2 Chronicles 2:18

KJV

And he set threescore and ten thousand of them [to be] bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand [to be] hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he set {H6213} threescore and ten {H7657} thousand {H505} of them to be bearers of burdens {H5449}, and fourscore {H8084} thousand {H505} to be hewers {H2672} in the mountain {H2022}, and three {H7969} thousand {H505} and six {H8337} hundred {H3967} overseers {H5329} to set {H5647} the people {H5971} a work {H5647}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He appointed 70,000 of them to carry loads, 80,000 to be stonecutters in the hills and 3,600 as supervisors to assign the people their work.

Berean Standard Bible

Solomon made 70,000 of them porters, 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, and 3,600 supervisors.

American Standard Version

And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand that were hewers in the mountains, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people at work.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon meticulously organized an immense workforce of foreign residents within Israel to undertake the arduous physical labor required for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. This verse details the precise numbers of these laborers: seventy thousand designated as burden-bearers, eighty thousand as stone hewers in the mountains, and three thousand six hundred as overseers, all strategically deployed to execute the monumental task of building God's dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Solomon's preparations for building the Temple, a sacred task entrusted to him by his father, King David, as recorded in [1 Chronicles 22:6-10](/1_chronicles/22-6 "1 Chronicles 22:6-10 - David's Charge to Solomon"). Having secured a covenant with Hiram, King of Tyre, for essential materials like cedar, cypress, and skilled artisans ([2 Chronicles 2:3-10](/2_chronicles/2-3 "2 Chronicles 2:3-10 - Solomon's Request to Hiram")), Solomon now turns his attention to the immense logistical challenge of manpower. [Verse 17 of 2 Chronicles 2](/2_chronicles/2-17 "2 Chronicles 2:17 - Solomon's Census of Foreigners") explicitly states that these laborers were "all the strangers that were in the land of Israel," distinguishing them from the native Israelites, who were not subjected to this heavy, compulsory labor ([1 Kings 9:22](/1_kings/9-22 "1 Kings 9:22 - Solomon Did Not Enslave Israelites")). This verse, therefore, marks the transition from planning and resource acquisition to the actual mobilization of the workforce for the Temple's construction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The use of forced labor, or corvée, was a common practice in the ancient Near East for large-scale public and royal building projects. Kings would conscript portions of their population or, more commonly, subjugated peoples and resident aliens, for such endeavors. Solomon's utilization of "strangers" (Hebrew: _gerim_) for the most physically demanding tasks aligns with this historical precedent while also respecting the covenantal status of the Israelites, who were seen as God's redeemed people and thus not to be enslaved by their own king for such purposes. The sheer numbers mentioned—150,000 laborers plus 3,600 overseers—reflect the monumental scale of Temple construction, a project that would have required vast resources, meticulous planning, and sustained effort over many years. The "hewers in the mountain" would have been engaged in quarrying and shaping the massive stones needed for the Temple's foundations and walls, while "bearers of burdens" would have transported these heavy materials, often over significant distances, to the construction site in Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes central to the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **massive scale and organization** required for a divinely mandated project, demonstrating Solomon's administrative wisdom and the immense resources dedicated to God's house. Secondly, it emphasizes the **labor for a sacred purpose**, where human effort, even arduous physical toil, is consecrated to the worship of God and the establishment of His presence among His people. This contrasts sharply with the forced labor endured by Israel in Egypt ([Exodus 1:11-14](/exodus/1-11 "Exodus 1:11-14 - Israel's Bondage in Egypt")). Thirdly, the **distinction in labor** between Israelites and non-Israelites reflects the unique covenantal identity of Israel while also showing that even foreigners could contribute to the building of the Lord's house, foreshadowing a broader inclusion. Finally, the meticulous enumeration of laborers and overseers points to the theme of **divine order and human cooperation**, where every individual, regardless of their specific task, contributes to the fulfillment of God's grand design.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Threescore and ten thousand / Fourscore thousand (Hebrew, _eleph'_):** These archaic English terms represent 70,000 and 80,000 respectively. The Hebrew word _eleph'_ (אֶלֶף) can mean "thousand" but can also refer to a "clan" or "military unit," though in this context, the large numbers clearly indicate literal thousands, emphasizing the immense scale of the workforce. The precise enumeration underscores the meticulous planning and extensive resources Solomon commanded, reflecting the grandeur and significance of the Temple project.
* **Bearers of burdens (Hebrew, _sabal'_):** The term _sabal'_ (סָבַל) means "to bear," "to carry," or "to be burdened." These individuals were responsible for the arduous task of transporting heavy materials—likely large stones, timber, and earth—from quarries and forests to the Temple construction site. This role required immense physical strength and endurance, highlighting the physically demanding nature of the work assigned to this segment of the workforce.
* **Overseers (Hebrew, _natsach'_):** The word _natsach'_ (נָצַח) means "to superintend," "to inspect," or "to oversee." These 3,600 individuals were crucial for managing, coordinating, and directing the vast labor force. Their role ensured efficiency, maintained order, and facilitated the progress of the work, demonstrating a sophisticated administrative structure necessary for such a monumental undertaking. They were the direct supervisors, ensuring the laborers were "set to work" effectively.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he set threescore and ten thousand of them [to be] bearers of burdens":** This clause identifies King Solomon ("he") as the one who organized and appointed a specific group—seventy thousand of the foreign residents ("them," referring to the "strangers that were in the land of Israel" from [2 Chronicles 2:17](/2_chronicles/2-17 "2 Chronicles 2:17 - Solomon's Census of Foreigners"))—to the physically demanding role of transporting materials. The verb "set" implies a deliberate, organized, and authoritative assignment of tasks.
* **"and fourscore thousand [to be] hewers in the mountain":** This part specifies another large contingent—eighty thousand of the foreign residents—assigned to the specialized and equally strenuous task of quarrying and shaping stone. "In the mountain" indicates the location of their work, likely the limestone quarries in the hills surrounding Jerusalem, from which the massive building blocks for the Temple would be extracted.
* **"and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work":** This final clause details the hierarchical management structure. A substantial number of supervisors were appointed, whose primary function was to "set the people a work," meaning to organize, direct, and ensure the productivity of the 150,000 laborers. This highlights the intricate logistical planning and leadership required to manage such a vast and diverse workforce for the Temple's construction.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 2:18 is **Enumeration**, where specific numbers are listed to convey the sheer scale and meticulous organization of Solomon's building project. The precise figures (70,000, 80,000, 3,600) serve to emphasize the **Grandeur** and monumental nature of the Temple construction, underscoring the vast resources and manpower dedicated to this sacred endeavor. While not hyperbole in the sense of exaggeration, the large numbers create an impression of awe and magnitude, highlighting the king's power and wisdom in orchestrating such an undertaking. The clear distinction between the roles of "bearers of burdens" and "hewers in the mountain" also employs **Categorization**, detailing the specialized divisions of labor within this massive workforce.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, detailing the mobilization of an immense workforce for the Temple, underscores the profound theological truth that God's grand purposes often require significant human effort, meticulous organization, and diverse contributions. The sheer scale of the labor force reflects the magnitude of God's dwelling place on earth and the dedication expected in its construction. It illustrates that even the most arduous and seemingly humble tasks, when performed for a sacred purpose, contribute to a divine vision. The distinction between Israelite and foreign labor also subtly hints at the universal scope of God's plan, where even those outside the covenant community can play a role in the unfolding of His redemptive history, albeit in a different capacity. This commitment of vast resources and human energy for the Temple serves as a testament to the centrality of worship and God's presence in the life of ancient Israel.

