Preparing to Build the Temple of the LORD

King Hiram of Tyre had always loved David. Solomon sent word to Hiram that he was going to build a temple for the name of the LORD, fulfilling his father David's heart's desire. Hiram rejoiced when he heard this, and the two made a covenant: Hiram would supply the cedar and pine timber, and Solomon would supply food. Solomon raised thirty thousand workers from all Israel, who worked in shifts in Lebanon and in the hills, preparing the stones and wood for the temple.