1. Solomon wants to build a temple for God (1-6)

Hiram king of Tyre had been friendly with King David and so he sent envoys to Solomon. Solomon responded with his desire to build the temple. David was unable to build the temple because of wars. But God had promised David that his successor would build the temple. God blessed Solomon in every way. In response, Solomon wanted to build a temple for the LORD his God. He asked Hiram for timber and proposed terms.

2. A successful treaty and the work begins (7-18)

Hiram agreed to supply Solomon with timber. Solomon agreed to provide food for Hiram's household. Because of the LORD's wisdom to Solomon, there were peaceful and mutually beneficial relations between Israel and Tyre. Then Solomon sent 30,000 conscripted men to work alongside Hiram's men. Over 150,000 worked in quarries to prepare stone. Work on God's temple had finally begun.