Bible Commentaries
1 Kings 5

Verses 1-18

Solomon turned his attention to building the Temple immediately after he had set his kingdom in order. The first movement in this direction was the treaty with Hiram, and sending relays of men to the forests and quarries to prepare the timber and the stones for the structure. This treaty with Hiram was the result of a legacy of friendship which David had bequeathed him.

It is evident that Solomon appreciated the real purpose of his coming to the throne as he declared that he purposed in his heart to build this dwelling place for God in accordance with the divine word spoken to his father. The time was now opportune, for the nation was at peace, Solomon's own description of conditions being very significant, "But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary, nor evil occurrence."

The greatness of the work thus undertaken is revealed by the final paragraph in the chapter, with its account of the enormous amount of labor employed.