A reading from the book of first kings.

Now Hiram King of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon when he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father.

For Hiram always loved David, and Solomon sent word to Hiram.

You know that David, my father, could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God,

because of the warfare with which his enemy surrounded him,

until the Lord put them under the souls of his feet. But now the Lord my God has given me rest on

every side. There is neither adversary nor misfortune, and so I intend to build a house for the name

of the Lord, my God, as the Lord said to David, my father, your son whom I will set on your throne

in your place,

shall build the house for my name. 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 Cydonians.

As soon as Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, Blessed be the Lord this day, who is given to David

a wise son to be over this great people, 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. My servant 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. So Hiram supplied

Solomon with all the timber of

cedar and cypress that he desired, while Solomon gave Hiram 20,000 cores of wheat as food for

his household and 20,000 cores of beaten oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year,

and the Lord gave Solomon wisdom as he promised him, and there was peace

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