrew verb "shalach" (שָׁלַח) means "to send" or "to stretch out." Here, it indicates the dispatching of an official message, likely through envoys, signifying a formal diplomatic exchange. This implies the respect and seriousness of the communication.
- saying, "I have heard the message that you sent to me: This clause immediately acknowledges Solomon's communication, confirming its reception and understanding.
- saying (לֵאמֹר - le'mor): A common Hebrew idiom preceding direct speech.
- I have heard (שָׁמַעְתִּי - shamaʿti): The verb "shama" (שָׁמַע) means "to hear," but in this context, it implies not just physical hearing but also understanding, comprehending, and taking note. Hiram grasped the essence and magnitude of Solomon's request.
- message that you sent to me: The specific content of Solomon's letter requesting cedars and cypresses (1 Kgs 5:6). The immediate confirmation indicates efficiency and attentiveness.
- And I will do all you desire concerning cedar timber and cypress timber.: This is Hiram's pledge of full compliance.
- I will do (אֶעֱשֶׂה - e'eseh): The verb "asah" (עָשָׂה) means "to do," "make," or "perform." Here, it signifies a commitment to active execution and fulfillment of the request.
- all you desire (כָּל־חֶפְצְךָ - kol-ḥefṣĕkhā): This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of Hiram's agreement. "ḥefetz" (חֵפֶץ) means desire, delight, pleasure, or purpose. Hiram is not just partially agreeing but is fully aligning his resources with Solomon's specific requirements, highlighting the warmth and totality of their alliance. This goes beyond mere business transaction; it conveys goodwill and eagerness to assist.
- cedar timber (בַּעֲצֵי אֲרָזִים - ba'aṣēy arāzīm): Refers to the famed cedars of Lebanon (scientific name: Cedrus libani), highly prized in the ancient world for their durability, fragrance, impressive size, and resistance to decay and insects. They were symbols of majesty, strength, and resilience, ideal for royal and sacred buildings. Their transport was a major logistical undertaking.
- cypress timber (וּבַעֲצֵי בְרוֹשִׁים - u'va'aṣēy berošîm): Likely refers to Juniper or Pine. This wood was often used alongside cedar, perhaps for less exposed structural elements or interior finishing. It was also durable and desirable, complementing the use of cedars.
1 Kings 5 8 Bonus section
The partnership between Solomon and Hiram for the Temple construction was mutually beneficial. While Hiram provided the essential raw materials (cedar and cypress) and likely skilled craftsmen (as seen later in Hiram's response, 1 Kgs 7:13-14), Solomon provided agricultural provisions (wheat and olive oil, 1 Kgs 5:11) and territory. This highlights ancient Near Eastern political-economic models based on reciprocal trade and alliances, not conquest. The reliance on Tyrian expertise for felling trees, transporting them by sea, and even for various craftsmanship later on, indicates Israel's willingness to learn from and utilize the best available skills, aligning with a practical approach to achieving the sacred goal. The narrative subtly conveys that God's plans are grand and may involve collaboration across national and cultural lines.
1 Kings 5 8 Commentary
1 Kings 5:8 demonstrates a crucial diplomatic moment for the ambitious Temple project. Hiram's immediate and unequivocal positive response showcases the strong pre-existing alliance between the two kings, initially forged with David, and emphasizes his understanding of the importance of Solomon's divine mandate. The King of Tyre's complete willingness to supply the best timber, not just for a royal palace but for the house of the Lord, signifies God's hand at work in even international relations. It reflects divine wisdom being given to Solomon not only to rule Israel but also to navigate foreign policy successfully, ensuring the necessary resources were available for constructing a structure worthy of the God of Israel. This cooperation illustrates how God can use individuals and nations, even outside the direct covenant people, to fulfill His sacred purposes, highlighting His universal sovereignty and the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate plans.