7 As soon as Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the LORD this day, who has given to David a wise son to be over this great people.” 8 And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, “I have heard the message that you have sent to me. I am ready to do all you desire in the matter of cedar and cypress timber. 9 My servants shall bring it down to the sea from Lebanon, and I will make it into rafts to go by sea to the place you direct. And I will have them broken up there, and you shall receive it. And you shall meet my wishes by providing food for my household.” 10 So Hiram supplied Solomon with all the timber of cedar and cypress that he desired,
Capitalism in the Kingdom
In the above passage we see the negotiation of a business deal. Solomon, in his wisdom choose capitalism over conquest. Solomon’s kingdom and army were so big, he could have wiped out Hiram (King of Tyre) and taken his timber. But, Solomon recognized the skill sent Hiram’s people had for cutting timber:
1 Kings 5:6 (ESV Strong's)
6 Now therefore command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. And my servants will join your servants, and I will pay you for your servants such wages as you set, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.”
So, Solomon negotiates a deal to pay for the timber. Hiram designs a business model to supply the timber and to ship it to Solomon. This put them into a mutual beneficial business deal. That provided Solomon both peace and prosperity. Capitalism has its many, many flaws. But, business and commerce can be mutually beneficial to all parties when acted upon by God’s design and grace. In the story of Laban and Jacob we see swindling and sabotage. In the story of Solomon and Hiram we see benefit and reward. The players in capitalism make it good or bad.
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