2 Chronicles 2:15

KJV

Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore the wheat {H2406}, and the barley {H8184}, the oil {H8081}, and the wine {H3196}, which my lord {H113} hath spoken {H559} of, let him send {H7971} unto his servants {H5650}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore let my lord send his servants the wheat, barley, oil and wine he has spoken of;

Berean Standard Bible

Now let my lord send to his servants the wheat, barley, olive oil, and wine he promised.

American Standard Version

Now therefore the wheat and the barley, the oil and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures King Solomon's direct request to King Hiram of Tyre for the delivery of specific provisions—wheat, barley, oil, and wine—which were previously agreed upon as payment for Hiram's assistance in providing timber and skilled craftsmen for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. It highlights the meticulous logistical planning and the importance of fulfilling contractual obligations in this monumental, internationally collaborative endeavor, underscoring the practical details necessary for a project of immense spiritual significance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Solomon's elaborate preparations for building the Temple, immediately following his initial communication with King Hiram of Tyre and Hiram's affirmative response. In [2 Chronicles 2:3](/2_chronicles/2-3 "2 Chronicles 2:3 - Solomon's Letter to Hiram"), Solomon outlines his request for timber and skilled laborers, emphasizing the divine mandate for the Temple's construction. [2 Chronicles 2:10](/2_chronicles/2-10 "2 Chronicles 2:10 - Solomon's Promise of Provisions") details Solomon's promise of provisions—twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, twenty thousand measures of barley, twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil—as compensation for Hiram's servants. Verse 15, therefore, serves as the practical follow-up, a concise directive for Hiram to dispatch these promised goods. It reinforces the reciprocal nature of the agreement, moving from the initial negotiation to the actual execution of the terms, setting the stage for the massive undertaking described in subsequent chapters. A parallel, though slightly varied, account of this agreement and provision can be found in [1 Kings 5:11](/1_kings/5-11 "1 Kings 5:11 - Hiram's Provision to Solomon").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The interaction between Solomon and Hiram reflects typical ancient Near Eastern diplomacy and trade relations between powerful monarchs. Alliances were often solidified through reciprocal agreements, gifts, and the exchange of goods and services. Tyre, a Phoenician city-state, was renowned for its maritime prowess, cedar and cypress timber from Lebanon, and skilled artisans, particularly in stonemasonry, metalwork, and carpentry. Israel, under Solomon, had agricultural abundance. This exchange was mutually beneficial: Israel gained access to resources and expertise it lacked, while Tyre secured essential foodstuffs. The list of provisions—wheat, barley, oil, and wine—represents the staple diet of the region, crucial for sustaining a large workforce involved in arduous labor. Such detailed agreements underscore the high value placed on integrity and the fulfillment of covenants in a culture where a king's word was binding and failure to uphold it could lead to severe political and economic repercussions.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **diligent preparation and meticulous planning** for God's work, demonstrating that even the most sacred endeavors require careful logistical arrangements and human cooperation. Secondly, it underscores the importance of **international cooperation and alliances**, showing how God can use relationships between different nations to accomplish His purposes, even when those nations do not share the same religious beliefs. Thirdly, the emphasis on provisions speaks to the theme of **provision and sustenance for labor**, reflecting a biblical principle of caring for those who work, ensuring their well-being and ability to perform their tasks effectively, a concept echoed in passages like [Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14 "Deuteronomy 24:14-15 - Fair Treatment of Laborers"). Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, it reinforces the theme of **covenant faithfulness and integrity**, as both kings are expected to honor their word and fulfill the terms of their agreement, mirroring God's own perfect faithfulness in His covenants with humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wheat, Barley, Oil, Wine (Hebrew, _dagan, se'orah, yitzhar, yayin'_):** These four items represent the foundational agricultural staples of the ancient Near East, forming the core of the daily diet. "Wheat" and "barley" were the primary grains for bread, while "oil" (olive oil) was used for cooking, fuel, and anointing, and "wine" was a common beverage. Their inclusion signifies a comprehensive provision for sustenance, emphasizing the practical and essential nature of the payment. This list is not merely symbolic but reflects the actual, tangible needs of a large workforce engaged in strenuous physical labor.
* **Spoken of (Hebrew, _dabar_):** The KJV phrase "my lord hath spoken of" translates the Hebrew verb דָּבַר (_dabar_), which means "to speak, to declare, to command." In this context, it refers to a prior verbal agreement or promise. The use of this word underscores the binding nature of the oral contract between Solomon and Hiram. It implies a clear, articulated understanding and commitment, reinforcing the theme of integrity and the fulfillment of one's word in diplomatic and commercial dealings. It's not a new request but a reminder of an established, acknowledged obligation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore":** This transitional phrase connects the current request directly to the preceding agreement. It signals that what follows is a logical consequence or implementation of what has already been discussed and settled between Solomon and Hiram, specifically the terms outlined in [2 Chronicles 2:10](/2_chronicles/2-10 "2 Chronicles 2:10 - Solomon's Promise of Provisions").
* **"the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine":** This precise enumeration of provisions reiterates the specific items and quantities that Solomon had promised to Hiram. It highlights the meticulous nature of the planning for the Temple project, where even the sustenance of laborers was carefully calculated and agreed upon, demonstrating the practical foresight required for such a massive undertaking.
* **"which my lord hath spoken of":** This clause serves as a direct reference to Hiram's previous commitment. It acts as a reminder, emphasizing that the request is not arbitrary but is based on a mutually acknowledged and binding agreement. This reinforces the theme of covenant faithfulness and the expectation that promises made between leaders would be honored.
* **"let him send unto his servants":** This is the direct command or request from Solomon to Hiram. The phrase "his servants" most likely refers to Solomon's own laborers who would be working on the Temple project, or perhaps the Tyrian workers who would be felling the trees in Lebanon. The provisions were intended to sustain the workforce involved in the Temple construction, underscoring the practical logistics of such a large-scale international collaboration.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle literary devices. **Enumeration** is evident in the precise listing of "wheat, barley, oil, and wine," which serves to specify the exact nature of the provisions, emphasizing the detailed and contractual nature of the agreement. This list also functions as a form of **synecdoche**, where these staple items represent the broader category of all necessary sustenance and payment for the laborers. The phrase "which my lord hath spoken of" acts as an **allusion** to the prior verbal agreement detailed earlier in the chapter, creating a sense of continuity and reinforcing the theme of covenant fulfillment. Furthermore, the entire interaction between Solomon and Hiram, culminating in this verse, exemplifies **reciprocity** in international relations, a balanced exchange of goods and services for mutual benefit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse, focused on mundane provisions, carries profound theological weight. It underscores the biblical principle that even the most sacred and divinely ordained projects, like the building of God's Temple, require diligent human effort, meticulous planning, and faithful adherence to commitments. God, in His sovereignty, works through human means, and this often involves practical arrangements, fair dealings, and the honoring of agreements. The provision of sustenance for laborers reflects a divine concern for justice and the well-being of those who toil, a theme consistently woven through Scripture. Solomon's expectation that Hiram would fulfill his word mirrors God's own perfect faithfulness to His covenants, serving as a human reflection, however imperfect, of divine integrity. The collaboration between Israel and Tyre also hints at God's broader redemptive plan, which ultimately encompasses all nations.

