What does 1 Kings 5:9 mean?
"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." - 1 Kings 5:9

The Bible verse 1 Kings 5:9 in the King James Version reads: "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."
This verse comes from the Book of 1 Kings, which is a part of the historical books in the Old Testament. Specifically, this verse is part of a passage in which King Solomon is making arrangements with Hiram, the king of Tyre, for the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. Solomon, who was known for his wisdom and wealth, sought to build a magnificent temple as a permanent dwelling place for the Lord God.
In this particular verse, Solomon is discussing the logistics of obtaining the materials needed for the construction of the temple. He tells Hiram that his servants will bring the cedar and cypress wood down from Lebanon to the sea, where they will then be conveyed by sea in floats to the designated location for construction. Solomon assures Hiram that the materials will be delivered and that he will accomplish his desire of providing food for his household.
This passage sheds light on several important themes and provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the time.
One of the overarching themes in this verse is the fulfillment of God's purposes through human endeavors. Solomon's desire to build a temple for the Lord was not simply a personal ambition, but rather a response to God's command and promise. The temple was to be a place where God's presence would dwell among His people, and where they could come to worship and offer sacrifices. The details of the construction, including the acquisition of materials, demonstrate the careful planning and execution that went into fulfilling God's plan for the temple.
Additionally, this verse underscores the importance of collaboration and partnership in carrying out God's work. Solomon's engagement with Hiram, the king of Tyre, highlights the significance of seeking assistance and cooperation from others in order to achieve God's purposes. The relationship between the two kings also reflects the interconnectedness of different cultures and nations in the ancient world, and the need for diplomacy and trade in meeting the requirements of large-scale construction projects.
Furthermore, this verse exemplifies principles of stewardship and resource management. Solomon's careful arrangements for the acquisition and transportation of the building materials demonstrate responsible and efficient use of natural resources for a divine purpose. His intention to provide for the needs of his household also reflects the value of caring for one's own family and community while carrying out larger projects.
Symbolically, the transportation of materials from Lebanon to the temple site may also be interpreted as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of seeking and obtaining the necessary elements for building a life of faith and devotion. The "floats" used to convey the wood by sea could represent the support and guidance provided by God in navigating the challenges and obstacles encountered along the way.
In conclusion, 1 Kings 5:9 offers valuable insights into the themes of fulfilling God's purposes, collaboration and partnership, stewardship, and spiritual symbolism. It provides a rich context for understanding the historical and cultural significance of the construction of Solomon's temple, and offers lessons that remain relevant for believers today as they seek to carry out God's work in their own lives and communities.
Have questions about 1 Kings 5:9?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
1 Kings 5:9 Artwork
1 Kings 5:9 - "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."
"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." - 1 Kings 5:9
2 Kings 5:9 - "So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha."
1 Kings 9:5 - "Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel."
1 Kings 11:1-5
1 Kings 3:9
1 Kings 5:2 - "And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,"
"And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying," - 1 Kings 5:2
1 Kings 11:5
1 Kings 9:18 - "And Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land,"
1 Kings 9:14 - "And Hiram sent to the king sixscore talents of gold."
1 Kings 9:17 - "And Solomon built Gezer, and Beth-horon the nether,"
"So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha." - 2 Kings 5:9
1 Kings 16:5 - "Now the rest of the acts of Baasha, and what he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
1 Kings 15:9 - "¶ And in the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel reigned Asa over Judah."
1 Kings 22:9 - "Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah."
1 Kings 5:10 - "So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire."
1 Kings 5:13 - "¶ And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men."
1 Chronicles 9:5 - "And of the Shilonites; Asaiah the firstborn, and his sons."
1 Kings 4:9 - "The son of Dekar, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan:"
1 Kings 5:15 - "And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains;"
1 Kings 6:9 - "So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar."
1 Corinthians 5:9 - "I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:"
"And Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land," - 1 Kings 9:18
1 Kings 9:1 - "And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do,"
1 Kings 5:17 - "And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house."
1 Kings 9:2 - "That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon."
1 Kings 21:9 - "And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people:"
1 Kings 9:27 - "And Hiram sent in the navy his servants, shipmen that had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon."
1 Kings 4:5 - "And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king's friend:"