1. King Hiram of Tyre had always been friends with Solomon's father David. When Hiram learnt that Solomon was king, he sent some of his officials to meet with Solomon.
2. Solomon sent a message back to Hiram:
3. Remember how my father David wanted to build a temple where the Lord his God could be worshipped? But enemies kept attacking my father's kingdom, and he never had the chance.
4. Now, thanks to the Lord God, there is peace in my kingdom and no trouble or threat of war anywhere.
5. The Lord God promised my father that when his son became king, he would build a temple for worshipping the Lord. So I've decided to do that.
6. I'd like you to send your workers to cut down cedar trees in Lebanon for me. I will pay them whatever you say and will even make my workers help them. We both know that your workers are more experienced than anyone else at cutting timber.
7. Hiram was so happy when he heard Solomon's request that he said, “I am grateful that the Lord gave David such a wise son to be king of that great nation!”