Solomon Gives Back to God & Prepares to Build the Temple (1 Kings 5 & 2 Chron. 2)

Solomon decided to build a house for God and for himself (2 Chron. 2:1). Unlike his father, David, Solomon had being given peace on every side from God (vs. 4). This house would be dedicated to God to burn fragrant incense before Him, set out the showbread continually and offer burn offerings (2 Chron. 2:4).


Solomon contacted Hiram, King of Tyre to get the timber (vs. 6-7) since Hiram had provided it to David and he know Hiram had skilled workers (2 Chron. 2:3). He also requested Hiram send a skilled workman to work in gold, silver, brass, iron and fabrics (2 Chron. 2:7).

Hiram rejoiced at Solomon’s request, proclaimed Solomon’s wisdom (vs. 7) and agreed to send Solomon the wood and workers (2 Chron. 2:13-14). He took the wood down from Lebanon, made it into rafts (vs. 9) sent them by sea to Joppa. Solomon’s workers (see paragraph below) carried the wood to Jerusalem (2 Chron. 2:16). In return Hiram asked Solomon for food: 20,000 kors of crushed wheat, 20,000 kors of barley and 20,000 baths of wine and 20,000 baths of oil (2 Chron. 2:10).

His workers included all 153,600 aliens (they became forced workers) – 70, 000 carried loads, 80, 000 quarried stones in the mountains and 3,600 supervisors (2 Chron. 2:17-18). Adoniram (from 1 Kings 4:6) was over these workers (vs. 14). There were also 3,300 chief deputies over the project (vs. 16).

Question to Ponder: Solomon continues to be blessed as God promised; in his wisdom Solomon used the riches and state of his country both provided by God to glorify the Lord in preparing to build a Temple to worship Him. We should view all we are given as blessings from God and use them as an opportunity to give back to Him. How can we give back to God?