(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Kings 5:1-18)

In today’s Scripture, we see Hiram the king of Tyre make an international trade agreement with Solomon. Although this might seem like an odd statement to make from Scripture, that is what it was, wasn’t it?

6 “Now therefore, command that they cut for me cedars from Lebanon, and my servants will be with your servants; and I will give you wages for your servants according to all that you say, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.”

Hiram the king of Tyre gave Solomon cedars from Lebanon and skilled workers, and Solomon gave the Sidonians agricultural provisions in return. Neither kingdom had everything needed for the work.

Israel had agricultural abundance, while the Sidonians possessed the timber and expertise needed to prepare it. Through this partnership, God’s purpose of building the Temple moved forward.

Solomon’s international trade agreement reminds us that God has abundantly blessed each of us, our church, and our faith community with certain gifts, talents, and material blessings.

However, we will not have everything that we need to build up the Lord’s kingdom and to grow into the people God desires for us to be.

So, we too need to learn to offer what God has blessed us with to others, and to receive what they have that we are lacking in, in order to mutually benefit and grow together in Christ.

Let us start within our own faith community, helping to bless others and also receiving blessing from them, so that our community can grow in health and build up a community of worshipers and workers for the Lord’s kingdom.

Let us then also see how we can cross barriers and partner with others in ways that bring blessing and promote the common good. Solomon’s international trade agreement also reminds us that God is sovereign over all people and all creation. Throughout Scripture, God often provides for His people through unexpected individuals and unexpected means.

May we therefore be willing to offer what God has entrusted to us, humbly receive what God provides through others, and seek opportunities to be a blessing beyond the walls of our faith community. In doing so, may we see God’s kingdom built up and the Gospel continue to move out into the world.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: 1 Kings 5