1 Kings 5:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 5:10 mean?

1 Kings 5:10 describes how Hiram, the king of Tyre, provided Solomon with all the cedar and fir trees that Solomon requested for his building projects. This verse shows a cooperative agreement where Hiram fulfilled everything Solomon asked for, supplying the timber needed for construction.

In the setting of this verse, Solomon is preparing to build the temple in Jerusalem and other important structures. He reaches out to Hiram, known for access to high-quality timber from Lebanon, and Hiram responds generously. The verse highlights the practical arrangements and international cooperation involved in Solomon’s building plans.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 5:10

• The word for "gave" (נָתַן, natan) emphasizes that Hiram is actively supplying or delivering the materials, not just agreeing to the request.
• The word for "cedar" (אֶרֶז, ’erez) refers to the famous, durable cedar trees of Lebanon, prized for construction and symbolizing quality.
• The word for "fir" (בְּרוֹשׁ, berosh) points to another valuable type of wood, often understood as cypress or a similar tree, also used in important buildings.
• The word for "desire" (חֵפֶץ, chephets) means what Solomon wished or wanted, showing that Hiram met Solomon’s exact requests without holding back.

Why 1 Kings 5:10 matters

• This verse clarifies that Solomon’s temple and other buildings were possible because of international alliances and resources, not just local materials.
• The verse emphasizes Hiram’s generosity and reliability, which sets the tone for the positive relationship between Tyre and Israel during Solomon’s reign.
• Understanding the types of wood and the fulfillment of Solomon’s requests helps readers appreciate the scale and quality of the temple project described in the following chapters.