1 Kings 5:6-12 ESv
6 Now therefore command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. And my servants will join your servants, and I will pay you for your servants such wages as you set, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.”

7 As soon as Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the Lord this day, who has given to David a wise son to be over this great people.” 8 And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, “I have heard the message that you have sent to me. I am ready to do all you desire in the matter of cedar and cypress timber. 9 My servants shall bring it down to the sea from Lebanon, and I will make it into rafts to go by sea to the place you direct. And I will have them broken up there, and you shall receive it. And you shall meet my wishes by providing food for my household.” 10 So Hiram supplied Solomon with all the timber of cedar and cypress that he desired, 11 while Solomon gave Hiram 20,000 cors of wheat as food for his household, and 20,000 cors of beaten oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year. 12 And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.

A FAVOR FROM A FRIEND.
King Solomon had recognized the friendship of Hiram with his father David. He knew that the king of Tyre was aware to David’s desire to build the temple. This, had prompted him to ask him the favor to supply the timber needed for the house of God. Hiram as the father’s friend became the son’s friend as well. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.

A friend in need is a friend in deed. Hiram was available to supply what Solomon wanted. Isn’t availability one of the most important traits of a friend? Of what help is a friend who’s not there when you needed him most?

Moreover, Solomon had acknowledged Hiram’s exceptional skill. He said, “there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.” Hiram did not fail his expectations. True friends won’t settle to do for the second best in helping their friend, would they?

And there was mutuality in their friendship. As Hiram supplied Solomon with all the timber of cedar and cypress that he desired, Solomon gave Hiram 20,000 cors of wheat as food for his household, and 20,000 cors of beaten oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year.

Today, let’s not forget that Jesus is known as a “friend of sinners” (Luke 7:34) What could He get from sinners? And, He has promised us, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Indeed, Jesus is truly the Friend who sticks closer than a brother[Prov 18:24] Thus, blessed are those who have Him as their Friend (John 15:14).

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