1 Kings 5:9
New International Version
My men will haul them down from Lebanon to the Mediterranean Sea, and I will float them as rafts by sea to the place you specify. There I will separate them and you can take them away. And you are to grant my wish by providing food for my royal household.”

New Living Translation
My servants will bring the logs from the Lebanon mountains to the Mediterranean Sea and make them into rafts and float them along the coast to whatever place you choose. Then we will break the rafts apart so you can carry the logs away. You can pay me by supplying me with food for my household.”

English Standard Version
My servants shall bring it down to the sea from Lebanon, and I will make it into rafts to go by sea to the place you direct. And I will have them broken up there, and you shall receive it. And you shall meet my wishes by providing food for my household.”

Berean Standard Bible
My servants will haul the logs from Lebanon to the Sea, and I will float them as rafts by sea to the place you specify. There I will separate the logs, and you can take them away. And in exchange, you can meet my needs by providing my household with food.”

King James Bible
My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.

New King James Version
My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon to the sea; I will float them in rafts by sea to the place you indicate to me, and will have them broken apart there; then you can take them away. And you shall fulfill my desire by giving food for my household.

New American Standard Bible
My servants will bring the timbers down from Lebanon to the sea; and I will have them made into rafts to go by sea to the place where you direct me, and I will have them broken up there, and you will carry them away. Then you shall do what I wish, by giving food to my household.”

NASB 1995
“My servants will bring them down from Lebanon to the sea; and I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place where you direct me, and I will have them broken up there, and you shall carry them away. Then you shall accomplish my desire by giving food to my household.”

NASB 1977
“My servants will bring them down from Lebanon to the sea; and I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place where you direct me, and I will have them broken up there, and you shall carry them away. Then you shall accomplish my desire by giving food to my household.”

Legacy Standard Bible
My servants will bring them down from Lebanon to the sea; and I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place where you direct me, and I will have them broken up there, and you shall carry them away. Then you shall accomplish my desire by giving food to my household.”

Amplified Bible
My servants will bring the logs down from Lebanon to the [Mediterranean] sea, and I will have them made into rafts to go by sea to the place (port) that you direct me; then I will have them broken up there, and you shall carry them away. Then you shall return the favor by providing food for my household.”

Christian Standard Bible
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. I will break them apart there, and you can take them away. You then can meet my needs by providing my household with food.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
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. I will break them apart there, and you can take them away. You then can meet my needs by providing my household with food.”

American Standard Version
My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea; and I will make them into rafts to go by sea unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be broken up there, and thou shalt receive them; and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.

Contemporary English Version
My workers will carry them down from Lebanon to the Mediterranean Sea. They will tie the logs together and float them along the coast to wherever you want them. Then they will untie the logs, and your workers can take them from there. To pay for the logs, you can provide the grain I need for my household.

English Revised Version
My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will make them into rafts to go by sea unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be broken up there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
My workers will bring logs from Lebanon to the sea, and I will have them make them into rafts to go by sea to any place you specify. There I will have them taken apart, and you can use them. You can pay me by providing food for my palace."

Good News Translation
My men will bring the logs down from Lebanon to the sea and will tie them together in rafts to float them down the coast to the place you choose. There my men will untie them, and your men will take charge of them. On your part, I would like you to supply the food for my men."

International Standard Version
My servants will transport them from Lebanon to the sea, where we'll make them into rafts and float them by sea to the port that you tell me to send them. We'll have them prepared for transport there and then you can carry them from there. You can meet my needs by providing provisions for my household."

Majority Standard Bible
My servants will haul the logs from Lebanon to the Sea, and I will float them as rafts by sea to the place you specify. There I will separate the logs, and you can take them away. And in exchange, you can meet my needs by providing my household with food.”

NET Bible
My servants will bring the timber down from Lebanon to the sea. I will send it by sea in raft-like bundles to the place you designate. There I will separate the logs and you can carry them away. In exchange you will supply the food I need for my royal court."

New Heart English Bible
My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon to the sea. I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place that you shall appoint me, and will cause them to be broken up there, and you shall receive them. You shall accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household."

Webster's Bible Translation
My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon to the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats to the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.

World English Bible
My servants will bring them down from Lebanon to the sea. I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place that you specify to me, and will cause them to be broken up there, and you will receive them. You will accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
my servants bring [them] down from Lebanon to the sea, and I make them floats in the sea to the place that you send to me, and I have spread them out there; and you take [them] up, and you execute my desire, to give the food [for] my house.”

