1 Kings 5

“When Hiram (King of Tyre) heard Solomon’s words, he greatly rejoiced and said, ‘May the Lord be praised today! He has given David a wise son to be over this great people!’ Then Hiram sent a reply to Solomon, saying, ‘I have heard your message; I will do everything you want regarding the cedar and cypress timber.’” 1 Kings 5:7-8 (HCSB)

I admit that 1 Kings 5 is hardly electric. It only records the preliminaries and the shopping list for Solomon’s “Home Depot” run. And yet, in the Bible, even the preliminaries bear witness to His firm promise, His Kingdom, and His necessary wisdom.

Try to fight the tendency to look upon this chapter as Southern Californians view highway construction or road repair: enduring however many miles it lasts, simply to get beyond it. Remember the words of Paul:

“For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.” Romans 15:4 (HCSB)

Sometimes, inspiration from the Holy Spirit demands more perspiration from us! So, what are we to glean from Solomon’s shopping list? Here are three things.

The Temple preparation confirms the Lord’s Promise. (2 Samuel 7:12-13a) The Lord told David his son would sit on the throne and build the Temple. The Lord’s promise drives the construction project, not man’s planning. For the Christian today, isn’t it Kingdom promises which encourage our Kingdom work?

The Temple preparation anticipates the Lord’s Kingdom. (Re-read 1 Kings 4:34-5:1) Such praise from Hiram in today’s passage (from the mouth of a pagan king) is important to note. The writer is not saying that Hiram has “converted” to following the Lord, but he is surely among those national/kingdom leaders who were impressed with Solomon and took notice of his testimony about God. Hiram’s remarks can be taken as a subtle foreshadowing of the coming “universal” kingdom, whereby people of all nations will enter into a saving relationship with David’s “Son,” Messiah Jesus.

The Temple preparation represents the Lord’s Wisdom. “Wisdom” is the skill to get things done. It is important to remember that wisdom is a divine gift, not merely a human aptitude. Wisdom is seldom flashy, and so it is easily belittled. Haven’t we all fallen into that misunderstanding about God: If He is not showing Himself as “miraculous,” He isn’t working on our behalf? God chooses to display Himself in any number of ways. Yet, for us, He often reveals Himself as He did to the prophet Elijah. It is God’s still, small voice that proves most convincing in our times of difficulty.

Take your time in Chapter 5. Perhaps, wisdom requires our “hush” to be heard.