* [1 Kings 5:15-16](/1_kings/5-15 "1 Kings 5:15-16 - Solomon's Labor Force (Parallel Account)")
* [Nehemiah 4:16-18](/nehemiah/4-16 "Nehemiah 4:16-18 - Rebuilding the Wall with Labor and Defense")
* [Exodus 35:20-29](/exodus/35-20 "Exodus 35:20-29 - Willing Contributions for the Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous organization of labor for Solomon's Temple provides a powerful illustration for the church today. Just as a vast array of individuals with diverse roles was needed to construct the physical dwelling place of God, so too is the spiritual "building" of God's kingdom and the local church reliant on the coordinated efforts of every member. No task is too small or insignificant when it contributes to the larger divine purpose. Whether one is a "burden-bearer" faithfully serving in a less visible capacity, a "hewer" skillfully shaping and developing new ministries, or an "overseer" providing leadership and direction, every contribution is vital. This verse calls us to recognize the dignity of all labor performed for the Lord, to appreciate the necessity of good leadership and administration, and to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the collective work of building up the body of Christ, understanding that our individual efforts, when united, can accomplish monumental things for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sheer scale of labor for the Temple challenge my understanding of commitment and sacrifice in God's work today?**
* **In what ways am I contributing to the "building" of God's kingdom, whether as a "burden-bearer," "hewer," or "overseer"?**
* **How can we better recognize and affirm the value of every role within the church, regardless of its visibility or perceived importance?**
* **What does Solomon's meticulous organization teach us about the importance of planning and leadership in spiritual endeavors?**

