 1 King Hiram of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, for he had heard that they had anointed him king instead of his father. For Hiram always loved David. 2 Solomon sent to Hiram saying, 3 You know how David my father could not build a house to the name of the Lord his God because of the wars that were around him on every side, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. 4 But now the Lord my God has given me rest all around. There is no foe nor evil happening. 5 Behold, I purpose to build a house to the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spoke to David my father saying, Your son whom I will set on your throne in your place, he shall build a house to my name. 6 Now command that they cut me cedar trees out of Lebanon, and my servants shall be with your servants. And I will give you hire for your servants according to all that you shall say. For you know that not a man among us can cut timber like the Sidonians. 7 When Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, Blessed be the Lord this day, who has given David a wise son over this great people. 8 Hiram sent to Solomon saying, I have heard that for which you sent to me. I will do all your desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir. 9 My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon to the sea. And I will bring them by sea in floats to the place that you shall name. And I will cause them to be left there, and you shall receivethem. And you shall fulfill my desire in giving food for my household. 10 Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees, all his desire. 11 Solomon gave Hiram 20,000 measures of wheat for food for his household, and 20 measures of pure oil. So Solomon gave to Hiram year by year. 12 The Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as He promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon. And the two of them made a treaty together. 13 King Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel. And the labor force was 30,000 men. 14 He sent them to Lebanon, 10,000 a month, by courses. They were a month in Lebanon, and two months at home. And Adoniram was over the labor force. 15 Solomon had 70,000 who bore burdens, and 80,000 woodcutters in the mountains, 16 besides the chief of Solomon's overseers who were over the work, 3,300 who ruled over the people who labored in the work. 17 The king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, cut stones, to lay the foundation of the house. 18 Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders and the Giblites cut out and prepared the timber and the stones to build the house.
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