1 Kings 5:2–11

²Then ^cSolomon sent to Hiram, saying:

^3dYou know how my father David could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God ^ebecause of the wars which were fought against him on every side, until the Lord put ¹his foes under the soles of his feet.

⁴But now the Lord my God has given me ^frest ²on every side; there is neither adversary nor ³evil occurrence.

^5gAnd behold, ⁴I propose to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, ^has 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.”

⁶Now therefore, command that they cut down ⁱcedars 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.

⁷So 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!

⁸Then 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.

⁹My servants shall bring them down ^jfrom Lebanon to the sea; I will float them in rafts by sea to the place you indicate to me, and will have them broken apart there; then you can take them away. And you shall fulfill my desire ^kby giving food for my household.

¹⁰Then Hiram gave Solomon cedar and cypress logs according to all his desire. ^11lAnd Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand ⁵kors of wheat as food for his household, and ⁶twenty kors of pressed oil. Thus Solomon gave to Hiram year by year.