Young's Literal Translation
my servants bring down from Lebanon to the sea, and I make them floats in the sea unto the place that thou sendest unto me, and I have spread them out there; and thou dost take them up, and thou dost execute my desire, to give the food of my house.'

Smith's Literal Translation
My servants shall bring from Lebanon to the sea, and I will put them on rafts upon the sea, even to the place where thou wilt send to me; and I dispersed them there, and thou shalt lift up and thou shalt do my pleasure to give bread to my house.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
My servants shall bring them down from Libanus to the sea: and I will put them together in floats in the sea, and convey them to the place, which thou shalt signify to me; and will land them there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt allow me necessaries, to furnish food for my household.

Catholic Public Domain Version
My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon to the sea. And I will arrange them together as rafts on the sea, as far as the place that you will indicate to me. And I will land them there, and you will take them. And you shall offer to me what is necessary to give food to my house.”

New American Bible
My servants shall bring them down from the Lebanon to the sea, and I will arrange them into rafts in the sea and bring them wherever you say. There I will break up the rafts, and you shall take the lumber. You, for your part, shall furnish the provisions I desire for my household.”

New Revised Standard Version
My servants shall bring it down to the sea from the Lebanon; I will make it into rafts to go by sea to the place you indicate. I will have them broken up there for you to take away. And you shall meet my needs by providing food for my household.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon to the sea, and I will convey them by sea in floats to the place that you shall appoint me, and I will cause them to be discharged there, and you shall receive them from there; and you shall also accomplish my desire in giving food for my household.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
My Servants will go down from Lebanon to the sea and I shall I make them rafts in the sea unto the region that you will send to me and I shall put them there and you shall fetch them from there, and you will accomplish also my desire, and you shall give bread to my household.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea; and I will make them into rafts to go by sea unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be broken up there, and thou shalt receive them; and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
my servants shall bring them down from Libanus to the sea: I will form them into rafts, and bring them to the place which thou shalt send to me about; and I will land them there, and thou shalt take them up: and thou shalt do my will, in giving bread to my household.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Hiram's Reply
8Then Hiram sent a reply to Solomon, saying: “I have received your message; I will do all you desire regarding the cedar and cypress timber. 9My servants will haul the logs from Lebanon to the Sea, and I will float them as rafts by sea to the place you specify. There I will separate the logs, and you can take them away. And in exchange, you can meet my needs by providing my household with food.” 10So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted,…

Cross References
2 Chronicles 2:16
We will cut logs from Lebanon, as many as you need, and we will float them to you as rafts by sea down to Joppa. Then you can take them up to Jerusalem.”

1 Kings 10:22
For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

2 Chronicles 9:21
For the king had the ships of Tarshish that went with Hiram’s servants, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

1 Kings 9:27-28
And Hiram sent his servants, sailors who knew the sea, to serve in the fleet with Solomon’s servants. / They sailed to Ophir and imported gold from there—420 talents—and delivered it to Solomon.

2 Chronicles 8:18
So Hiram sent him ships captained by his servants, along with crews of experienced sailors. They went with Solomon’s servants to Ophir and acquired from there 450 talents of gold, which they delivered to King Solomon.

1 Kings 10:11
(The fleet of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir also brought from Ophir a great cargo of almug wood and precious stones.

2 Chronicles 9:10
(The servants of Hiram and of Solomon who brought gold from Ophir also brought algum wood and precious stones.

Isaiah 60:9
Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you.

Ezekiel 27:25
The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. And you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea.

Acts 27:6
There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board.

Acts 21:2-3
Finding a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we boarded it and set sail. / After sighting Cyprus and passing south of it, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo.

Acts 20:13-14
We went on ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, where we were to take Paul aboard. He had arranged this because he was going there on foot. / And when he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene.

Acts 18:18-21
Paul remained in Corinth for quite some time before saying goodbye to the brothers. He had his head shaved in Cenchrea to keep a vow he had made, and then he sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. / When they reached Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews. / When they asked him to stay for a while longer, he declined. ...

Acts 16:11
We sailed from Troas straight to Samothrace, and the following day on to Neapolis.

Acts 14:26
From Attalia they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had just completed.


Treasury of Scripture

My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon to the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats to the place that you shall appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and you shall receive them: and you shall accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.

