1 Kings 5:13

KJV

And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men.

KJV (with Strong's)

And king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} raised {H5927} a levy {H4522} out of all Israel {H3478}; and the levy {H4522} was thirty {H7970} thousand {H505} men {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

King Shlomo conscripted 30,000 men from all Isra'el for forced labor.

Berean Standard Bible

Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of 30,000 men from all Israel.

American Standard Version

And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon's monumental undertaking of constructing the Temple in Jerusalem necessitated an immense mobilization of human resources, as detailed in this verse. This verse specifically records the implementation of a national labor levy, conscripting thirty thousand men from across Israel to contribute directly to the arduous work of preparing materials, particularly in the forests of Lebanon. It highlights the vast scale of the project, the centralized authority of the Solomonic monarchy, and the significant national effort required to fulfill David's vision and God's command for a permanent dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Solomon's preparations for building the Temple, immediately following his successful alliance with Hiram, King of Tyre, for the supply of timber and skilled craftsmen ([1 Kings 5:1-12](/1_kings/5-1 "1 Kings 5:1-12 - Solomon's Alliance with Hiram")). Having secured external resources and expertise, the text now turns to the internal mobilization of Israelite manpower. Verse 13 introduces the "levy," which is then further elaborated upon in [1 Kings 5:14](/1_kings/5-14 "1 Kings 5:14 - Organization of the Levy"), detailing the rotating shifts and the specific oversight of Adoniram. This logistical detail underscores the immense planning and organization required for such a colossal undertaking, setting the stage for the actual commencement of construction described in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of the Temple").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of raising a "levy" (forced labor or conscription for public works) was a common feature of ancient Near Eastern monarchies. Kings often mobilized their populations for large-scale building projects, military campaigns, or agricultural endeavors. For Israel, this practice, while efficient for state projects, also carried a complex history and potential for oppression, as foreshadowed by Samuel's warnings about the nature of kingship in [1 Samuel 8:11-17](/1_samuel/8-11 "1 Samuel 8:11-17 - Samuel's Warning about Kingship"). Solomon's ability to implement such a widespread levy demonstrates the consolidation of royal power and the unified nature of the kingdom under his rule, marking a significant shift from the more tribal structure of earlier periods. The Temple itself was not merely a religious edifice but a central symbol of national identity, divine presence, and royal legitimacy, making its construction a project of paramount national importance.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Kings. Firstly, it highlights **Royal Authority and Centralization**, demonstrating Solomon's immense power to command the resources and labor of "all Israel" for a national project, a hallmark of his reign's grandeur. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Monumental Scale of the Temple Project**, with the specific number of thirty thousand men underscoring the unprecedented human effort required to build the house of God, a task that transcended individual or tribal capabilities. This scale is further elaborated in [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Beginning of Temple Construction") where the sheer duration of the construction is noted. Lastly, it touches upon the theme of **Logistical Planning and Organization**, revealing the practical, administrative side of Solomon's wisdom, which was necessary to manage such a vast workforce effectively, as further detailed in [1 Kings 5:14](/1_kings/5-14 "1 Kings 5:14 - Organization of the Levy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Levy (Hebrew, _mas'_):** The Hebrew word מַס (*mas*) refers to tribute, forced labor, or conscripted service. It signifies a governmental imposition, distinct from voluntary service or hired labor. In the context of ancient Near Eastern empires, *mas* was a common means by which rulers mobilized resources for state projects, including building programs, military endeavors, or agricultural works. Its use here indicates the compulsory nature of the service, reflecting the king's absolute authority to command the populace for national undertakings, even those with sacred purposes like the Temple's construction. This term carries connotations of burden and obligation, which would later become a point of contention and contribute to the division of the kingdom under Rehoboam ([1 Kings 12:4](/1_kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - The People's Grievance to Rehoboam")).
* **Raised (Hebrew, _ʿālāh'_):** The verb עָלָה (*ʿālāh*) literally means "to go up," "to ascend," or "to bring up." In this context, it denotes the act of "raising" or "imposing" a levy. It highlights Solomon's active role and initiative in mobilizing this workforce. The king is not merely receiving a voluntary offering but is actively instituting and implementing a system of compulsory service. This verb underscores the exercise of royal prerogative and power in orchestrating the national effort required for the Temple project, reflecting the centralized authority now firmly established in Jerusalem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel;":** This clause establishes the source of the labor force and the authority behind its mobilization. "King Solomon" is the subject, emphasizing his direct command and the consolidation of power under the monarchy. The phrase "raised a levy" (מַס עָלָה, *mas ʿālāh*) signifies the imposition of compulsory service, a common practice for large-scale state projects in the ancient world. The scope, "out of all Israel," indicates that this was a national effort, drawing manpower from across all tribal territories, underscoring the unity of the kingdom under Solomon's rule, yet also hinting at the widespread burden.
* **"and the levy was thirty thousand men.":** This second clause specifies the precise number of men conscripted for this particular aspect of the Temple's construction. The figure "thirty thousand men" is substantial, emphasizing the immense scale of the project and the significant human resources allocated to it. While not all these men would be working simultaneously in Lebanon, as subsequent verses explain the rotation system ([1 Kings 5:14](/1_kings/5-14 "1 Kings 5:14 - Organization of the Levy")), this number represents the total pool of conscripted labor, highlighting the unprecedented commitment of manpower to the sacred task.

