Solomon’s request shows his recognition of the Sidonians’ gifts and underscores his resolve to build a worthy house for the Lord.
“Now therefore, command that they cut for me cedars from Lebanon, and my servants will be with your servants; and I will give you wages for your servants according to all that you say, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.” (v.6)
In this verse, King Solomon (who reigned from about 971 BC to 931 BC as David’s son and successor) conveys his intention to build a magnificent structure for the Lord in Jerusalem. He declares, “command that they cut for me cedars from Lebanon” (v.6), summoning the region’s fabled lumber to carry out the construction. Lebanon was a mountainous area north of Israel, renowned for trees of exceptional quality. Its cedars were known for their impressive strength and durability, making them ideal for large-scale building projects (1 Kings 6:9-10). Solomon appeals to the Sidonians’ legendary timber-cutting expertise, acknowledging that no one in Israel could match their skill.
By inviting laborers from outside his dominion, Solomon shows his willingness to pay fairly—“I will give you wages for your servants according to all that you say” (v.6). This arrangement between Solomon and the Sidonians reflects the importance of cooperation in fulfilling a divine task, as Solomon’s plans to build the temple required not only biblical fidelity but also practical means and resources. The cedars of Lebanon would feature prominently in the temple’s construction, symbolizing both earthly prestige and a dedication to honor God with the very best materials available.
In a broader sense, Solomon’s temple foreshadows God’s desire to dwell among His people—a concept ultimately expressed in the New Testament when Jesus speaks of His body as the temple (John 2:19). Just as Solomon employed the skilled efforts of the Sidonians, believers likewise labor together in unity to create a space where God’s presence is experienced and glorified (Ephesians 2:21-22). The verse highlights the partnership between nations, the rightful use of resources, and a servant’s heart devoted to fulfilling God’s calling.
Set to dark mode
1 Kings 5:6 meaning
“Now therefore, command that they cut for me cedars from Lebanon, and my servants will be with your servants; and I will give you wages for your servants according to all that you say, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.” (v.6)
In this verse, King Solomon (who reigned from about 971 BC to 931 BC as David’s son and successor) conveys his intention to build a magnificent structure for the Lord in Jerusalem. He declares, “command that they cut for me cedars from Lebanon” (v.6), summoning the region’s fabled lumber to carry out the construction. Lebanon was a mountainous area north of Israel, renowned for trees of exceptional quality. Its cedars were known for their impressive strength and durability, making them ideal for large-scale building projects (1 Kings 6:9-10). Solomon appeals to the Sidonians’ legendary timber-cutting expertise, acknowledging that no one in Israel could match their skill.
By inviting laborers from outside his dominion, Solomon shows his willingness to pay fairly—“I will give you wages for your servants according to all that you say” (v.6). This arrangement between Solomon and the Sidonians reflects the importance of cooperation in fulfilling a divine task, as Solomon’s plans to build the temple required not only biblical fidelity but also practical means and resources. The cedars of Lebanon would feature prominently in the temple’s construction, symbolizing both earthly prestige and a dedication to honor God with the very best materials available.
In a broader sense, Solomon’s temple foreshadows God’s desire to dwell among His people—a concept ultimately expressed in the New Testament when Jesus speaks of His body as the temple (John 2:19). Just as Solomon employed the skilled efforts of the Sidonians, believers likewise labor together in unity to create a space where God’s presence is experienced and glorified (Ephesians 2:21-22). The verse highlights the partnership between nations, the rightful use of resources, and a servant’s heart devoted to fulfilling God’s calling.