1 Kings 5:10

Solomon tells Hiram of his plans, plans that in no way were the fruit of his own will. He had resolved to build the house of the Lord because God had so decreed, communicating His will beforehand to David. Such is the true character of the decision of faith. Faith decides because God has determined. This point is important. Often we know the will of God beforehand. Instead of saying, "I have determined" to do it, we look for excuses and good reasons to avoid it — or at least to avoid putting our whole heart into it.

Hiram rejoiced greatly when he heard the words of Solomon. He considered himself honoured to be able by his service to contribute to the glory of the God of Israel. This Gentile king said, "Blessed be the Lord this day." He looks on the Lord, the God of Solomon, as his God. He thanks Him for giving David a son to reign over His people. His love for David, the rejected king, leads him to value the king of glory, to value God Himself, and to value the people of God.

Cedar, because it does not decay, is an emblem of the incorruptible resurrection body. No one has ever seen a piece of worm-eaten cedar. The sap of the cedar is death to the worm. So instead of the worm destroying the cedar, the cedar destroys the worm. Fir, or cypress, was used where strength and durability were needed. It is typical of resurrection strength.

The cedar has extraordinary durability, glorious height, refreshing shade and pleasing beauty. These qualities are typical of Christ… This shows, in some measure, the abiding character of the Lord Jesus Christ. "You remain." Time wears everything else away, but it has no influence on Him.

The cedars of Lebanon and all the effort to transport them were no little thing. But Solomon uses many other materials as well to build the temple besides Hiram's cedars and cypresses. The great costly stones and the gold that covered everything mattered more to the foundation and the glory of the building than the products of Lebanon… The Lord could do without us, but He does not want to. He knows well that using us in His service gives joy to our hearts and blesses them. But we cannot do without Him. It is He who gives life, nourishment, strength, and growth… One might own cedar trees and cypresses and yet die of hunger.

This pictures the generosity of the Lord toward those who work for the building of the house of God today as well. He does provide everything they need for their support and enjoyment, and much more. The Lord graciously repays any work done for Him — and more than repays it.

This cooperation of the Gentiles in building the temple is also prophetic, for the riches of the Gentiles are promised to Israel. Jews and Gentiles will unite to show His glory.

The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress, the pine, and the box-tree together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.