1 Chronicles 22:15

KJV

Moreover [there are] workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover there are workmen {H6213}{H4399} with thee in abundance {H7230}, hewers {H2672} and workers {H2796} of stone {H68} and timber {H6086}, and all manner of cunning men {H2450} for every manner of work {H4399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, you have plenty of workers - quarrymen, stone-workers, lumbermen, and all kinds of skilled craftsmen to do whatever has to be done with

Berean Standard Bible

You also have many workers: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and men skilled in every kind of work—

American Standard Version

Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all men that are skilful in every manner of work:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 22:15 details King David's profound assurance to his son Solomon, confirming that an abundant and diverse workforce, including both general laborers and highly skilled artisans, stands prepared to assist in the monumental and divinely ordained task of constructing the Temple. This verse underscores David's meticulous foresight and comprehensive provision, ensuring that not only were vast material resources gathered, but also the essential human capital was fully secured, thereby setting the stage for Solomon's successful execution of God's sacred dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within King David's final, earnest preparations and instructions concerning the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. Although David himself was divinely prohibited from undertaking this sacred construction due to his history as a man of war, as revealed in [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - God's Prohibition to David"), he received the divine promise that his son, Solomon, would be the one to accomplish this significant task, a promise reiterated in [1 Chronicles 22:10](/1_chronicles/22-10 "1 Chronicles 22:10 - God's Promise Regarding Solomon"). Despite his personal prohibition, David dedicated himself wholeheartedly to amassing an immense quantity of precious materials—gold, silver, bronze, iron, timber, and hewn stone—a meticulous effort detailed in [1 Chronicles 22:14](/1_chronicles/22-14 "1 Chronicles 22:14 - David's Vast Provisions for the Temple"). Verse 15 serves as a crucial continuation of this comprehensive preparation, assuring Solomon that beyond the raw materials, the skilled labor force required for such an intricate and grand undertaking is also abundantly available, thereby highlighting the completeness of David's provision and foresight.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the construction of a national temple was an undertaking of immense scale and profound significance. Such projects were not merely architectural feats but served as powerful symbols of a nation's devotion to its deity, its economic prosperity, political power, and sophisticated organizational capabilities. These colossal endeavors demanded extraordinary resources, advanced engineering knowledge, and highly specialized craftsmanship. The mention of "hewers and workers of stone and timber" refers to the fundamental and arduous trades essential for large-scale construction, while "cunning men" denotes master artisans possessing exceptional skill in intricate work. During this period, skilled labor was a highly valued commodity, often acquired through tribute, alliances, or extensive recruitment. David's remarkable ability to gather such a diverse and numerous workforce, alongside the vast material provisions, speaks volumes about his administrative prowess and the considerable wealth of his kingdom, which he consecrated entirely to God's service. The Temple was envisioned as a permanent, magnificent structure, designed to far surpass the portable Tabernacle, signifying a new era of settled worship and solidified national identity for Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Chronicles. First, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Provision and Human Preparation**. While God had chosen Solomon to build the Temple, David's diligent and extensive preparation demonstrates the vital role of human responsibility in partnering with divine will. God provides the vision and the ultimate means, but human effort, foresight, and stewardship are essential for the realization of His purposes. Second, the explicit mention of "hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men" highlights the **Value of Diverse Gifts and Skilled Labor** in God's service. Every role, from the most basic and physically demanding to the most specialized and artistically refined, is presented as essential and valuable for accomplishing God's grand design. This concept deeply foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the Church as the body of Christ, where all members contribute their unique spiritual gifts and talents for the common good and the building up of the whole, as articulated in passages like [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - The Body of Christ"). Finally, the phrase "workmen with thee in abundance" points to the theme of **Collaboration and Communal Effort**. The Temple's construction was not a solitary endeavor but a massive, collaborative project involving countless hands and varied talents, underscoring that significant spiritual undertakings often require the unified and harmonious effort of God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Workmen (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** (H6213) This term, derived from a primitive root meaning "to do or make," refers broadly to those who perform work, laborers, or craftsmen. In this context, it emphasizes the active participation and availability of a general workforce, foundational to any large construction project. It encompasses a wide range of individuals engaged in the physical labor required for building, highlighting the comprehensive nature of David's preparation.
* **Cunning Men (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** (H2450) While the English word "cunning" can carry a negative connotation of deceit, the Hebrew word _châkâm_ is profoundly positive. It signifies "wise," "skillful," "expert," or "ingenious." In the context of craftsmanship, it refers to individuals possessing exceptional technical skill, artistry, and profound wisdom in their trade. These were the master craftsmen, architects, designers, and highly specialized artisans capable of intricate and precise work, much like Bezaleel and Aholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God for the Tabernacle's construction ([Exodus 31:3](/exodus/31-3 "Exodus 31:3 - God Equips Bezaleel")). Their presence was crucial for the detailed, ornate, and magnificent aspects of the Temple.
* **Work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** (H4399) This word denotes employment, occupation, or the abstract or concrete result of labor. It refers to any kind of task or project, never implying servile labor but rather purposeful activity. In this verse, "every manner of work" underscores the vast scope of the Temple project, implying that every conceivable task, from the most basic to the most complex, would be covered by the available skilled labor. It highlights the comprehensive nature of David's provision, ensuring no aspect of the Temple's construction would lack the necessary expertise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover [there are] workmen with thee in abundance":** This opening clause serves as a powerful and reassuring declaration from David to his son Solomon. It emphasizes the sheer quantity and ready availability of human resources. The phrase "in abundance" (לָרֹב, _lārōḇ_) signifies a plentiful supply, indicating that Solomon would not face any shortage of labor. This highlights David's thoroughness in preparing not just materials, but also the necessary human capital for the monumental task ahead.
* **"hewers and workers of stone and timber":** This specifies the foundational and essential types of laborers required for large-scale construction. "Hewers" (חֹצְבִים, _ḥōṣəḇîm_) are those who cut and shape raw stone or timber, indicating the initial, preparatory, and often strenuous work. "Workers of stone and timber" (וְעֹשֵׂה אֶבֶן וָעֵץ, _wə‘ōśēh ’eḇen wā‘ēṣ_) refers to those who process, assemble, and construct with these primary building materials. This part of the verse details the essential, physical labor involved in laying the groundwork and erecting the main structure of the Temple.
* **"and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work":** This final clause expands the scope to include highly skilled artisans and specialized experts. "All manner of cunning men" (וְכָל־חָכָם לְכָל־מְלָאכָה, _wəḵāl-ḥāḵām ləḵāl-məla’ḵâ_) indicates a comprehensive range of experts. This includes those skilled in intricate metalwork, weaving, carving, masonry, and other detailed crafts necessary for the Temple's ornate furnishings, decorations, and precise architectural elements. The concluding phrase "for every manner of work" underscores that no detail, no specialized task, would lack the necessary expertise, ensuring the Temple's construction would be complete, of the highest quality, and aesthetically magnificent.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Emphasis** to convey David's comprehensive preparations. Through **Enumeration**, David systematically lists the various categories of workers: from the general "workmen," to the specific "hewers and workers of stone and timber," and finally, the highly specialized "all manner of cunning men." This detailed listing creates a comprehensive and reassuring picture of the available workforce. The device of **Emphasis** is powerfully achieved through repetition and a form of hyperbole, particularly with the phrases "in abundance" and "all manner... for every manner of work." This repetition underscores the sheer scale and completeness of the prepared resources, both human and material, and serves to reassure Solomon that every conceivable need for the Temple's construction has been meticulously anticipated and provided for. The careful detailing of the workforce highlights the organized, thorough, and divinely ordered nature of David's preparations, conveying a sense of both human diligence and divine blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully illustrates the profound theological principle of divine provision coupled with human responsibility and diligent stewardship. David, though divinely forbidden to personally build the Temple, poured his heart, vast resources, and administrative genius into its meticulous preparation. This act demonstrates a profound commitment to God's house and a deep faith that God's work, when undertaken with diligence, obedience, and consecrated effort, will be fully resourced. This passage teaches us that God not only calls His people to great tasks but also provides the necessary means, including the right people with the right gifts and talents, to accomplish His purposes. It underscores the importance of valuing every role and gift within the community of faith, recognizing that all contributions, from the most foundational to the most specialized, are essential and valuable for the collective building up of God's kingdom and the fulfillment of His divine plan.