* [Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14 "Deuteronomy 24:14-15 - Fair Treatment of Laborers")
* [Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Proverbs 11:3 - Integrity and Guidance")
* [Psalm 37:21](/psalm/37-21 "Psalm 37:21 - The Righteous and Their Giving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 2:15, though a detail in a grand narrative, offers timeless principles for personal and communal life. Firstly, it profoundly emphasizes the importance of **integrity and honoring commitments**. Just as Solomon expected Hiram to fulfill his promise, we are called to be people of our word, whether in personal relationships, professional dealings, or our commitments to God. Our faithfulness in small, practical matters reflects our character and builds trust. Secondly, the verse subtly highlights the biblical value of **caring for those who labor**. Providing fair compensation and adequate support for workers is not merely good business practice but a reflection of valuing human dignity and contribution, a principle that extends to how we support those who serve in any capacity, including ministry. Finally, it reminds us that even the most practical and seemingly mundane aspects of our work can be part of a larger, divinely purposed endeavor. Our diligence in managing resources, fulfilling obligations, and attending to details can contribute significantly to God's kingdom work, demonstrating that all of life, when lived faithfully, can be an act of worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently being called to honor a commitment, even if it feels mundane or challenging?**
* **How does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of providing for and valuing those who labor, whether in your workplace, community, or church?**
* **How can attention to practical details in your daily life contribute to a larger, God-honoring purpose?**
* **What does Solomon's reliance on a prior agreement teach us about the importance of clear communication and trustworthy relationships?**

