TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Chronicles 2:1–10. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Solomon's wisdom was given him, not merely for speculation, to entertain himself (though it is indeed a princely entertainment), nor merely for conversation, to entertain his friends, but for action; and therefore to action he immediately applies himself. Observe,
I.His resolution within himself concerning his business (Ch2 2:1):
He determined to build, in the first place, a house for the name of the Lord. It is fit that he who is the first should be served - first a temple and then a palace, a house not so much for himself, or his own convenience and magnitude, as for the kingdom, for the honour of it among its neighbours and for the decent reception of the people whenever they had occasion to apply to their prince; so that in both he aimed at the public good. Those are the wisest men that lay out themselves most for the honour of the name of the Lord and the welfare of communities. We are not born for ourselves, but for God and our country.
II.His embassy to Huram, king of Tyre, to engage his assistance in the prosecution of his designs.
The purport of his errand to him is much the same here as we had it Kg1 5:2, etc., only here it is more largely set forth.
1.The reasons why he makes this application to Huram are here more fully represented, for information to Huram as well as for inducement.
(1.)He pleads his father's interest in Huram, and the kindness he had received from him (Ch2 2:3): As thou didst deal with David, so deal with me. As we must show kindness to, so we may expect kindness from, our fathers' friends, and with them should cultivate a correspondence.
(2.)He represents his design in building the temple: he intended it for a place of religious worship (Ch2 2:4), that all the offerings which God had appointed for the honour of his name might be offered up there. The house was built that it might be dedicated to God and used in his service. This we should aim at in all our business, that our havings and doings may be all to the glory of God. He mentions various particular services that were there to be performed, for the instruction of Huram. The mysteries of the true religion, unlike those of the Gentile superstition, coveted not concealment.
(3.)He endeavors to inspire Huram with very great and high thoughts of the God of Israel, by expressing the mighty veneration he had for his holy name: Great is our God above all gods, above all idols, above all princes. Idols are nothing, princes are little, and both under the control of the God of Israel; and therefore, [1.] "The house must be great; not in proportion to the greatness of that God to whom it is to be dedicated (for between finite and infinite there can be no proportion), but in some proportion to the great value and esteem we have for this God." [2.] "Yet, be it ever so great, it cannot be a habitation for the great God. Let not Huram think that the God of Israel, like the gods of the nations, dwells in temples made with hands, Act 17:24. No, the heaven of heavens cannot contain him. It is intended only for the convenience of his priests and worshippers, that they may have a fit place wherein to burn sacrifice before him." [3.] He looked upon himself, though a mighty prince, as unworthy the honour of being employed in this great work: Who am I that I should build him a house? It becomes us to go about every work for God with a due sense of our utter insufficiency for it and our incapacity to do any thing adequate to the divine perfections. It is part of the wisdom wherein we ought to walk towards those that are without carefully to guard against all misapprehension which any thing we say or do may occasion concerning God; so Solomon does here in his treaty with Huram.
2.The requests he makes to him are more particularly set down here. (1.) He desired Huram would furnish him with a good hand to work (Ch2 2:7): Send me a man. He had cunning men with him in Jerusalem and Judah, whom David provided, Ch1 22:15. Let them not think but that Jews had some among them that were artists. But "send me a man to direct them. There are ingenious men in Jerusalem, but not such engravers as are in Tyre; and therefore, since temple-work must be the best in its kind, let me have the best workmen that can be got." (2.) With good materials to work on (Ch2 2:8), cedar and other timber in abundance (Ch2 2:8, Ch2 2:9); for the house must be wonderfully great, that is, very stately and magnificent, no cost must be spared, nor any contrivance wanting in it.
3.Here is Solomon's engagement to maintain the workmen (Ch2 2:10), to give them so much wheat and barley, so much wine and oil. He did not feed his workmen with bread and water, but with plenty, and every thing of the best. Those that employ labourers ought to take care they be not only well paid, but well provided for with sufficient of that which is wholesome and fit for them. Let the rich masters do for their poor workmen as they would be done by if the tables were turned.
