1 Kings 5:1-18 AMPC

[1] Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, when he heard that he was anointed king in place of his father, for Hiram always loved David. [2] And 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 wars were about him on every side, until the Lord put his foes under his feet. [4] But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil confronting me. [5] And I purpose to build a house to the Name of the Lord my God, as the Lord said to David my father, Your son whom I will set on your throne in your place shall build the house to My Name and Presence. [6] So, Hiram, command them to hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; my servants shall join yours, and I will give you whatever wages you set for your servants. For you know that no one among us can equal the skill of the Sidon men in cutting timber. [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 to be over this great people. [8] And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things for which you sent to me; I will do all you wish concerning the cedar and cypress timber. [9] My servants shall bring the logs down from Lebanon to the sea, make them into rafts, and float them by sea to the place that you direct. I will have them released there, and you shall take them away. And you shall fulfill my desire by providing food for my household. [10] So Hiram gave Solomon all the cedar and cypress trees he desired, [11] And Solomon gave Hiram 20,000 measures of wheat for food for his household, and 20 measures of pure, beaten oil. He gave these to Hiram yearly. [12] The Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as He promised him; and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and they made a treaty. [13] King Solomon raised a levy [of forced labor] out of all Israel; and the levy was 30,000 men. [14] He sent them to Lebanon, 10,000 a month by divisions; one month they were in Lebanon and two months at home. Adoniram was over the levy. [15] And Solomon had 70,000 burden bearers and 80,000 hewers [of stone] in the hill country of Judah, [16] Besides Solomon's 3,300 overseers in charge of the people doing the work. [17] The king commanded, and they hewed and brought out great, costly stones in order to lay the foundation of the house with dressed stone. [18] Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders and the men of Gebal did the hewing and prepared the timber and stones to build the house.