1 Kings 5:6

Now therefore command thou Solomon's request is much expanded in 2 Chronicles 2:3-10, where he asks for a cunning workman in gold and other metals, and in purple, crimson and blue, and skilled in carving or engraving. He desires also much other wood beside cedar. Of the Sidonian purple we have frequent notices in Classical authors, it is -the grain of Sarra worn by Kings and heroes old," as Milton sings of it. Par. LostXI. 242. Cf. Verg. Æn.iv. 137 -Sidoniam picto chlamydem circumdata limbo." Homer tells us of the great skill of Sidonian workmen: the embroidered robes of Andromache and the bowl given by Achilles as a prize at the games in honour of Patroclus were of Sidonian workmanship. (Hom. Il. vi. 290; xxiii. 743, 744.)

cedar-trees out of Lebanon We see from Hiram's answer in 1 Kings 5:8 where -timber of fir" is added to the -timber of cedar" that we have here only an abstract of Solomon's request, and the fuller form in Chronicles has probably been drawn from an original authority.

hire for thy servants The hire takes the form of a supply of corn and oil of which the kingdom of Solomon was very productive.

can skill This somewhat antiquated word is found also 2 Chronicles 2:7-8; 2 Chronicles 34:12. It means -to know the best way of doing anything." Cf. Holland PlinyXVIII. 10. -Without beans they cannot skillhow to dress anything for their daily food."