1 Kings 5:1-18
5:1-3 David so loved God that he hoped to build a House for the Lord, 2 Samuel 7:2. A central and grand place of worship. But we all have different potential and purpose here on Earth and it was not David's purpose to build it. David was a military leader; he crushed enemies and built alliances according the word of God. It was David's purpose to build and secure a land in which the people after him, led by Solomon, could prosper and celebrate their faith in safety.
5:4 It is Solomon's purpose to build the temple, and God knew this early on, Samuel 7:12-13. God chooses the perfect timing to build blessings in our lives. He clears a path, protects the borders and provides the material before construction can begin. Because God builds to last. And that is why we benefit from trusting in His timing (even though it often feels like delay).
5:5 Solomon's intention to build this temple speaks of his faith. So many people remember God only when the only thing they have an abundance of is suffering. But even though Solomon has wealth, fame and security, his gratitude for God is at the forefront of his life.
5:6 With the surplus God has provided, Solomon chooses to commission this huge project: the construction of a temple for God. A child of God can be identified by their desire to express their genuine and ardent love and gratitude for God. Children of God pour their heart and resources out for Him by serving others and worshiping who He is. They are always aware of His presence and provision and it drives them to be like Him.
5:7 Hiram, an ally of the tribes of Israel and Judah is overjoyed by Solomon's leadership and project. Love for God extends beyond the tribes. God began his relationship with humanity through a tiny group of people so that their example would lead others to Him as well; the prosperity of the tribes is a testimony of His goodness and of the abundance a righteous lifestyle yields.
5:8 Solomon requests cedar and cypress logs. Hiram agrees to provide these materials in order to build the temple. This is evidence to us that God can provide for us even outside of the sphere of our comfort. Our faith is able and has no borders. Even though God enables the tribes to be self-sustained by their faith, He is able to garner support and friendship outside of the tribes. We do not only have to feel secure in our homes, communities or comfort zones. God is able in the areas surrounding us as well.
5:9-12 Solomon and Hiram make an arrangement: Hiram will send the wood down the river and Solomon will provide food for Hiram's household. A mutually beneficial arrangement; each provides what the other needs. God has given Solomon the ability to make and retain these peaceful and productive arrangements.
5:13-14 Thirty-thousand men comprise a labor force created by Solomon to build the temple. Ten-thousand per month are sent in shifts. That way, the laborers will not overexert themselves and will have time to be home and with family. Solomon sets Adoniram in charge of the labor force.
5:15-16 Seventy-thousand men carried materials; eighty-thousand procured stones. Men are chosen to lead and supervise the project. The building of the Lord's temple is a family project. His temple is built by his people. This is symbolic of our lives in faith: the peace and compassion He promises to build is an effort we participate in. The spiritual house of the Lord is made up by the compassionate souls of His children.
5:17-18 Solomon ensures that the best products are used to build this temple. It is not an attempt to be ostentatious; instead it is Solomon's desire to express the extraordinary nature and beauty of God. We humans are limited in our ability to return God's generosity but Solomon does everything he can to give God the best that he can.
