2 Chronicles 2:18

Solomon made 70,000 of them porters, 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, and 3,600 supervisors.

Study Bible

He assigned
This phrase indicates a deliberate and authoritative action by Solomon, the king of Israel. The Hebrew root word here is "nathan," which means to give, put, or set. It reflects Solomon's role as a wise and organized leader, fulfilling the divine mandate to build the temple. This assignment is not just a logistical decision but a fulfillment of God's promise to David, Solomon's father, that his son would build a house for the Lord.

70,000 of them to be porters
The number "70,000" signifies a vast workforce, emphasizing the grandeur and scale of the temple project. The term "porters" refers to laborers tasked with carrying heavy loads. In the Hebrew context, these were likely non-Israelite laborers, possibly Canaanites or other subjugated peoples, reflecting the socio-political dynamics of the time. This massive labor force underscores the monumental effort required to construct a dwelling place for God, symbolizing the weight of divine glory and the dedication needed to serve Him.

80,000 to be stonecutters in the mountains
The "80,000" stonecutters were skilled laborers, highlighting the importance of craftsmanship in the temple's construction. The phrase "in the mountains" suggests the arduous and dangerous work of quarrying stone from the rugged terrain, likely from the region of Lebanon, known for its quality building materials. This task required precision and strength, symbolizing the spiritual truth that building a life of faith involves hard work and dedication, often in challenging circumstances.

3,600 supervisors
The "3,600" supervisors were responsible for overseeing the laborers, ensuring the work was done efficiently and according to plan. The Hebrew root for "supervisors" is "natsach," meaning to oversee or direct. This reflects the need for leadership and accountability in any God-given task. These supervisors ensured that the temple was built to the exact specifications given by God, reminding us of the importance of adhering to divine instructions in our spiritual endeavors.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel, known for his wisdom and for building the temple in Jerusalem. He organized the labor force for the temple's construction.

2. Porters
These were laborers assigned to carry materials. The Hebrew word used here can imply those who bear burdens, indicating their role in transporting heavy materials.

3. Stonecutters
Skilled workers tasked with cutting stones from the mountains. This was a crucial role, as the temple required large quantities of precisely cut stones.

4. Supervisors
These were the overseers who managed the labor force. Their role was to ensure that the work was done efficiently and according to plan.

5. Mountains
The location where the stonecutters worked. The mountains provided the raw materials necessary for the temple's construction.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Organization in God's Work
Solomon's detailed organization of laborers highlights the importance of planning and structure in accomplishing God's purposes. In our lives, we should seek to organize our efforts to serve God effectively.

Diversity of Gifts and Roles
Just as Solomon's workforce had diverse roles, the body of Christ is made up of individuals with different gifts and callings. Each role is vital to the overall mission of the church.

Leadership and Oversight
The presence of supervisors underscores the need for leadership and accountability in any endeavor. In our spiritual lives, we should seek wise counsel and be accountable to others.

Commitment to Excellence
The skilled work of the stonecutters reflects a commitment to excellence in serving God. We should strive for excellence in all we do, as a reflection of our dedication to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's organization of laborers reflect the importance of planning in our spiritual and daily lives?

2. In what ways can we identify and utilize our unique gifts and roles within the body of Christ, similar to the diverse roles in Solomon's workforce?

3. What lessons can we learn from the role of supervisors in this passage about leadership and accountability in our own communities?

4. How can we apply the principle of commitment to excellence in our personal walk with God and in our service to others?

5. How does the concept of diverse roles in Solomon's workforce connect with Paul's teaching on spiritual gifts in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 5:15-16
This passage provides a parallel account of Solomon's labor force, offering additional details about the organization and scale of the workforce.

Exodus 31:1-11
This passage describes the skilled artisans Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God to construct the Tabernacle, drawing a parallel to the skilled laborers in Solomon's time.

Ephesians 4:11-12
This New Testament passage speaks about the different roles within the body of Christ, similar to the varied roles in Solomon's workforce, emphasizing the importance of each role in building up the church.