Continue studying 2 Chronicles 2:10 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Second Chronicles 2:10 records King Solomon's explicit and lavish commitment to provide annual compensation to King Hiram's skilled Tyrian laborers. This comprehensive provision, consisting of twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, twenty thousand measures of barley, twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil, underscores the immense scale, sacred importance, and meticulous logistical planning 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 component of King Solomon's diplomatic overture to King Hiram of Tyre, initiated in 2 Chronicles 2:3. Having declared his profound intention to construct a magnificent Temple for the Lord and a palace for himself, Solomon proceeds to request specific, high-quality resources—namely, cedar and fir timber—and highly specialized craftsmen from Hiram, acknowledging Tyre's unparalleled expertise in forestry, metallurgy, and various artistic crafts. Verse 10 immediately follows Solomon's detailed request for a master 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). The precise and generous enumeration of provisions in verse 10 serves as the tangible demonstration of Solomon's commitment to a fair, abundant, and reciprocal exchange, meticulously setting the terms for the crucial alliance between Israel and Tyre. This alliance was indispensable for enabling the construction of the Temple, and this specific provision outlines the material support for the "hewers that cut timber" mentioned earlier in 2 Chronicles 2:8, highlighting the practical logistics behind such a monumental undertaking.
Historical & Cultural Context
The construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem represented an undertaking of unparalleled magnitude in ancient Israel, demanding vast material resources and highly specialized skills that the agrarian Israelite society did not fully possess. Phoenicia, particularly the powerful maritime city-state of Tyre, was universally renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its advanced craftsmanship, sophisticated trading networks, and unparalleled expertise in logging the dense, prized forests of Lebanon. King Hiram I of Tyre had previously cultivated a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with King David, providing essential timber and skilled craftsmen for David's royal palace (2 Samuel 5:11). This established historical precedent provided the foundational framework for Solomon's appeal. The exchange of valuable goods for specialized labor and raw materials was a standard and accepted practice in ancient diplomacy and inter-state trade agreements. The specific commodities detailed—wheat, barley, wine, and oil—were not merely staple foods but represented the fundamental forms of sustenance, energy, and wealth in the ancient world. The sheer quantity specified in the verse reflects not only the enormous scale of the anticipated workforce but also the immense wealth and economic power of Solomon's kingdom, which was absolutely necessary to finance a project of such magnitude and extended duration. This strategic alliance was a powerful testament to the economic and political prominence of both kingdoms during this era.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly emphasizes God's Providence and Provision for His people and His divine work; Solomon's remarkable ability to offer such vast and diverse resources is ultimately a direct reflection of the abundant blessings God had bestowed upon Israel, enabling them to construct His sacred dwelling place. Secondly, the passage powerfully highlights the theme of International Cooperation for a Divine Purpose. The collaboration between Israel and Tyre, two distinct nations with differing religious and cultural backgrounds, for the singular purpose of building the Temple, demonstrates how God can sovereignly use diverse peoples, their unique gifts, and specialized skills to accomplish His overarching will. This cooperation is shown to be absolutely essential for the realization of the grand vision for the Temple, as seen throughout the entirety of 2 Chronicles 2. Thirdly, it underscores the profound importance of Fairness and Generosity in Labor Relations. Solomon's lavish and comprehensive provision for Hiram's workers sets a powerful precedent for valuing the dignity of labor and ensuring adequate, even abundant, compensation, especially for those contributing to a sacred endeavor. This generous compensation reflects the exceptionally high esteem in which the Temple project was held and the unwavering commitment to treating all involved with respect and equity, a principle that deeply resonates with divine justice and ethical stewardship.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to chop or carve wood." In the context of 2 Chronicles 2:10, it specifically refers to the skilled laborers from Tyre who were expert in felling, cutting, and preparing timber, particularly the massive cedars of Lebanon. These were not merely unskilled laborers but highly specialized craftsmen whose expertise was absolutely crucial for the precise and demanding work required for the Temple's construction, distinguishing them from general workers and highlighting their indispensable contribution.