* [Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30-35 "God Fills Artisans with Skill and Understanding")
* [Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "The People Worked with All Their Heart")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Gifts for Building Up the Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 22:15 serves as a profound and enduring reminder that God's great works are rarely, if ever, accomplished by a single individual, but rather through the collective, diverse, and abundant gifts of His people. David's foresight in preparing not just the raw materials but also a comprehensive and skilled workforce teaches us the timeless importance of valuing and mobilizing every contribution within the body of Christ. Whether one's gifts are foundational and seemingly mundane, like the "hewers" who lay the groundwork, or highly specialized and visible, like the "cunning men" who craft intricate details, all are deemed essential and indispensable for the building up of God's spiritual house. This verse encourages us to prayerfully identify our unique skills, talents, and spiritual gifts, no matter how small or specialized they may seem, and to offer them readily and joyfully for the advancement of God's kingdom. It also calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's unfailing provision, knowing that when He calls us to a task, He will faithfully equip us and provide the necessary human and material resources, often through the willing hands and hearts of others within His community. Our sacred role is to be diligent in preparation, faithful in stewardship, and collaborative in execution, recognizing that every member plays a vital and irreplaceable part in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific skills or talents do you possess that could be considered "cunning" (highly skilled) or "hewers" (foundational labor) in the context of your local church or community?**
* **How does David's diligent preparation, even though he would not personally build the Temple, inspire your own approach to contributing to God's work and supporting others in their callings?**
* **In what practical ways can your local church or ministry better recognize, affirm, and deploy the "abundance" of diverse "workmen" (gifts and talents) within its congregation for God's glory?**