#### Literary Devices
The text in 1 Kings 5:13 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The sheer numerical specificity of "thirty thousand men" serves as **Emphasis**, underscoring the colossal scale of the Temple project and the unprecedented mobilization of national resources. While a literal count, its inclusion aims to impress upon the reader the magnitude of Solomon's undertaking and his administrative capacity. The concept of the "levy" itself functions as **Symbolism** for the centralized power of the monarchy and the transformation of Israel from a loosely confederated tribal society into a unified kingdom with a strong, centralized government. Furthermore, for a reader familiar with the broader biblical narrative, the mention of a "levy" can be seen as **Foreshadowing** the future discontent and eventual division of the kingdom, as such burdens often led to popular resentment, culminating in the cry against Rehoboam: "What portion have we in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse! To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!" ([1 Kings 12:16](/1_kings/12-16 "1 Kings 12:16 - Israel's Rebellion Against Rehoboam")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The mobilization of thirty thousand men for the Temple levy in 1 Kings 5:13 reveals a tension inherent in divinely mandated projects: the intersection of human effort and divine purpose. While the Temple's construction was God's will, its execution required immense human organization, labor, and even the imposition of a burden on the populace. This highlights that even sacred endeavors are often accomplished through practical, sometimes costly, means. Theologically, it underscores the principle that God often works through human agency and established structures, even monarchical ones, to bring about His purposes, yet it also subtly introduces the theme of the potential for human power to become burdensome, a recurring motif in the Deuteronomistic history. The scale of the effort also points to the immense value placed on the dwelling place of God's name, signifying its central importance to Israel's identity and worship.

