1. Solomon's declaration (1-5)

King Solomon did not forget his father David's great desire to build a temple for the Lord. Solomon made this task his own. He would build a temple for the Name of the Lord. This would not only fulfill his father's desire, but would also fulfill God's word of promise. This was his mission from God.

2. Hiram of Tyre (6-18)

Solomon sought the best materials and the most skilled craftsmen he could get. He wrote to his father's friend Hiram of Tyre and asked his help. Hiram praised God for giving David such a wise son. Solomon paid a fair price for the timber and stone, and for the labor provided by Hiram. He thus maintained peaceful relations. However, he pressed his own people into forced labor. It was an emergency measure, but later it caused trouble.

Application: Lord, help us to fulfill the vision of our forefathers who worked and prayed for America to be like a 'city on a hill.' Bless our children to become second generation missionaries and shepherds.
One Word: For the glory of God