2 Chronicles 2:10

KJV

And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, I will give {H5414} to thy servants {H5650}, the hewers {H2404} that cut {H3772} timber {H6086}, twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} measures {H3734} of beaten {H4347} wheat {H2406}, and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} measures {H3734} of barley {H8184}, and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} baths {H1324} of wine {H3196}, and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} baths {H1324} of oil {H8081}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will give your servants, the woodcutters who cut the timber, 100,000 bushels of cracked wheat, 100,000 bushels of barley, 100,000 gallons of wine, and 100,000 gallons of olive oil."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 2:10 records King Solomon's explicit commitment to provide an extraordinarily generous annual compensation to King Hiram's skilled laborers from Tyre. This provision, consisting of twenty thousand measures of wheat, twenty thousand measures of barley, twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil, underscores the immense scale and sacred importance of the Temple construction project, ensuring the sustenance and fair treatment of the foreign workforce vital to this divinely ordained endeavor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Solomon's diplomatic letter to King Hiram of Tyre, initiated in [2 Chronicles 2:3](/2_chronicles/2-3 "2 Chronicles 2:3 - Solomon's Request to Hiram"). Following his declaration of intent to build a Temple for the Lord and a palace for himself, Solomon requests specific resources—cedar and fir timber—and skilled craftsmen from Hiram, acknowledging Tyre's expertise in forestry and metallurgy. Verse 10 immediately follows Solomon's request for a craftsman "skilled to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide" ([2 Chronicles 2:7](/2_chronicles/2-7 "2 Chronicles 2:7 - Solomon's Request for a Master Craftsman")). The detailed enumeration of provisions in verse 10 serves as the concrete demonstration of Solomon's commitment to a fair and abundant exchange, setting the terms for the crucial alliance between Israel and Tyre that would enable the construction of the Temple. This specific provision outlines the material support for the "hewers that cut timber" mentioned in [2 Chronicles 2:8](/2_chronicles/2-8 "2 Chronicles 2:8 - Solomon Requests Timber from Lebanon"), highlighting the practical logistics behind such a monumental undertaking.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was a massive undertaking, requiring vast resources and specialized skills that ancient Israel, primarily an agrarian society, did not fully possess. Phoenicia, particularly the city-state of Tyre, was renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its maritime trade, advanced craftsmanship, and expertise in logging the dense forests of Lebanon. King Hiram I of Tyre had established a strong relationship with King David, providing timber and craftsmen for David's palace ([2 Samuel 5:11](/2_samuel/5-11 "2 Samuel 5:11 - Hiram's Aid to David")). This historical precedent laid the groundwork for Solomon's appeal. The exchange of goods for labor and raw materials was a common practice in ancient diplomacy and trade. The specific commodities—wheat, barley, wine, and oil—were staple foods and essential provisions in the ancient world, representing the primary forms of sustenance and wealth. The sheer quantity specified reflects not only the scale of the workforce but also the immense wealth of Solomon's kingdom, which was necessary to finance a project of this magnitude and duration. This alliance was a testament to the economic and political power of both kingdoms at the time.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **God's Providence and Provision** for His people and His work; Solomon's ability to offer such vast resources is ultimately a reflection of the blessings God had bestowed upon Israel, enabling the construction of His dwelling place. Secondly, the passage highlights the theme of **International Cooperation for a Divine Purpose**. The collaboration between Israel and Tyre, two distinct nations with different religious and cultural backgrounds, for the building of the Temple demonstrates how God can use diverse peoples and their unique skills to accomplish His will. This cooperation is essential for the realization of the grand vision for the Temple, as seen throughout [2 Chronicles 2](/2_chronicles/2 "2 Chronicles 2 - Solomon's Preparations for the Temple"). Thirdly, it underscores the importance of **Fairness and Generosity in Labor Relations**. Solomon's lavish provision for Hiram's workers sets a precedent for valuing the dignity of labor and ensuring adequate compensation, especially for those contributing to a sacred endeavor. This generous compensation reflects the high esteem in which the Temple project was held and the commitment to treating all involved with respect and equity, a principle that resonates with divine justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hewers (Hebrew, חֹצְבִים _choṣəḇîm_):** This term refers specifically to those who cut, quarry, or carve. In this context, it denotes the skilled laborers from Tyre who were expert in felling and preparing timber, particularly the massive cedars of Lebanon. These were not merely unskilled laborers but specialized craftsmen whose expertise was crucial for the precise and demanding work required for the Temple's construction, distinguishing them from general workers.
* **measures (Hebrew, כֹּר _kor_):** This is a significant dry measure unit in ancient Israel, equivalent to ten ephahs or approximately 220 liters (about 6 bushels). The repetition of "twenty thousand measures" for both wheat and barley underscores the truly enormous quantity of grain being provided, enough to sustain a large workforce for an extended period, reflecting the scale of the operation and Solomon's immense wealth.
* **baths (Hebrew, בַּת _bath_):** This is a liquid measure unit, equivalent to an ephah or approximately 22 liters (about 6 gallons). Similar to the "kor," the "bath" signifies a substantial quantity. The provision of "twenty thousand baths" of wine and oil further emphasizes the lavishness and completeness of Solomon's compensation package, covering not just staple food but also essential liquids for sustenance, cooking, and potentially anointing or fuel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber":** This opening clause immediately establishes Solomon's direct promise to King Hiram regarding the provision for his specialized workforce. The phrase "behold" (וְהִנֵּה, _wəhinnēh_) draws attention to the forthcoming declaration, emphasizing the significance and certainty of the commitment. It specifies that the beneficiaries are Hiram's "servants" (עֲבָדֶיךָ, _‘ăḇāḏeḵā_), explicitly identifying them as the skilled "hewers that cut timber," who were essential for the Temple project.
* **"twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley":** This part of the verse details the primary dry provisions. "Beaten wheat" (חִטִּים מַכּוֹת, _ḥiṭṭîm makkōṯ_) refers to threshed and processed wheat, ready for consumption. Wheat and barley were staple grains, forming the backbone of the diet in the ancient Near East. The identical, massive quantity for both grains highlights the comprehensive and abundant nature of the provision, ensuring ample sustenance for the large number of laborers over the extensive construction period.
* **"and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil":** This final clause specifies the liquid provisions. Wine was a common beverage and source of calories, while oil (likely olive oil) was crucial for cooking, light, and anointing. The consistent "twenty thousand" for all four commodities (wheat, barley, wine, oil) reinforces the extraordinary scale of Solomon's generosity and the vast resources at his disposal, demonstrating the high value placed on the labor dedicated to the sacred task of building God's house.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 2 Chronicles 2:10 is **Repetition**, specifically the repeated phrase "twenty thousand" for each of the four commodities (wheat, barley, wine, and oil). This insistent repetition serves to emphasize the extraordinary magnitude of the provision, highlighting Solomon's immense wealth and the lavish scale of the resources dedicated to the Temple project. It creates a sense of awe and reinforces the idea that no expense was spared for God's dwelling place. Furthermore, the verse employs **Enumeration**, a clear and systematic listing of the specific provisions, which contributes to the precision and contractual nature of Solomon's offer. This detailed listing not only outlines the terms of the agreement but also underscores the meticulous planning and extensive logistical requirements involved in such a monumental construction. The sheer quantities might also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, an intentional exaggeration to convey the profound generosity and the unparalleled importance of the sacred undertaking, rather than a precise literal count.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 2:10 powerfully illustrates the principle of generous provision for God's work, reflecting divine abundance channeled through human stewardship. Solomon's lavish commitment to the foreign laborers demonstrates a theological understanding that the work of God deserves the very best resources and that those who contribute their skills to sacred endeavors should be honored and sustained. This act of provision is not merely economic but also theological, mirroring God's own generosity in providing for His people and enabling them to fulfill His purposes. It underscores the importance of practical support for spiritual undertakings, recognizing that even the most sacred projects require earthly resources and human effort, all ultimately supplied by God.

