Topical Bible: Tyre: Supplied: Stones and Timber for Building the Temple

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Topical Encyclopedia

Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, played a significant role in the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. Known for its skilled craftsmen and abundant resources, Tyre was instrumental in providing the materials necessary for this monumental project.

Biblical Context

The relationship between Israel and Tyre is highlighted during the reign of King Solomon, the son of David. Solomon sought to build a temple for the Lord, fulfilling the vision and preparations initiated by his father, King David. Recognizing the need for quality materials and skilled labor, Solomon turned to Hiram, the king of Tyre, for assistance.

Provision of Materials

The Bible records the collaboration between Solomon and Hiram in 1 Kings 5 and 2 Chronicles 2. Solomon sent word to Hiram, acknowledging the expertise of the Sidonians in felling timber and requesting cedar and cypress logs from Lebanon. In 1 Kings 5:6 , Solomon states, "Now, therefore, command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will work with yours, and I will pay you for your servants according to whatever you say, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians."

Hiram responded favorably to Solomon's request, expressing joy over the opportunity to assist in building a temple for the Lord. In 1 Kings 5:8-9 , Hiram replied, "I have received your message; I will do all you desire regarding the cedar and cypress timber. My servants will bring the logs down from Lebanon to the sea, and I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place you indicate to me. There I will break them apart, and you can take them away. You, in turn, will fulfill my desire by providing food for my household."

Skilled Labor and Craftsmanship

In addition to supplying timber, Tyre also provided skilled labor for the temple's construction. Hiram sent a master craftsman, also named Hiram, who was highly skilled in working with bronze. This craftsman was instrumental in creating many of the temple's furnishings, including the two bronze pillars, the Sea, and various other bronze items (1 Kings 7:13-45).

Significance

The collaboration between Israel and Tyre underscores the importance of international cooperation and the sharing of resources and expertise in achieving great endeavors. The materials and craftsmanship provided by Tyre were crucial in the construction of the temple, which became the central place of worship for the Israelites and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

The alliance between Solomon and Hiram also reflects the broader theme of peace and mutual respect between nations, as both kings recognized the value of working together for a common purpose. This partnership not only facilitated the building of the temple but also strengthened the political and economic ties between Israel and Tyre.

Conclusion

The role of Tyre in supplying stones and timber for the building of Solomon's Temple is a testament to the city's significance in the ancient world. Through the cooperation between Solomon and Hiram, the temple was constructed with the finest materials and craftsmanship, serving as a lasting symbol of devotion and worship to the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 5:6,9
Now therefore command you that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with your servants: and to you will I give hire for your servants according to all that you shall appoint: for you know that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like to the Sidonians.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 2:8,9,16
Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that your servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with your servants,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Great Preparations for a Great Work
... 'And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for ... The Temple may be built
of the timber and stones that he has supplied, but he sold them, and did ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/great preparations for a great.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... officer who provided for the king's expenses supplied also the ... as this epistle of
the king of Tyre was brought ... by David, who were to carry the stones and other ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... These were not of the sons of Jacob nor of the house of Israel; they were the servants
of Hiram, king of Tyre, and the ... The timber and stones with which the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Book 1.
... of Nebuchadnezzar he began to besiege Tyre, and Cyrus ... hewn stone, but composed of
white stones gathered together ... with him, while the country supplied all that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... out by the military scribes, who supplied them with ... by letting fly volleys of arrows
and stones, which through ... year in precious metals, ivory, timber, or the ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... to Syria for statuary stone, precious metals, and the timber required in the building
of their ... rains of centuries, marks the spot where the temple of Bel ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... ran through wide wadys, tolerably well supplied with water ... The Phoenicians of Tyre
and Sidon had too ... or rectangular enclosures, built of stones without mortar ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... as far north as the borders of Tyre and Sidon ... cromlech at Gilgal was composed of
twelve stones, which, we ... the olive trees and vines which had supplied him with ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... to know why such a number of stones should have ... among the goldsmiths, they continued
to be supplied for a ... The people of Tyre and Sidon had been very careful ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm