1 Kings 5:6

1 Kings 5:6 Meaning and Explanation

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.

King James Version (KJV)

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Solomon requests cedar from Lebanon, offering wages and workers, acknowledging the unmatched skill of Hiram's craftsmen.

What Does 1 Kings 5:6 Mean?

Solomon makes his specific appeal: he needs the famous cedars of Lebanon, prized for their beauty and durability. He offers his own laborers to work alongside Hiram's, promises fair wages, and humbly admits that no one in Israel can fell timber like the skilled woodsmen of Sidon. The request is generous and respectful.

Notice the humility woven into a king's request. Solomon honors the gifts God has placed in others and gladly receives what he himself lacks. The building of God's house calls for many hands and many skills, none despised, each valued. So the kingdom of God is served by varied gifts joined together, and wisdom gratefully welcomes the talents of others rather than pretending to need no one. Cooperation, not self-sufficiency, raises the house of the Lord.

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What does 1 Kings 5:6 mean?

Solomon requests cedar from Lebanon, offering wages and workers, acknowledging the unmatched skill of Hiram's craftsmen.

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