1 Kings 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Kings 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Hiram, king of Tyre, sent his servants to Solomon after learning he had become king (vv. 1-2). Solomon explained that David could not build a house for Yahweh due to wars but that now he has rest.

Key verse

“Behold, I intend to build a house for the name of Yahweh my God, as Yahweh spoke to David my father, saying, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place shall build the house for my name.’
1 Kings 5:5 (WEB)

Outline

1 Kings 5:1–2 Hiram's Support for Solomon
1 Kings 5:3–5 Solomon's Purpose Revealed
1 Kings 5:6–8 Request for Timber
1 Kings 5:9–12 Agreement Between Kings
1 Kings 5:13–16 Labor Force Organized
1 Kings 5:17–18 Preparation for Construction

Discussion questions

In v2, what specific request does Solomon make to Hiram?
What did Solomon offer Hiram in v11 for the timber and support he requested?
Hiram's response in vv. 7-8: what does it imply about his views towards Solomon and Israel?
The act of cutting timber in vv. 6, 10: what challenges might arise from this cooperative venture?
When have you needed to ask for help from others as Solomon did in v6?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Kings 5: 2 Chronicles 2, 1 Chronicles 22, 1 Kings 9.

Before next time: read 1 Kings 6.