1 Kings chapter 5 describes the sourcing of materials and contract negotiations handled by King Solomon before beginning the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Remember, it was King David’s desire to build the temple for the Lord, but God would not allow it. The task fell to Solomon. The chapter begins, “When Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king to succeed his father David, he sent his envoys to Solomon, because he had always been on friendly terms with David“. King Hiram was a developer and business man of global fame at the time and seemed to be able to schmooze with everyone. Although David could not build the temple, he prepared the way for Solomon to succeed. I can’t help but think of the contrast between David serving out of love and Solomon out of obligation. When we serve God out of love, it becomes and act of worship, but when we serve God out of obligation, it is just work. Has your worship been work lately?
Solomon sent word back to Hiram, “You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build a temple for the Name of the Lord… I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the Lord my God“. Without hesitation Solomon placed an order for the finest wood to be used as timbers in the temple. “So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My men will work with yours, and I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set“. I love Hiram’s reply after receiving the “Purchase Order” with no price filled in, “Praise be to the Lord today, for he has given David a wise son to rule over this great nation“. Hiram then set the terms, “I have received the message you sent me and will do all you want in providing the cedar and pine logs… And you are to grant my wish by providing food for my royal household“. And so the contract was complete, “Hiram kept Solomon supplied with all the cedar and pine logs he wanted, and Solomon gave Hiram… wheat as food for his household, in addition to… pressed olive oil. Solomon continued to do this for Hiram year after year“.
The chapter ends with a note that Solomon also sourced “quarry large blocks of quality stone to provide a foundation of dressed stone for the temple“. “The craftsmen of Solomon and Hiram… cut and prepared the timber and stone for the building of the temple“. Perhaps this is a picture of David’s legacy to Solomon. If a father can set a godly foundation and frame for his child’s life, he will pass on a powerful heritage. We are all builders. In Matthew 7:24, Jesus taught “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock“. Is your life being buffeted with wind and rain? Check your foundation.