1 Kings 5:1-7
5:1 When Hiram king [ruled for more than 30 years] of Tyre [the capital of Phoenicia; a major seaport] heard that Solomon had been anointed king to succeed his father David, he [Hiram wanted to maintain the mutually beneficial relationship between the two kingdoms] sent his envoys to Solomon, because he had always been on friendly terms with David [he had sent men and materials to help David construct his palace (2 Sam. 5:11)].

5:2 Solomon sent back this message [perhaps via sealed letter or oral message entrusted to responsible messenger] to Hiram:

5:3 “You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build [David had shed too much blood to build a temple (cf. 1 Chron. 22:8; 28:3)] a temple for [“in honor of” or “to honor the Lord”] the Name [stands for all that the Lord is (His character, His attributes, the essence of His being)] of the LORD [Heb. YHWH: the personal name of God reveled to Moses (Ex. 3:15; 6:3)] his God [Elohim: a plural form for deity (signifies the fullness of the majesty of God)] until the LORD put his enemies under his feet.

5:4 But now the LORD my God has given me [Solomon’s name is Heb. word “shalom” which means “peace” or “wholeness”] rest on every side [cf. 1 Chron. 22:9-10], and there is no adversary [from Heb. word for “satan”; here refers to anyone who might give him trouble] or disaster [Solomon not distracted by wars; did not have to spend resources on wars; could give priority to building project].

5:5 I intend [Solomon wanted to carry out his father’s wishes and God’s will], therefore, to build a temple for [“in honor of” or “to honor the Lord”] the Name of the LORD my God, as the LORD told my father David, when he said [cf. 1 Chron. 28:6], ‘Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.’

Note: What does it mean to honor the Lord? List practical ways in which you can honor the Lord.

5:6 “So give orders that cedars of Lebanon [used in royal building projects (2 Sam. 5:11; 1 Kings 6:9); ideal building material that resisted dry rot and insects, had a grain suitable for carving, and had a pleasant fragrance] be cut for me. My men will work with yours, and I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set. You know that [Solomon knew when to seek help from others] we have no one so skilled in felling timber as the Sidonians [from city of Sidon in Phoenicia].”

5:7 When Hiram heard Solomon’s message, he was greatly pleased and said, “Praise be to the LORD [Hiram probably worshiped Baal yet recognized the Lord as Israel’s God] today, for he has given David a wise son to rule over this great nation.”