1 Kings 5:1

1 Kings 5:1 says, And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.  Hiram, who was king of Tyre add had loved David, heard that Solomon had been anointed king in David’s place and sent his servants to him.  When we hear that Jesus Christ has been anointed king forever, we need to come to Him personally.  We cannot send anyone else for us.   Verse two adds, And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,  Verse three continues, Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.  David asked Hiram if he knew of David's desire to build God a house, or temple, but had been denied the right to do so because of all the wars he had fought.  We may have a desire to do something for God and God deny us the right to do so, but if it is something that God wants, He will call someone else to do it.  Verse four states, But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.  Solomon then told Hiram that unlike David, who was constantly at war, that God have given him peace all around.  We as Christians may always be at war with the world, but through faith in Jesus Christ we already have everlasting peace spiritually.  Verse five adds, And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name.  Solomon said he now proposed to build a house dedicated to the name of God, as God had told David his father would happen.  We really aren't told that Solomon ever asked God about this, and we should never make decisions concerning God based on what other people say without talking to Him.  This is just a point to ponder, but did God really want a physical temple, or was He referring to Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, Who referred to Himself as the Temple?  We are told that God does not dwell in temples made by man, so did He really want one or did He simply allow one to be built?  Verse six continues, 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.  Solomon  then ssid he commanded Hiram, who was also a king but evidently inferior to Solomon's kingship according to Matthew Henry, to supply him with cedars of Lebanon to build the Temple from.  Solomon also said that he would provide people to help, but that the people of Israel were not as skilled in cutting timber as the Sidonians were.  We are called to help establish God's kingdom today, but Jesus Christ is the Master Craftsman.  We must look to Him for guidance.  Verse seven declares, And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.  When Hiram heard what Solomon  had to say, he didn't get resentful at Solomon's attitude, but rejoiced greatly and said that God should be blessed for giving David such a wise son. When Jesus Christ calls us to do a work for Him, we should never be resentful,  but should rejoice that the Heavenly Father gave us such a wise Son to follow.  Verse eight adds, And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for: and I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir.  Hiram sent word to Solomon that he would do as Solomon had asked and provide both cedar and fir lumber to build the Temple.  All we can do is give God what He asks of us if we are followers of Christ.  We are to use what He blesses us with to do His work.  Verse nine adds, 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.  Hiram said he would float the wood down to Solomon, and asked that Solomon provide food for his household.  Solomon should not have expected Hiram to provide everything with no cost to Solomon himself.  Likewise, when doing God's work today, if we need help, I believe that He will provide it, but we must still be willing to give to paying the cost of the work.  Jesus Christ gave His life for us, which was the ultimate cost for our salvation, so we should be willing to give our life to Him for His work to be done in the world today, and we can be certain that He will supply our needs.