מלכים א, פרק ה׳, פסוק כ״ג

The logistical agreement between King Hiram of Tyre and King Solomon establishes a clear and precise division of labor for transporting massive cedar trees destined for the construction of the Temple. Because of the immense size and weight of the timber, the most efficient way to move the materials south was by utilizing the Mediterranean Sea as the primary transit route [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The operation began with Hiram's workers, who were tasked with bringing the felled trees down from the mountains of Lebanon to the nearby shoreline [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד].

Once at the coast, the large beams were tied together to form massive rafts. These wooden structures were floated on the water and steered much like ships. The very concept of this maritime transport implies a careful guiding process, similar to a shepherd leading a flock across the sea [מצודת ציון]. Hiram committed to navigating these rafts safely to whichever coastal destination Solomon would designate [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Because the sea routes fell under Hiram's area of control, he assumed full responsibility for the maritime transport until the timber reached the border of Solomon's kingdom [רלב״ג].

Upon arriving at the designated port, Hiram's men would untie the ropes binding the rafts together. The massive floating structures were entirely dismantled and separated into individual logs, which were then brought onto the dry land [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. At this point, the responsibility shifted to Solomon. His workers gathered the separated beams from the shore and transported them overland to the construction site in Jerusalem [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

In exchange for the valuable timber and the grueling labor of his men, Hiram requested economic compensation. Solomon agreed to supply provisions and cover the expenses of the Kingdom of Tyre [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Specifically, this arrangement meant providing food for Hiram's household, which practically referred to feeding the woodchoppers, fellers, and laborers who were actively engaged in the heavy work [רד״ק].