* [Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14 "Deuteronomy 24:14-15 - Fair Wages for Laborers"): This passage emphasizes the importance of paying hired laborers promptly and fairly, particularly the poor and needy. Solomon's abundant provision aligns with the spirit of this Mosaic law, extending it even to foreign workers engaged in God's service.
* [Luke 10:7](/luke/10-7 "Luke 10:7 - The Laborer Deserves His Wages"): Jesus' instruction to His disciples, "for the labourer is worthy of his hire," echoes the principle of fair compensation for those engaged in spiritual work, underscoring a timeless biblical truth about valuing labor.
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God's Provision"): Paul's declaration, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus," encapsulates the overarching theme of God's abundant provision, which Solomon's actions in 2 Chronicles 2:10 reflect on an earthly scale for a divine purpose.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's generous provision in 2 Chronicles 2:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the Church. It challenges us to consider how we value and support those who contribute their skills, time, and effort to the work of God's kingdom today. Whether in ministry, missions, or local church service, this verse reminds us that significant undertakings require thoughtful planning, substantial resources, and a commitment to fair and even generous compensation or support for those involved. It encourages us to be stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, using them lavishly for His glory and for the well-being of those who serve. Furthermore, it highlights the beauty of international and inter-church cooperation, demonstrating that diverse gifts and backgrounds can unite for a common, divinely appointed purpose. We are called to appreciate and facilitate the contributions of all, recognizing that God uses many hands and many nations to build His spiritual house.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as the Church, demonstrate generous and fair provision for those who labor in God's kingdom today?**
* **How does Solomon's commitment to the Temple project inspire us to prioritize and resource God's work with excellence and abundance?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the international cooperation between Israel and Tyre regarding collaboration in contemporary ministry and mission?**

