Chapter 5

Solomon works with, treaties with, and requests help from Hiram of Tyre.  In exchange for the cedar and cypress of Lebanon, Solomon feeds Hiram's household.  Timber starts towards Jerusalem, and there are also many men set to cutting great expensive stones for the foundation of the Temple.  These laborers were "forced labor", and they worked for Solomon one month out of three.  He didn't just conscript them from their homes and families until all the work was done, he worked them in shifts.