### FAQ

**Why were "strangers" or foreigners used for this heavy labor, and not Israelites?**

Answer: Solomon's decision to use "strangers that were in the land of Israel" ([2 Chronicles 2:17](/2_chronicles/2-17 "2 Chronicles 2:17 - Solomon's Census of Foreigners")) for the arduous physical labor of the Temple construction was rooted in both practical and theological considerations. Practically, it leveraged a readily available workforce from the non-Israelite populations residing in the land, many of whom were likely descendants of groups conquered or subjugated by David. Theologically, it honored the covenantal status of the Israelites. According to Mosaic Law, Israelites were not to be enslaved by their own brethren ([Leviticus 25:39-43](/leviticus/25-39 "Leviticus 25:39-43 - Laws Concerning Indentured Servants")). While some Israelites did participate in Solomon's labor force, they were typically involved in lighter, supervisory, or more skilled roles, or served in a rotational, non-oppressive capacity ([1 Kings 5:13-14](/1_kings/5-13 "1 Kings 5:13-14 - Solomon's Levy of Forced Labor")). The use of foreigners for the most demanding tasks maintained this distinction, reflecting Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people, free from the kind of oppressive servitude they experienced in Egypt.

**Are the numbers of laborers listed in 2 Chronicles 2:18 consistent with other biblical accounts, particularly in 1 Kings?**

Answer: The numbers presented in 2 Chronicles 2:18 are largely consistent with the parallel account in [1 Kings 5:15-16](/1_kings/5-15 "1 Kings 5:15-16 - Solomon's Labor Force"). Both passages mention 70,000 burden-bearers and 80,000 stone hewers. The primary difference lies in the number of overseers: 2 Chronicles 2:18 states 3,600, while [1 Kings 5:16](/1_kings/5-16 "1 Kings 5:16 - Solomon's Overseers") mentions 3,300. This discrepancy is often reconciled by understanding that 1 Kings likely refers to the chief or principal overseers, while 2 Chronicles includes all levels of supervisors, or perhaps the 300 additional overseers were specifically for the Temple project, while the 3,300 were for all royal works. Such minor numerical variations are common in ancient texts and do not undermine the overall historical reliability or the central message of the immense scale of the project.

**What does this verse tell us about Solomon's reign and his wisdom?**

Answer: This verse significantly highlights Solomon's administrative prowess and the immense resources at his command during his reign. His ability to organize and deploy 150,000 laborers and 3,600 overseers demonstrates extraordinary logistical skill and a capacity for large-scale project management. This reflects the wisdom God granted him ([1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom")), enabling him to fulfill the divine mandate of building the Temple. It underscores that Solomon's reign was characterized not only by wealth and peace but also by sophisticated governance and the successful execution of monumental national undertakings, all directed towards the glorification of God through the construction of His house.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The vast, organized labor force dedicated to building Solomon's Temple, as described in 2 Chronicles 2:18, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the spiritual Temple He is building—the Church. Just as Solomon meticulously gathered and deployed human resources for a physical dwelling place for God, so too does Christ, the greater Solomon, gather and equip His people for the construction of a spiritual house. Jesus Himself declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")" referring to the temple of His body ([John 2:21](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ became the cornerstone of a new, living Temple, composed of believers. We, as "living stones," are "being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")). Every believer, regardless of their gift or role, is a vital part of this spiritual edifice, called to contribute their unique "labor" to the building up of the body of Christ ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the Church's Growth")). The physical Temple, built by human hands and vast numbers, foreshadows the spiritual reality of God dwelling among His people through Christ, who is both the Master Builder and the Temple itself, making us "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone" ([Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

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 2:2

And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.