And behold, I propose to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spoke 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.” 1 Kings 5:5
–> Solomon honors God first with his best.
Solomon’s Agreement with King Hiram
Solomon strengthens relations with Tyre and contracts for materials with which to build the temple that David had dreamed of erecting (5:1-2). Solomon drafts thousands of Israelite workers, and in the fourth year of his reign (968 B.C.), begins construction (6:1-7). The structure is magnificent, of the best marble and cedar wood, richly adorned with gold overlay and furnished with gold furniture. The project takes 7 years.
David and Hiram (5:1-6). David had developed close commercial relationships with Tyre (cf. 2 Sam. 5:11). Solomon’s note about the temple begins, “You know,” suggesting that David had shared his dream of building a
Tyre. Jerusalem.
temple with Hiram as we’ll, and that the two may have been friends. Solomon’s promise to pay “whatever wages you set” suggests a continuing bond of trust between two rulers.
Solomon carefully natures his relationship with Hiram, who will supply not only the wood, but the skilled craftsmen to train Solomon’s people in the skills needed to build the temple.
1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, because he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram had always loved David. 2 Then Solomon sent to Hiram, saying: 3 You know how my father David could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the wars which were fought against him on every side, until the Lord put his foes under the soles of his feet. 4 But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor evil occurrence. 5 And behold, I propose to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spoke 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.”
. 7 So it was, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly and said, Blessed be the Lord this day, for He has given David a wise son over this great people!
12 So the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him; and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty together….
–> Careful preparation is called for when we undertake any task but especially if it is done in the name of or for the Lord. More importantly, it is important to understand why God did not allow David to build a temple for Him. Wars and shedding of blood may be necessary but it is considered unclean according to God. We should make distinction between what is clean and unclean. The temple where our meeting with God takes place cannot be built by unclean hands (and unclean heart). By not allowing David to build His temple, God is teaching us this important lesson.
Unlike David, we have the blood of Jesus Christ to cover our sins and make us clean again. We don’t have to wait for the next generation to start a project.
You know how my father David could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the wars which were fought against him on every side, until the Lord put his foes under the soles of his feet. 1 Kings 5:3
