1 Kings 5:1-6

Solomon’s request of Hiram 5:1-6

Hiram probably reigned from about 980-947 B.C. [Note: Frank M. Cross, "An Interpretation of the Nora Stone," Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research 208 (December 1972):17. Cf. Merrill, p. 239.] Many scholars agree that his reign overlapped David’s by about nine years and Solomon’s by about 24 (cf. 2 Samuel 5:11). Tyre was an important Mediterranean Sea port in Phoenicia north of Israel. Sidon (1 Kings 5:6), another, more important Phoenician port city at this time, stood a few miles north of Tyre.

"A house for the name of the Lord" (1 Kings 5:3) means a house for Yahweh that would communicate His reputation to the world. Cedar (1 Kings 5:6) is still a favored building material because of its durability and beauty.