* [Exodus 5:6-9](/exodus/5-6 "Exodus 5:6-9 - Pharaoh's Oppression of Israel"): Contrasts the forced labor under Pharaoh, which was oppressive and without purpose for Israel, with Solomon's levy, which was for a sacred, national purpose, though still a burden.
* [Deuteronomy 17:14-17](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-17 - Laws Concerning the King"): Provides the Mosaic law's guidelines for kings, warning against accumulating too much power or wealth, which could lead to oppressive practices, a subtle backdrop to the "levy."
* [2 Chronicles 2:17-18](/2_chronicles/2-17 "2 Chronicles 2:17-18 - Solomon's Census and Labor Force"): Offers a parallel account, confirming the large number of laborers and their organization, further emphasizing the scale and logistical precision.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Solomon's levy for the Temple construction offers profound insights into the nature of service, leadership, and the cost of collective endeavors, even those with divine sanction. It reminds us that significant achievements, especially in the spiritual realm, often demand substantial commitment, sacrifice, and coordinated effort from many individuals. While the "levy" was compulsory, it served a purpose central to Israel's identity and worship, prompting us to consider our own contributions to God's work today. Are we willing to contribute our time, talents, and resources, even when it feels like a "burden," for the greater good of the community and the advancement of God's kingdom? This verse challenges us to move beyond mere individual piety to embrace the often-unseen, arduous, and collective work required to build up the body of Christ and bear witness to His truth in the world. It highlights that even the most sacred visions require diligent planning, immense labor, and the cooperation of many individuals, reminding us that God's grand designs are often realized through the faithful, sometimes demanding, work of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does this verse reveal about the nature of leadership and the demands placed on a unified nation for a common, sacred goal?**
* **How does the concept of a "levy" for the Temple compare with our modern understanding of service or contribution within a religious community?**
* **In what ways might we be called to contribute to God's work today, even when it feels like a significant personal "levy" or sacrifice?**

### FAQ

**Was this "levy" a form of slavery or forced labor?**

Answer: The term "levy" (Hebrew: *mas*) refers to compulsory service or conscription for public works. While it was not chattel slavery, it was indeed a form of forced labor, meaning individuals were required by royal decree to participate, rather than volunteering. This practice was common in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms for large state projects. However, it's important to note that [1 Kings 5:14](/1_kings/5-14 "1 Kings 5:14 - Organization of the Levy") and [1 Kings 9:20-22](/1_kings/9-20 "1 Kings 9:20-22 - Solomon's Labor Force Composition") clarify that while Israelites were part of the *mas*, they were often organized into rotating shifts and were not subjected to the same harsh, permanent servitude as the non-Israelite populations or the kind of oppression experienced in Egypt ([Exodus 1:11-14](/exodus/1-11 "Exodus 1:11-14 - Egyptian Oppression of Israel")). The levy on Israelites was generally for a limited duration and specific tasks, often with periods at home.

**Why did Solomon need so many men for the Temple?**

Answer: The Temple was an enormous and complex construction project, requiring vast amounts of raw materials (timber, stone) to be quarried, cut, transported over long distances, and then meticulously assembled. The "thirty thousand men" mentioned in [1 Kings 5:13](/1_kings/5-13 "1 Kings 5:13 - Solomon's Levy") were specifically involved in the work in Lebanon, primarily felling trees and transporting timber. This number speaks to the sheer scale of the logistical challenge and the labor-intensive nature of ancient construction. Additionally, [1 Kings 5:15](/1_kings/5-15 "1 Kings 5:15 - Additional Laborers") mentions seventy thousand burden-bearers and eighty thousand stonecutters, indicating the total workforce was significantly larger, reflecting the monumental ambition and national importance of building God's house.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 5:13 describes the physical construction of a magnificent Temple through human labor, its ultimate spiritual fulfillment is found in Christ. The earthly Temple, built with immense human effort, was a shadow and symbol of God's dwelling among His people, a theme that culminates in Jesus. Christ himself is the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple")). He is the one who, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, has built the spiritual house, the Church, not with forced labor but with the voluntary, Spirit-empowered service of believers ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Unlike the temporary, physical structure built by a levy of thirty thousand men, Christ's spiritual Temple is eternal, composed of living stones—believers united in Him ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). The heavy burden of the levy under Solomon contrasts sharply with the "easy yoke" and "light burden" offered by Christ to those who come to Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")), inviting willing service born of love rather than obligation. The ultimate "levy" was paid by Christ Himself, who gave His life as a ransom for many, building a kingdom not of this world, but of eternal spiritual reality.

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 9:15

¶ And this [is] the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.

1 Kings 4:6

And Ahishar [was] over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda [was] over the tribute.