Westminster Annotations, 1 Kings (3 Kings) · Chapter 5
CHAP. V.
Vers. 1. KIng] To distinguish him from another Hiram, Chap. 7. v. 13, 14.
of Tyre] And Sidon; for the Sidonians were his subjects: they were two sea-towns (Isai. 23. 1, 2.) in Phoenicia, bordering upon Galilee, towards Lebanon.
sent] To congratulate, and renew a league, v. 12.
ever] Heb. all days; All the time that they lived together.
lover] Ready to do all good offices, 2 Sam. 5. 11.
V. 2. Solomon sent to Hiram] 1 Chron. 2. 3.
V. 3. Thou knowest] By the common report that was every where spread thereof.
Name] Glory (Psal. 76. 1.) The Name of God is oft put for God himself, Deut. 28. 58.
wars] For, 1. They afforded him not time enough. 2. They occasioned him to shed much blood, 1 Chron. 22. 8.
under the soles] A note of full conquest, Josh. 10. 24. Psal. 110. 1. Mal. 4. 3.
V. 4. rest] From all enemies: Peace.
evil occurrent] To hinder this work.
V. 5. purpose] Heb. say. See 2 Chron. 2. 1.
to the Name] Or, honour. See the Notes on Chap. 8. 16.
as the Lord spake unto …avid] 2 Sam. 7. 13. 1 Chron. 22. 10.
V. 6. Lebanon] An high, large and goodly mountain (Deut. 3. 25.) whereon cedars grew (Psal. 92. 12.) on the north-side of Judea, bordering on Sidon.
my servants] To help, that all the burden may not lie on thy servants.
appoint] Heb. say.
Sidonians] Exercised in that work. Severall countreys have their severall abilities.
V. 7. Blessed] See Chap. 10. v. 8.
Lord] Jehovah, who had by such wonders made himself known to be the true God, as the heathen had knowledge thereof, Deut. 32. 31. Note Josh. 2. 11. 2 King. 5. 15. Dan. 3. 28. and 6. 26. Besides, Hiram had this benefit by his amity with David, to know the true God, See Chap. 8. 41.
V. 8. considered] Heb. heard.
firre] These trees also grew on Lebanon, 2 King. 19. 23. musicall instruments were made hereof, 2 Sam. 6. 5. It was much used in the temple, Chap. 6. 15, 34. 2 Chron. 3. 5.
V. 9. flotes] Flat bottomed vessells; or boards fastned together, and towed with ropes. Word for word, I will put them flotes; that is, I will so fasten them together, as they shall flote upon the water and be towed.
the place, &c.] Joppa, 2 Chron. 2. 16. Ezr. 3. 7. an haventown, Jon. 1. 3.
appoint] Heb. send.
food] Heb. bread; All manner of provision, as v. 11. See Ch. 4. 22. Although Tyrus were stored with all manner of merchandises brought from other countreys (Ezek. 27. 3, &c.) yet the land was but barren, and brought not forth provision enough for it self (it was nourished by Herods countrey, Act. 12. 20.) therefore he desired food.
V. 11. measures] Heb. cors. See Chap. 4. 22. There is a far greater quantity promised, 2 Chron. 2. 10. but that might, be for his houshold and work-men too, and this for his houshold onelyonly: or here synechdochically one kinde put for the rest. He might have twenty measures of pure oil (as here) and the rest in ordinary oil for labourers.
yeer by yeer] So long as they continued to labour for Solomons works.
V. 12. as he promised him] Chap. 3. 12.
V. 13. levie] Heb. tribute of men.
all Israel] Of aliens that were dispersed up and down in Israel, chap. 9. 21.
V. 14. by courses] That they might have some time to be at their own houses, and not be over-wearied with continuall labour.
V. 15. threescore and ten thousand] These also were aliens, 2 Chron. 2. 17, 18.
hewers] Both of timber and stone.
V. 16. three thousand and three hundred] 2 Chron. 2. 2. three thousand and six hundred: The three hundred over-reckoned were over-seers of the officers: or else there might be three thousand and three hundred over hewers of stone, and three hundred over hewers of timber.
V. 17. hewed stones] Heb. stones of cutting, such as were fit to be cut, hewed and squared. So 2 Chron. 22. 2.
foundation] Though they were hid in the earth, yet Solomon would spare no cost, but make them every way of the best sort; therefore the great stones are said to be precious, of great worth.
V. 18. stone-squarers] Or, Giblites; Inhabitants of Gebal (Ezek. 27. 9.) neer to Sidon, were artificiall stone-cutters.