"And behold, I propose to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lordspoke to my father David, saying, “Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, he shall build the house for My name.” 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." vv.5-6
Read chapter 5
Hiram was not an Israelite but a king of Tyre of the Phonesians. He loved king David as noted here but also seen in 2 Samuel 5:11 when timber was sent to help build David's house. This is said to be Hiram's son who was now king of Tyre. Solomon was to build the house of the Lord, the Temple, as directed by God to David. "It should be noticed that between the narrative in Kings and Chronicles there is a marked difference here. The former says nothing about the preparations which David had made for building the Temple, but makes the preparation commence under Solomon. In Chronicles David is represented as making great preparations before his death. Cf. 1 Chronicles 29:6-9; 2 Chronicles 2:3-7 and with 1 Kings 6:2 compare 2 Chronicles 3:3" (Cambridge Bible Commentary).
Cedar trees from Lebanon were for their soundness, and strength, and fragrancy, and durable-ness, were most proper for his design. The skill of the Sidonians is noted in other ancient historical writings. There were not only to cut down trees and bring them to Solomon but helped in carving and building of this intricate house to be built. Solomon would pay whatever was deemed by Hiram.
When building something for the Lord it wasn't something to go cheap on but to go all out? You may not have the means to buy the most expensive things in ministry to God but how can you "go all out" in what you do for the Lord?
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