 Previous Chapter |
 Return to Outline |
 Ask Questions |
 Next Chapter |
Chapter 5 records the beginning of the great work for which God had called Solomon, the building of the Temple. His father, David, had supplied gold and silver in abundance but timber and building stone had to be acquired as well as trades people. For this, Solomon sought the aid of an old friend of his fathers, Hiram, King of Tyre. Tyre was a seaport city in Phoenicia. It was described by Isaiah as a "joyous city" whose merchants were Princes and whose people were honorable. It lay on the N-W boarder of Tribe of Asher. David and Solomon were both in friendly alliance with King Hiram.
The cities tradesmen were noted for their expertise in architecture, wood, stone and metal work. Solomon sent a group of businessmen to Tyre to confer with Hiram. They informed Hiram of Solomon's intention to build a Temple and of his desire to have Hiram to assist him. Hiram was delighted that one so wise would come to him for his assistance, so he agreed to assist Solomon in any way that he could.
Hiram agreed to cut and transport cedar timbers down the coast to whatever port Solomon stipulated. In return, Solomon would furnish room and board for his men. Solomon sent laborers to Tyre to help the Phoenicians, some 30,000 were sent. They worked in shifts, 10,000 at a time. He also sent 3,300 overseers as well as slaves from other countries for the burdensome task of cutting stone.
Solomon himself supervised the laying of the foundation of the Temple. Only the very best of stone was use, large stones without flaws. Even though it could not be seen when the job was finished, it was most important. "No better foundation can any man lay than Christ."
Previous Chapter |
Return to Outline |
Ask Questions |
Next Chapter |