### FAQ
**What does "cunning men" mean in this context, and why is it important?**

Answer: In modern English, "cunning" often implies slyness or deceit. However, in the King James Version of [1 Chronicles 22:15](/1_chronicles/22-15 "1 Chronicles 22:15 - David's Provision of Workmen"), the term "cunning men" translates the Hebrew word _châkâm_ (חָכָם), which profoundly means "wise," "skillful," "expert," or "ingenious." Therefore, "cunning men" refers to highly skilled artisans, master craftsmen, and ingenious individuals capable of intricate and specialized work. Their importance lies in the fact that the Temple was not just a large building, but a magnificent, divinely designed, and highly detailed structure, requiring expertise in various crafts like metalworking, carving, textile work, and precious stone setting. Their presence ensured the quality, beauty, and precision necessary for a dwelling place dedicated to the glory of God, much like the Spirit-filled craftsmen Bezaleel and Aholiab for the Tabernacle ([Exodus 31:3-5](/exodus/31-3-5 "Exodus 31:3-5 - God Equips Bezaleel and Aholiab")).

**Why did David emphasize the "abundance" of workmen to Solomon?**

Answer: David emphasized the "abundance" of workmen to Solomon for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it served as a powerful reassurance. Solomon was described as young and inexperienced ([1 Chronicles 22:5](/1_chronicles/22-5 "1 Chronicles 22:5 - David's Concern for Solomon's Youth")), and the task of building the Temple was immense and daunting. David wanted to alleviate any fear or doubt in his son's mind, demonstrating that all necessary resources, including human capital, were already secured. Secondly, it highlighted the sheer scale and complexity of the project. Building the Temple required an enormous and diverse workforce, from basic laborers to highly specialized artisans. Emphasizing "abundance" underscored that no stone would be left unturned, and no task would lack the necessary hands. Finally, it reflected David's comprehensive and meticulous preparation. He wasn't just providing materials; he was ensuring the entire ecosystem for the Temple's construction was in place, demonstrating his full commitment to God's command despite not being permitted to build it himself. This assurance was vital for Solomon to proceed with confidence and faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical Temple, meticulously planned by David and built with the hands of abundant and skilled workmen, serves as a profound type and shadow pointing to the ultimate spiritual Temple—the Church, which is the very body of Christ. Just as David painstakingly prepared for the construction of God's dwelling place on earth, God the Father, in His infinite wisdom and love, prepared for the coming of His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the true and living cornerstone of this new, spiritual edifice ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). Jesus Himself declared that He would rebuild the Temple, referring not to a stone structure but to His own body and His victorious resurrection ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). The "workmen in abundance" and "cunning men" of [1 Chronicles 22:15](/1_chronicles/22-15 "1 Chronicles 22:15 - David's Provision of Workmen") find their ultimate fulfillment in the diverse and supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are poured out upon believers, enabling them to build up the body of Christ. Every believer, whether a "hewer" doing foundational, often unseen work, or a "cunning man" exercising highly visible and specialized spiritual gifts, is essential for the growth, maturity, and edification of the Church ([1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Spiritual Gifts")). Christ, as the ultimate Master Builder and Head of the Church, equips His people for "every manner of work" in His kingdom, ensuring that His spiritual house is built according to God's perfect design, culminating in a vibrant dwelling place where God's Spirit truly resides and is glorified ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "The Church as a Holy Temple")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 7:14

He [was] a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

Exodus 31:3

And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,

Exodus 31:5

And in cutting of stones, to set [them], and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.

Exodus 35:32

And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

Exodus 28:6

¶ And they shall make the ephod [of] gold, [of] blue, and [of] purple, [of] scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.

Exodus 35:35

Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, [even] of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.