This term denotes a "cor" or "kor," a significant dry measure unit in ancient Israel. It was 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 monumental scale of the operation and Solomon's immense wealth and logistical capacity.
This word, derived from a root meaning "to strike" or "to smite," refers here specifically to the process of threshing or beating grain with a flail to separate the kernels from the chaff. "Beaten wheat" (Hebrew: chiṭṭâh makkâh) therefore signifies wheat that has been processed and is ready for consumption, indicating a refined and prepared commodity rather than raw grain. This detail highlights the quality and readiness of the provisions Solomon promised.
Verse Breakdown
"And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber"
This opening clause immediately establishes King Solomon's direct and emphatic promise to King Hiram regarding the comprehensive provision for his specialized workforce. The introductory phrase "behold" (וְהִנֵּה, wəhinnēh) serves as an interjection, drawing immediate attention to the forthcoming declaration and underscoring the significance, certainty, and solemnity of the commitment. It precisely specifies that the beneficiaries are Hiram's "servants" (עֲבָדֶיךָ, ‘ăḇāḏeḵā), explicitly identifying them as the highly skilled "hewers that cut timber," whose expertise was absolutely essential for the monumental Temple project.
"twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley"
This part of the verse meticulously details the primary dry provisions. "Beaten wheat" (חִטִּים מַכּוֹת, ḥiṭṭîm makkōṯ) refers to threshed and processed wheat, indicating a finished product ready for consumption. Wheat and barley were the fundamental staple grains, forming the backbone of the diet across the ancient Near East. The identical, massive quantity specified for both grains—"twenty thousand measures"—highlights the comprehensive, abundant, and sustained nature of the provision, ensuring ample and continuous 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 essential liquid provisions. Wine was a common and vital beverage, providing calories and refreshment, while oil (most likely olive oil) was indispensable for cooking, illumination, and potentially for anointing or medicinal purposes. The consistent "twenty thousand" for all four commodities (wheat, barley, wine, oil) powerfully reinforces the extraordinary scale of Solomon's generosity, the meticulous planning involved, and the vast resources at his disposal, demonstrating the exceptionally high value placed on the labor dedicated to the sacred task of building God's house.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device powerfully employed in 2 Chronicles 2:10 is Repetition, specifically the insistent recurrence of the phrase "twenty thousand" for each of the four distinct commodities (wheat, barley, wine, and oil). This emphatic repetition serves to underscore and amplify the extraordinary magnitude of the provision, highlighting King Solomon's immense wealth, the lavish scale of the resources being dedicated to the Temple project, and the sheer abundance of the compensation. It effectively creates a sense of awe and reinforces the profound idea that absolutely no expense was spared for the construction of God's dwelling place. Furthermore, the verse employs Enumeration, a clear, precise, and systematic listing of the specific provisions, which contributes significantly to the clarity, precision, and contractual nature of Solomon's offer. This detailed itemization not only outlines the exact terms of the agreement but also vividly underscores the meticulous planning and extensive logistical requirements inherently involved in such a monumental and sacred construction endeavor. The sheer quantities mentioned might also be perceived as a form of Hyperbole, an intentional exaggeration used not necessarily for literal precision, but to convey the profound generosity, the unparalleled importance, and the grand scale of the sacred undertaking.
Theological and Thematic Connections
2 Chronicles 2:10 powerfully illustrates the enduring biblical principle of generous provision for God's work, reflecting divine abundance channeled through faithful human stewardship. Solomon's lavish and meticulous commitment to the foreign laborers demonstrates a profound theological understanding that the work of God deserves the very best resources and that those who contribute their skills, labor, and time to sacred endeavors should be honored, sustained, and compensated abundantly. This act of provision is not merely an economic transaction but also a deeply theological statement, mirroring God's own intrinsic generosity in providing bountifully for His people and enabling them to fulfill His grand purposes. It underscores the vital importance of practical, material support for spiritual undertakings, recognizing that even the most sacred and divinely appointed projects require earthly resources and dedicated human effort, all of which are ultimately supplied and blessed by God.
