God established Solomon firmly on the throne of the nation of Israel. When Hiram—king of Tyre—heard this, he sent envoys to Solomon. He had been on friendly terms with Solomon’s father, King David. Hiram had provided timber in the past so that David could build a palace for himself. Thus, Hiram wanted to continue friendly relations with Solomon. This reminded King Solomon of God’s promise to David about building a temple. So, he asked Hiram for assistance in cutting timber. Hiram, despite being a pagan, readily agreed to help build the temple. This would be Solomon’s expression of thanksgiving to the Lord his God for all he had done for him and the nation of Israel.

Solomon spared no expense in building the temple. He furnished King Hiram with copious amounts of wheat and olive oil in exchange for cedar and juniper logs. He also conscripted laborers from all Israel to help with carrying and cutting stone. Solomon, in his God-given wisdom, was able to maintain peaceful, friendly relations with the nation of Tyre and to involve the whole nation in the building of the temple to the Lord.
Application: Father, thank you for the wisdom you gave to King Solomon. Bless us that we may build temples in our hearts to you.
One Word: Build a temple to the Lord in your heart