Bible Commentaries

But now the LORD my God hath given me ^a rest on every side, [so that there is] neither adversary nor evil occurrent.

(a) He declares that he was bound to set forth God's glory for as much as the Lord had sent him rest and peace.

Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give ^b hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that [there is] not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians.

(b) This was his equity, that he would not receive a benefit without some recompence.

And it came to pass, when ^c Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed [be] the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.

(c) In Hiram is prefigured the calling of the Gentiles who would help build the spiritual temple.

My servants shall bring [them] down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive [them]: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for ^d my household.

(d) While my servants are occupied with your business.

And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they ^e two made a league together.

(e) Concerning the furniture of wood.

And Solomon's builders and Hiram's ^f builders did hew [them], and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.

(f) The Hebrew word is Giblim, which some say were excellent masons.