Reflection and Application
King Solomon's generous provision in 2 Chronicles 2:10 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers and the Church today. It challenges us to deeply consider how we, individually and corporately, value, support, and sustain those who contribute their invaluable skills, precious time, and dedicated effort to the work of God's kingdom. Whether manifested in full-time ministry, global missions, local church service, or various forms of Christian outreach, this verse powerfully reminds us that significant spiritual undertakings require thoughtful planning, substantial resources, and an unwavering commitment to fair, equitable, and even generous compensation or comprehensive support for all involved. It profoundly encourages us to be faithful and wise stewards of the resources God has graciously entrusted to us, using them lavishly for His glory and for the holistic well-being of those who serve Him. Furthermore, it beautifully highlights the transformative power and beauty of international and inter-church cooperation, demonstrating unequivocally that diverse gifts, varied backgrounds, and different national identities can unite harmoniously for a common, divinely appointed purpose. We are thus called to appreciate, facilitate, and champion the contributions of all, recognizing that God, in His infinite wisdom, uses many hands, many talents, and many nations to build His spiritual house.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Solomon need foreign workers for the Temple?
Solomon needed foreign workers primarily because ancient Israel, being predominantly an agrarian society, lacked the highly specialized skills and extensive experience required for large-scale forestry, sophisticated stonemasonry, and advanced metalworking—all of which were absolutely necessary for a project as grand and intricate as the Temple. Phoenicia, particularly the city-state of Tyre, was renowned throughout the ancient world for its unparalleled expertise in felling, processing, and transporting large timbers from the dense forests of Lebanon, as well as for its master craftsmen in various trades. King Hiram of Tyre had previously established a strong working relationship with King David, assisting him with his palace construction (2 Samuel 5:11), which set a crucial precedent for this vital alliance. This collaboration ensured that the Temple's construction met the highest standards of craftsmanship and utilized the best available resources and expertise of the era.
What was the significance of the "twenty thousand" measures and baths?
The emphatic repetition of "twenty thousand" for each of the four commodities (wheat, barley, wine, and oil) signifies the immense scale of King Solomon's provision and underscores his extraordinary wealth and the vast resources at his disposal. It serves to emphasize the lavishness and completeness of the compensation package, as well as the profound importance placed on the Temple project itself. While the exact numerical precision might also carry symbolic weight, its primary purpose is to convey 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). This unprecedented level of provision ensured the workers' well-being, maintained their motivation, and powerfully demonstrated Solomon's unwavering commitment to a fair, abundant, and honorable exchange for their specialized and indispensable labor.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 2 Chronicles 2:10 meticulously details the earthly provisions for the construction of a physical temple, it profoundly 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, generously given to sustain the laborers, point forward to Christ as the true, eternal, and inexhaustible source of all spiritual sustenance. He declared Himself the "bread of life" (John 6:35), offering spiritual nourishment that truly satisfies the deepest longings of the human soul, unlike the temporary sustenance of physical food. Just as Solomon provided wine, Christ offers Himself as the "true vine" and His precious blood, profoundly represented by wine in the New Covenant, provides complete forgiveness of sins and eternal life (Matthew 26:28). The oil, a potent biblical symbol of anointing, consecration, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who, upon His ascension, poured out His Spirit upon believers, empowering them to be living stones in God's spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). Ultimately, the lavish and abundant provision for the Old Testament Temple points to the immeasurable riches of God's grace in Christ, who, by His perfect sacrifice and glorious resurrection, provides all that is needed for salvation and for the ongoing building of His eternal kingdom, not with human hands or perishable earthly commodities, but through the transformative power of His Spirit and the spiritual gifts He sovereignly bestows upon His redeemed people (Ephesians 4:7-16).