Definition: Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that [there is] not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 5:6. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious verse in the Bible! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is about King David commissioning a job – he wants someone to build a special altar for God. He’s looking for a skilled craftsman who can make the wood and decorations needed for this altar. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon…” – This means King David is telling his advisors (or someone in charge) to have someone specifically go to Lebanon, a region known for its cedar trees. Cedar trees are highly valued and used for making beautiful things. “…and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint…” – This is where it gets a little more complex. David is saying, "We'll need someone to build this altar, and we’ll let them work alongside others who are already doing similar tasks. We'll pay them fairly based on whatever tasks they're assigned." It suggests a system of assigning labor. “for thou knowest that [there is] not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians.” – This is the key part! David is saying, “We don’t have anyone here who has the skills and experience to build this altar in a way that would be as beautiful or impressive as the wood made by the Sidonians." The Sidonians: This was a powerful and sophisticated civilization in ancient Lebanon. They were known for their exceptional woodworking, particularly with cedar. “Timber like unto the Sidonians” - This is an extremely important clue! It means they had a specific style of craftsmanship that was uniquely beautiful – a particular type of carving and design that set them apart. So, what's the overall message? David is emphasizing the importance of quality workmanship. He’s setting a high standard for his altar and wants to ensure it will be truly magnificent. It also highlights David’s desire for skilled labor and fair compensation. In short: David is commissioning a job, specifically involving skilled carpenters who can create something beautiful like the wood used by the Sidonians. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to other Bible stories?