Lebanon

Deuteronomy 3:25
I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon.

and I will

2 Chronicles 2:16
And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

appoint [heb] send

2 Chronicles 1:15
And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the vale for abundance.

Ezra 3:7
They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

Ezekiel 27:17
Judah, and the land of Israel, they were thy merchants: they traded in thy market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.

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Accomplish Appoint Broken Carry Cause Convey Desire Direct Discharged Floats Food Household Lebanon Rafts Receive Sea Servants
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Accomplish Appoint Broken Carry Cause Convey Desire Direct Discharged Floats Food Household Lebanon Rafts Receive Sea Servants
1 Kings 5
1. Hiram, sending to congratulate Solomon, is desired to furnish him with timber
7. Hiram, blessing God for Solomon, furnishes him with trees.
13. The number of Solomon's workmen and laborers














My servants
The term "servants" here refers to the laborers under King Hiram of Tyre, who were skilled in the art of timber work. Historically, the Phoenicians, of whom the people of Tyre were a part, were renowned for their expertise in maritime activities and woodcraft. This collaboration between Hiram's servants and Solomon's workforce signifies a harmonious alliance, reflecting the broader theme of unity and cooperation in achieving God's purposes.

haul the logs
The act of hauling logs from Lebanon is significant, as Lebanon was known for its majestic cedar trees, which were highly prized in the ancient world for their quality and durability. The Hebrew word for "haul" implies a laborious and skilled effort, underscoring the dedication and expertise required to transport these valuable resources. This phrase highlights the importance of diligence and hard work in fulfilling God's plans.

from Lebanon
Lebanon, with its famous cedar forests, symbolizes strength and endurance. The cedars of Lebanon are frequently mentioned in the Bible as a metaphor for beauty and majesty. This geographical reference not only situates the narrative in a real-world context but also evokes the grandeur and splendor associated with Solomon's temple, which these logs would help construct.

to the Sea
The Sea here refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which was a vital trade route in the ancient Near East. The use of the sea for transportation demonstrates the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the time, as well as the interconnectedness of different regions through trade and commerce. This phrase reminds us of the importance of utilizing God's creation wisely and effectively.

I will make them into rafts
The process of making rafts from logs indicates a level of craftsmanship and planning. The Hebrew root suggests a careful and deliberate action, reflecting the wisdom and foresight required in executing large-scale projects. This phrase can inspire believers to approach their tasks with intentionality and precision, trusting in God's guidance.

to go by sea
This phrase emphasizes the strategic use of natural resources and geography to accomplish a task. The sea voyage represents a journey of faith and trust, as the logs are transported to their destination. It serves as a metaphor for the Christian journey, where believers are called to navigate life's challenges with reliance on God's provision and direction.

to the place you indicate to me
This phrase highlights the importance of communication and obedience in partnerships. Solomon's directive to Hiram reflects a mutual respect and understanding, essential for successful collaboration. It reminds us of the need to seek God's guidance and follow His instructions in our endeavors.

Then I will break the rafts apart there
The breaking apart of the rafts signifies the completion of one phase of the project and the beginning of another. It symbolizes transformation and readiness for the next step in God's plan. This phrase encourages believers to embrace change and be prepared for new opportunities in their spiritual journey.

you can take the logs away
This phrase indicates the transfer of responsibility and the fulfillment of a promise. It underscores the importance of trust and reliability in relationships, as Hiram fulfills his part of the agreement. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the assurance that He will provide what is needed for His purposes.

You are to meet my needs by providing food for my household
This final phrase reflects the reciprocal nature of the agreement between Solomon and Hiram. It highlights the principle of mutual support and provision within the community of God's people. It encourages believers to be generous and considerate, recognizing that God often uses others to meet our needs and that we are called to do the same for others.