### FAQ
**Why were these specific provisions (wheat, barley, oil, and wine) chosen as payment?**

Answer: These items were the primary agricultural staples and most valuable commodities in ancient Israel. Wheat and barley were essential grains for bread, forming the backbone of the diet. Oil (primarily olive oil) was crucial for cooking, lighting, and anointing, while wine was a common beverage. By offering these provisions, Solomon was providing comprehensive sustenance for a large workforce, ensuring their basic needs were met. This exchange was economically sound, as Israel had an abundance of these agricultural products, while Tyre, a maritime nation, relied on imports for such goods. It was a practical and mutually beneficial arrangement for both kingdoms.

**Who are "his servants" that Solomon refers to in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "his servants" most likely refers to Solomon's own laborers—the Israelite workers who would be involved in the immense task of constructing the Temple, possibly alongside Hiram's skilled craftsmen. In [2 Chronicles 2:10](/2_chronicles/2-10 "2 Chronicles 2:10 - Solomon's Promise of Provisions"), Solomon promised these provisions "unto thy servants, the hewers that cut timber," referring to Hiram's men. However, the subsequent verse [2 Chronicles 2:16](/2_chronicles/2-16 "2 Chronicles 2:16 - Hiram's Response to Solomon") has Hiram promising to send the timber to Solomon's "servants." Given the context of Solomon's overall management of the project, it's highly probable that these provisions were intended to sustain the entire workforce, both Israelite and Tyrian, engaged in the Temple construction, or specifically the Israelite laborers who would be receiving the timber from Hiram.

**What does this verse tell us about the nature of ancient Near Eastern diplomacy and trade?**

Answer: This verse exemplifies the highly structured and reciprocal nature of diplomacy and trade in the ancient Near East. Agreements between kings were often formalized through verbal promises, which were considered binding covenants. The exchange of goods and services was common, often based on each kingdom's unique resources and expertise. Tyre provided specialized timber and skilled labor, while Israel provided agricultural abundance. This arrangement highlights the importance of mutual benefit, trust, and the fulfillment of agreed-upon terms to maintain stable political and economic relationships between powerful states. It shows that even monumental projects like the Temple required intricate international cooperation and meticulous logistical planning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provisions for the earthly Temple, as seen in 2 Chronicles 2:15, beautifully foreshadow the ultimate provision found in Christ, the true Temple of God. Solomon's careful planning and the sustenance offered to laborers point to God's divine foresight and His abundant provision for His people in the new covenant. Just as wheat, barley, oil, and wine sustained the physical laborers, Christ is the spiritual sustenance for all who believe—He is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), the [living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water"), and the [true vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine") from whom we draw all spiritual nourishment. The integrity of the agreement between Solomon and Hiram, where promises were kept, prefigures the perfect faithfulness of God, who always fulfills His covenant promises through Christ. The earthly Temple, built with human hands and resources, was a temporary dwelling for God's presence, but Christ's body is the [eternal Temple](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple"), through whom believers are [built into a spiritual house](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House"). Furthermore, the international cooperation between Israel and Tyre, bringing together diverse peoples for a common purpose, subtly anticipates the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile in Christ, who [makes one new humanity](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace") from all nations, uniting them in His body, 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

2 Chronicles 2:10

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.

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.