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 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.

1 KINGS 5:6KJV
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1 Kings 5:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 5:6 mean?

1 Kings 5:6 records Solomon asking the king of Tyre to command his workers to cut cedar trees from Lebanon for Solomon’s building project, promising fair payment and acknowledging that the Sidonians are the most skilled timber workers. Solomon recognizes the expertise of the Sidonians and seeks their help for the temple construction by offering cooperation and wages.

In this verse, Solomon is writing to Hiram, king of Tyre, as he prepares to build the temple in Jerusalem. Solomon’s request is practical: he wants the famous cedar wood from Lebanon and the skilled labor of the Sidonians, who were known for their craftsmanship. This shows Solomon’s respect for their abilities and his willingness to work together, not just demand resources.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 5:6

  • "hew" (כָּרַת, karat): This word means "to cut" or "to hew down," specifically referring to cutting trees. It highlights the skilled, manual labor involved, not just gathering wood but carefully preparing it for construction.
  • "trees" (אֶרֶז, erez): This refers to the cedar trees of Lebanon, prized in the ancient world for their strength and quality. The choice of this specific wood shows Solomon’s intent to use the best materials.
  • "Sidonians" (צִידֹנִי, tsidoni): The Sidonians were people from Sidon, a city near Tyre, famous for their expertise in timber work. Solomon’s mention of them underlines their reputation and why he sought their help.

Why 1 Kings 5:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Solomon did not rely solely on Israelite workers or materials but sought international cooperation and the best resources available for the temple.
  • It highlights the value of skilled labor and fair compensation, as Solomon promises to pay Hiram’s workers as requested.
  • The verse connects to the broader story of the temple’s construction, showing the lengths Solomon went to ensure quality and excellence in building a house for God.