(9) Shall bring them.--The timber was to be carried down, or, perhaps, let down on slides along the face of the mountain towards the sea, and brought round by rafts to Joppa (2Chronicles 2:16), to save the enormous cost and difficulty of land carriage. The grant of "food for his household" in return (instead of "hire") brings out that which is recorded so many ages afterwards in Acts 12:20--that the country of the Tyrians was "nourished" by Palestine. The commerce and wealth of the Tyrians collected a large population; the narrow slip of land along the coast, backed by Lebanon, must have been, in any case, insufficient to maintain them; anVerse 9. - My servants shall bring them [No word in the Hebrew; "Timber of Cedar," etc., must be supplied or understood from the preceding verse] down [It is generally a steep descent from the cedar grove, and indeed all the Lebanon district, to the coast] from Lebanon unto the sea [This must have been a great undertaking. The cedars are ten hours distant from Tripoli, and the road must always have been a bad one. ("What a road it is for mortals. In some spots it seems to have been intended for mountain goats only ..... It winds up sublime glens, and zigzags up rocky acclivities, and passes over stone-strewn terraces," etc. (Porter, Handbook, p. 583.) To the writer it appeared to be the most rugged and dangerous road in Palestine. It is possible that the timber was collected and floated at Gebal (Biblus. See note on ver. 18). Beyrout, the present port of the Lebanon, is 27 hours distant via Tripoli. But cedars would then, no doubt, be found nearer the sea. And the ancients (as the stones of Baalbek, etc., prove) were not altogether deficient in mechanical appliances. The transport of cedars to the Mediterranean would be an easy undertaking compared with the carriage of them to Nineveh, and we know from the inscriptions that they were imported by the Assyrian kings] and I will convey them by sea in floats [Heb. "I will make (or put) them rafts in the sea." This was the primitive, as it was the obvious, way, of conveying timber, among Greeks and Romans, as well as among Eastern races. The reader will probably have seen such rafts on the Rhine or other river] unto the place which thou shalt appoint [Heb. send] me [In 2 Chronicles 2:16, Hiram assumes that this place will be Joppa, now Yafo, the port of Jerusalem, and 40 miles distant from the Holy City. The transport over these 40 miles, also of most rugged and trying road, must have involved, if possible, a still greater toil than that from Lebanon to the sea] and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt accomplish [Heb. do, same word as in ver. 8, and probably used designedly - "I will perform thy desire.., and thou shalt perform my desire." There shall be a strict quid pro quo] my desire, in giving food for my household [Hiram states in his reply in what shape he would prefer the hire promised by Solomon (ver. 6). The food for the royal household must be carefully distinguished from the food given to the workmen (2 Chronicles 2:10). The fact that 20,000 ears of wheat formed a part of each has led to their being confounded (e.g. in the marginal references). It is noticeable that when the second temple was built, cedar wood was again brought to Jerusalem, rid Joppa, in return for "meat and drink and oil unto them of Zidon" (Ezra 3:7). The selection of food as the hire of his servants by Hiram almost amounts to an undesigned coincidence. Their narrow strip of cornland, between the roots of Lebanon and the coast - Phoenicia proper ("the great plain of the city of Sidon," Josephus. Ant. 5:03, 1) is only 28 miles long, with an average breadth of one mile-compelled the importation of corn and oil. Ezekiel (Ezekiel 27:17) mentions wheat, honey, oil, and balm as exported from Palestine to the markets of Tyre. It has been justly remarked that the fact that Phoenicia was thus dependent upon Palestine for its breadstuffs explains the unbroken peace that prevailed between the two countries (Heeren. See Dict. Bib. if. p. 865).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
My servants
עֲ֠בָדַי (‘ă·ḇā·ḏay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

will haul the logs
יֹרִ֨דוּ (yō·ri·ḏū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

from
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

Lebanon
הַלְּבָנ֜וֹן (hal·lə·ḇā·nō·wn)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3844: Lebanon -- a wooded mountain range on the northern border of Israel

to the sea,
יָ֗מָּה (yām·māh)
Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

and I
וַ֠אֲנִי (wa·’ă·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

will float them
אֲשִׂימֵ֨ם (’ă·śî·mêm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

in rafts
דֹּבְר֤וֹת (dō·ḇə·rō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1702: Floats, rafts

by sea
בַּיָּם֙ (bay·yām)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

to
עַֽד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the place
הַמָּק֞וֹם (ham·mā·qō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

you specify.
תִּשְׁלַ֥ח (tiš·laḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

There
שָׁ֖ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

I will separate [the logs],
וְנִפַּצְתִּ֥ים (wə·nip·paṣ·tîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5310: To dash to pieces, scatter

and you
וְאַתָּ֣ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

can take them away.
תִשָּׂ֑א (ṯiś·śā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

And in exchange, you
וְאַתָּה֙ (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

can meet
תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה (ta·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

my needs
חֶפְצִ֔י (ḥep̄·ṣî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2656: Pleasure, desire, a valuable thing, a matter

by providing
לָתֵ֖ת (lā·ṯêṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

my household
בֵּיתִֽי׃ (bê·ṯî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1004: A house

with food.”
לֶ֥חֶם (le·ḥem)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain


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OT History: 1 Kings 5:9 My servants shall bring them down (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 5:8
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