I will pay your servants, the woodcutters, 20,000 cors of ground wheat, 20,000 cors of barley, 20,000 baths of wine, and 20,000 baths of olive oil." I will pay your servants, the woodcutters,Solomon recognized the skill and labor required to obtain Lebanon’s famed timber. Hiram of Tyre supplied experienced craftsmen and forest workers, while Israel supplied the agricultural provisions needed to sustain them. The agreement joined Israel’s abundance of grain and oil with Phoenicia’s access to cedar and skilled labor, serving the greater purpose of building the house dedicated to the Lord. 1Ki 5:6 Now therefore, order that cedars of Lebanon be cut down… 20,000 cors of ground wheat, A cor was a substantial dry measure, roughly 220 liters. Israel’s fertile land enabled Solomon to provide grain on a scale appropriate for a large workforce. Bread sustained the laborers whose work contributed to the temple, reminding God’s people that ordinary provision and faithful service belong together in work done for His glory. 1Ki 5:11 year after year Solomon would provide Hiram with 20,000 cors… 20,000 cors of barley, Barley was a common and dependable grain, harvested earlier than wheat and used for food and animal feed. Its inclusion ensured broad provision for the labor force and their households. The generosity of Solomon’s payment reflected the honor due to those who served in a project set apart for the worship of God. Deu 8:8 a land of wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, and pomegranates;… 20,000 baths of wine, A bath was about 22 liters. Wine was a customary provision in the ancient world and a fitting part of royal hospitality. Scripture often connects wine with joy and blessing, and its supply to Hiram’s servants reflected the peace and goodwill that marked the alliance between Israel and Tyre. Deu 7:13 He will love you and bless you and multiply you.… and 20,000 baths of olive oil.” Olive oil was essential for food, lamps, anointing, and offerings. Israel’s provision of oil displayed the value placed on the Phoenician workers and the importance Solomon assigned to the temple’s construction. Oil also recalls consecration and the work of God’s Spirit, fitting themes for a house built to honor the Lord’s name. 2Ch 31:5 As soon as the order went out, the Israelites provided… Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel, son of David, known for his wisdom and for building the Temple in Jerusalem. 2. Hiram The king of Tyre, who provided materials and skilled laborers for the construction of the Temple. 3. Woodsmen Skilled laborers from Tyre who were tasked with cutting timber for the Temple. 4. Tyre A significant city and kingdom known for its skilled craftsmen and trade, located in modern-day Lebanon. 5. Temple Construction The event of building the Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites. Teaching Points Generosity in God's WorkSolomon's provision for the workers reflects a generous spirit in supporting those who contribute to God's work. We are called to be generous with our resources in service to God. Collaboration for a Greater Purpose The partnership between Solomon and Hiram illustrates the importance of working together with others, even those outside our immediate community, to achieve God's purposes. Provision and Abundance The abundance of resources provided by Solomon is a reminder of God's provision. We should trust in God's ability to supply our needs as we engage in His work. Wisdom in Leadership Solomon's strategic planning and resource management demonstrate the importance of wisdom in leadership. Leaders today should seek God's wisdom in their decisions and actions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's generosity towards the woodsmen reflect God's character, and how can we emulate this in our own lives?2. In what ways can we collaborate with others outside our immediate faith community to further God's kingdom? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in abundance. How did it impact your faith and service? 4. What lessons can we learn from Solomon's leadership in terms of planning and resource management for God's work today? 5. How do the themes of generosity, collaboration, and provision in 2 Chronicles 2:10 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 5This chapter provides a parallel account of Solomon's preparations for building the Temple, including his correspondence with Hiram and the arrangements for materials and labor. Exodus 30 Discusses the use of olive oil in the anointing oil, highlighting its importance in worship and consecration. Deuteronomy 8 Reminds the Israelites of God's provision in the land, which can be connected to the abundance of resources Solomon offers. Proverbs 3 Written by Solomon, it emphasizes wisdom and understanding, which are evident in his diplomatic and resourceful dealings with Hiram.
People Abi, Dan, David, Hiram, Huram, SolomonPlaces Jerusalem, Joppa, Lebanon, TyreTopics Barley, Baths, Beaten, Behold, Cors, Crushed, Cut, Cutters, Cutting, Fell, Grain, Ground, Hewers, Kors, Measures, Oil, Olive, Servants, Thousand, Timber, Trees, Twenty, Wheat, Wine, Wood-cutters, WoodsmenDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 2:10 4456 grain Library Hiram, the Inspired ArtificerBY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. The Temple of Solomon was the crown of art in the old world. There were temples on a larger scale, and of more massive construction, but the enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were not comparable with the artistic grace, the luxurious adornments, and the harmonious proportions of this glorious House of God. David had laid up money and material for the great work, but he was not permitted to carry it out. He was a man of war, and blood-stained hands were … George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Chronicles Links 2 Chronicles 2:10 NIV2 Chronicles 2:10 NLT 2 Chronicles 2:10 ESV 2 Chronicles 2:10 NASB 2 Chronicles 2:10 KJV 2 Chronicles 2:10 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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