1 And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon (Shelomoh), for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father; for Hiram was ever a lover of Dawid.
2 And Solomon (Shelomoh) sent to Hiram, saying:
3 “You knowest how that Dawid my father could not build a house unto the name of יהוה his God (Elohim) for the wars which were about him on every side, until יהוה put them under the soles of his feet.
4 But now יהוה my God (Elohim) hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.
5 And, behold, I purpose to build a house unto the name of יהוה my God (Elohim), as יהוה spake unto Dawid my father, saying, ‘Your son, whom I will set upon your throne in your room, he shall build a house unto My name.’
6 Now therefore command you that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with your servants; and unto you will I give hire for your servants according to all that you shalt appoint; for you knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians.”
7 And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon (Shelomoh), that he rejoiced greatly, and said, “Blessed be יהוה this day, which hath given unto Dawid a wise son over this great people!”
8 And Hiram sent to Solomon (Shelomoh), saying: “I have considered the things which you sentest to me for; and I will do all your desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir.
9 My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea; and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that you shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and you shalt receive them; and you shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.”
10 So Hiram gave Solomon (Shelomoh) cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire.
11 And Solomon (Shelomoh) gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil; thus gave Solomon (Shelomoh) to Hiram year by year.
12 And יהוה gave Solomon (Shelomoh) wisdom, as He promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon (Shelomoh); and they two made a league together.
13 And King Solomon (Shelomoh) raised a levy out of all Yisrael; and the levy was thirty thousand men.
14 And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses; a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home; and Adoniram was over the levy.
15 And Solomon (Shelomoh) had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains;
16 Beside the chief of Solomon (Shelomoh)’s officers who were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, who ruled over the people that wrought in the work.
17 And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.
18 And Solomon (Shelomoh)’s builders and Hiram’s builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers; so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.