1 Kings 5:1-9

New International Version

³ “You know that because of the wars^(C) waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build^(D) a temple for the Name of the Lord his God until the Lord put his enemies under his feet.^{(E) 4} But now the Lord my God has given me rest^(F) on every side, and there is no adversary^(G) or disaster. ⁵ I intend, therefore, to build a temple^(H) for the Name of the Lord my God, as the Lord told my father David, when he said, ‘Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.’^(I)

⁶ “So give orders that cedars^(J) of Lebanon be cut for me. My men will work with yours, and I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set. You know that we have no one so skilled in felling timber as the Sidonians.”

“I have received the message you sent me and will do all you want in providing the cedar and juniper logs. ⁹ My men will haul them down from Lebanon to the Mediterranean Sea^(L), 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^(M) for my royal household.”