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 my household.

1 KINGS 5:9KJV
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1 Kings 5:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 5:9 mean?

1 Kings 5:9 describes how King Hiram of Tyre promises to send cedar logs from Lebanon to King Solomon by floating them down the sea to a place Solomon will choose, where Solomon’s workers will collect them. In return, Solomon is to provide food for Hiram’s household as payment for the timber.

In this verse, Hiram is responding to Solomon’s request for building materials for the temple in Jerusalem. Hiram explains the practical arrangement: his servants will transport the logs from the mountains of Lebanon (a region famous for its cedar trees) down to the sea, then float them along the coast to a designated spot. This agreement highlights the cooperation between the two kings and sets up a trade: timber for food supplies.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 5:9

  • The word for “floats” is רָפָה (rāphāh), which refers to rafts or bundles of logs tied together for transport on water. This detail shows the practical method used to move heavy timber over long distances.
  • The word for “discharged” is נָפַל (nāphal), meaning to unload or let fall. This clarifies that the logs would be unfastened and delivered at the spot Solomon chose, not just floated aimlessly.
  • The word for “food” is לֶחֶם (lechem), which means bread or food in general. Here, it refers to the supplies Solomon would provide, showing that the payment was in provisions rather than money.

Why 1 Kings 5:9 matters

  • This verse clears up how ancient international trade and cooperation worked, especially for large building projects like Solomon’s temple.
  • The verse emphasizes the logistical planning and trust between Solomon and Hiram, showing that both sides had clear responsibilities.
  • It connects to the wider passage by showing the beginning of a long partnership between Israel and Tyre, which was crucial for the temple’s construction.

Where else these words appear

“discharged” Hebrew H5310 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 9:19 These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.
  • Isaiah 11:12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.
  • Jeremiah 48:12 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will send unto him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles.

“desire” Hebrew H2656 · used in 38 verses

  • 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
  • Psalms 16:3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
  • Ecclesiastes 12:10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.

“Lebanon” Hebrew H3844 · used in 64 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:7 Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:16 And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.
  • Isaiah 33:9 The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.