5:31 Kings 5:3

The verse belongs to Solomon's message to Hiram king of Tyre explaining why his father had not built the temple.Ms 18, 1905, par. 4–6+1 David had long desired and cherished the plan to build a house for the name of the Lord his God and made large and extensive preparations for it, yet he could not build it himself.Lt 21a, 1888, par. 3–6+1 He was prevented by the wars that were about him on every side, until the Lord put his enemies under the soles of his feet and subdued them beneath him.Ms 18, 1905, par. 4–6+1

God appointed David's son Solomon, set upon his throne after him and in his room, to do that building work in fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build a house unto His name.Ms 18, 1905, par. 4–6+2 Solomon wisely took up his father's plan and carried it out, declaring that the Lord his God had now given him rest on every side with neither adversary nor evil occurrent nor difficulty, so he purposed and intended to build the house unto the name of the Lord his God.Ms 18, 1905, par. 4–6+1 That intention led to his request for cedar trees out of Lebanon hewn with Sidonian skill in return for hire and wages and food for Hiram's household, which Hiram rejoiced to grant by bringing the timber down to the sea and conveying it in floats.Ms 18, 1905, par. 4–6 David's large experience fitted him to advise and counsel and encourage Solomon, but the actual building work belonged to the younger man who must do it.Lt 21a, 1888, par. 3–6 The verse shows that God has different sets of workmen for different branches of His cause, so when older men are weary and worn and do not take in the greatness of the work in all its bearings or keep pace with its increasing demands, they should not keep all responsibility to themselves or block the wheels and hinder progress and hinder those whom God is qualifying to come in and carry the work farther and lift the standard higher.Lt 21a, 1888, par. 3–6