They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.
They paid money to the stonemasons and carpenters, and provided food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre, so they would bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the seaport of Joppa, just as King Cyrus of Persia had authorized them to do.
The writer is describing how the Jewish people organized and funded the importation of cedar wood from Lebanon to rebuild the temple, following the permission given by the Persian king.
📚 Historical Context
This verse describes the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem around 538-515 BC, after the Jews returned from their 70-year exile in Babylon. The Persian King Cyrus had not only allowed the Jews to return to their homeland but had also provided resources and official authorization for rebuilding their temple. The Phoenician cities of Sidon and Tyre were famous for their skilled craftsmen and access to the prized cedar trees of Lebanon, which had been used in Solomon's original temple.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.