### FAQ

**Why did Solomon need foreign workers for the Temple?**

Answer: Solomon needed foreign workers because ancient Israel, primarily an agrarian society, lacked the specialized skills required for large-scale forestry, stonemasonry, and metalworking necessary for a project as grand as the Temple. Phoenicia, particularly Tyre, was renowned for its expertise in felling and transporting large timbers from Lebanon, as well as for its master craftsmen in various trades. King Hiram of Tyre had previously assisted King David with his palace construction ([2 Samuel 5:11](/2_samuel/5-11 "2 Samuel 5:11 - Hiram's Aid to David")), establishing a precedent for this crucial alliance. This collaboration ensured the Temple's construction met the highest standards of craftsmanship and utilized the best available resources.

**What was the significance of the "twenty thousand" measures and baths?**

Answer: The repetition of "twenty thousand" for each commodity (wheat, barley, wine, and oil) signifies the immense scale of Solomon's provision and his extraordinary wealth. It emphasizes the lavishness of the compensation and the profound importance placed on the Temple project. While the exact numerical precision might also carry symbolic weight, it primarily underscores the vast resources required to sustain a large foreign workforce for the extensive duration of the Temple's construction, which lasted seven years ([1 Kings 6:38](/1_kings/6-38 "1 Kings 6:38 - Temple Completion")). This level of provision ensured the workers' well-being and demonstrated Solomon's commitment to a fair and abundant exchange for their specialized labor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 2:10 details earthly provisions for a physical temple, it foreshadows the ultimate and infinitely more lavish provision found in Jesus Christ for the building of God's spiritual temple, the Church. Solomon's vast stores of wheat, barley, wine, and oil, given to sustain the laborers, point to Christ as the true and eternal source of all sustenance. He declared Himself the "[bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering spiritual nourishment that truly satisfies, unlike the temporary sustenance of physical food. Just as Solomon provided wine, Christ offers Himself as the "[true vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")" and His blood, represented by wine in the New Covenant, provides forgiveness and eternal life ([Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Blood of the Covenant")). The oil, a symbol of anointing and the Holy Spirit, finds its fulfillment in Christ, who poured out His Spirit upon believers, empowering them to be living stones in God's spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). Ultimately, the lavish provision for the Old Testament Temple points to the immeasurable riches of God's grace in Christ, who, by His sacrifice, provides all that is needed for salvation and for building His eternal kingdom, not with human hands or earthly commodities, but through the power of His Spirit and the spiritual gifts He bestows upon His people ([Ephesians 4:7-16](/ephesians/4-7 "Ephesians 4:7-16 - Gifts for the Church")).

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 5:11

And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat [for] food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year.

1 Kings 7:26

And it [was] an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.

Luke 10:7

And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Ezra 7:22

Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing [how much].

Romans 13:7

¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Romans 13:8

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

1 Kings 7:38

Then made he ten lavers of brass: one laver contained forty baths: [and] every laver was four cubits: [and] upon every one of the ten bases one laver.