Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.
So please send me a skilled craftsman who can work with gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and who knows how to work with purple, crimson, and blue fabrics. I need someone who can also do engraving work alongside the skilled workers I already have here in Judah and Jerusalem—the ones my father David gathered together.
Solomon is asking King Hiram to send him a master craftsman who can work with precious metals and fine fabrics to help build the temple.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of Solomon's correspondence with King Hiram of Tyre as he prepares to build the temple in Jerusalem. Solomon needed skilled artisans because the Israelites, having been slaves and then wanderers, lacked expertise in fine craftsmanship that other established nations possessed. David had already begun gathering skilled workers, but Solomon needed additional expertise for this magnificent project.
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