2 Chronicles 2:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon {H8010} told out {H5608} threescore and ten {H7657} thousand {H505} men {H376} to bear burdens {H5449}, and fourscore {H8084} thousand {H505}{H376} to hew {H2672} in the mountain {H2022}, and three {H7969} thousand {H505} and six {H8337} hundred {H3967} to oversee {H5329} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo enlisted 70,000 men who carried loads, another 80,000 men who were stonecutters in the hills and

Berean Standard Bible

So he conscripted 70,000 porters, 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, and 3,600 supervisors.

American Standard Version

And Solomon counted out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand men that were hewers in the mountains, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 2:2 meticulously details King Solomon's initial logistical preparations for constructing the First Temple in Jerusalem, highlighting the monumental scale of the undertaking. This verse precisely enumerates the vast human resources mobilized: seventy thousand men designated to transport heavy materials, eighty thousand assigned to quarry stone and fell timber in the mountainous regions, and three thousand six hundred overseers appointed to manage and direct this colossal workforce, underscoring the unprecedented scope and sophisticated planning involved in erecting God's sacred dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Solomon's profound declaration of his intent to build a house for the Lord, a "very great" house, and a house for his own kingdom, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 2:1](/2_chronicles/2-1 "2 Chronicles 2:1 - Solomon's Declaration to Build the Temple"). It serves as the practical initiation of that grand vision, detailing the essential first step in assembling the necessary human resources. The Chronicler, known for his meticulous attention to detail regarding the Temple and the Davidic dynasty, records these precise numbers to underscore both the magnitude and the divine significance of the project. This account finds a close parallel in [1 Kings 5:13-18](/1_kings/5-13 "1 Kings 5:13-18 - Solomon's Labor Force for the Temple"), though with slight numerical variations in the number of overseers, which scholars often reconcile by understanding different categories or phases of supervision. The verses that follow describe Solomon's diplomatic outreach to King Hiram of Tyre to secure skilled labor and exotic materials, further illustrating the comprehensive nature of the preparations before the actual construction begins in [2 Chronicles 3](/2_chronicles/3 "2 Chronicles 3 - The Building of the Temple").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Large-scale building projects were a hallmark of powerful ancient Near Eastern empires, frequently employing vast numbers of laborers through systems of conscription or corvée labor (compulsory public service). Solomon's organization of such a massive workforce for the Temple was consistent with the administrative capabilities of a dominant monarch of his era. While the text in [2 Chronicles 2:2](/2_chronicles/2-2 "2 Chronicles 2:2 - Solomon's Temple Workforce") does not explicitly differentiate, other passages (e.g., [1 Kings 9:20-22](/1_kings/9-20 "1 Kings 9:20-22 - Solomon's Labor Force Distinction")) indicate that Solomon primarily utilized the descendants of the non-Israelite peoples who remained in the land for such heavy manual labor, while Israelites typically served in administrative, military, and supervisory roles. The "mountains" likely refer to the stone quarries in the Judean hills and the vast forests of Lebanon, from which immense quantities of stone and cedar timber, respectively, would be extracted and transported to Jerusalem. The sheer numbers reflect the immense undertaking of constructing a permanent, magnificent structure like the Temple, which was designed to be the spiritual and architectural centerpiece of the kingdom and a testament to God's presence among His people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Mandate and Human Execution**, demonstrating how God's will for a dwelling place (first revealed to David in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")) is brought to fruition through immense human effort and strategic planning. Secondly, the **Scale and Scope of God's Work** is powerfully emphasized; the monumental numbers underscore that building for the Lord is a national, all-encompassing endeavor requiring unprecedented resources and collective dedication. Thirdly, it showcases **Order, Organization, and Leadership**, as Solomon's meticulous census and allocation of tasks, along with the appointment of numerous overseers, reflect sophisticated administrative skills essential for successful large-scale projects. Finally, it speaks to the **Dedication and Priority of Worship**, as the willingness to mobilize such vast human and material resources for years of labor signifies the profound value and commitment placed on establishing a permanent, glorious place for the worship of Yahweh, central to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Told out (Hebrew, _çâphar'_):** This verb (H5608) means "to count," "to number," or "to enumerate." In this context, it implies a careful and precise census and allocation of manpower, not merely a rough estimate. Solomon meticulously organized and assigned the workforce, demonstrating a high degree of administrative control and strategic planning for the Temple project, ensuring every role was accounted for.
* **Bear burdens (Hebrew, _çabbâl'_):** This noun (H5449) refers to a "porter" or "bearer of burdens." It describes the arduous task of transporting heavy raw materials—such as quarried stone, massive timber, and other supplies—from their source to the construction site in Jerusalem. This was a physically demanding and continuous effort, essential for the progress of the building, requiring immense strength and endurance.
* **Hew (Hebrew, _châtsab'_):** This verb (H2672) means "to cut," "to quarry," or "to carve." It specifically describes the work of extracting stone from the mountains and felling and shaping timber from forests. These were skilled and laborious tasks, producing the foundational and structural elements for the Temple, requiring precision and expertise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens":** King Solomon initiated the Temple construction by meticulously counting and assigning 70,000 men specifically for the arduous task of transporting building materials. This highlights the sheer volume of raw materials required and the extensive logistical planning involved in moving them from distant quarries and forests to the construction site in Jerusalem.
* **"and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain":** In addition to the burden-bearers, Solomon designated a massive contingent of 80,000 men to work in the quarries and forests. Their role was to cut and shape stone from the mountains and fell timber, preparing the foundational and structural components for the Temple, underscoring the monumental effort required to extract and prepare these raw materials.
* **"and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them":** To manage and direct this colossal workforce of 150,000 laborers, Solomon appointed a substantial number of 3,600 overseers. This significant supervisory contingent demonstrates Solomon's commitment to efficient management, accountability, and ensuring the smooth, orderly, and productive progress of the immense construction project, reflecting a highly organized administrative structure.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 2 Chronicles 2:2 is **Enumeration**. The precise listing of specific, large numbers (70,000, 80,000, 3,600) serves to emphasize the sheer scale, meticulous organization, and monumental nature of Solomon's undertaking. This detailed accounting is characteristic of the Chronicler's historical writing, which often highlights the magnitude of Israel's resources and the glory of God's work through impressive statistics. While some scholars debate the exact literalness of such large numbers in ancient texts, their function here is undoubtedly to convey the unprecedented national mobilization for this sacred purpose, lending an air of historical accuracy and underscoring the profound dedication of human effort to building the Lord's house. The use of these figures reinforces the theme of God's blessing upon Solomon's reign, enabling such a grand project.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the principle that God often chooses to work through human agency and collective effort to accomplish His divine purposes. While the Temple was divinely ordained and its design revealed by God, its construction required immense human planning, labor, and dedication. The mobilization of such a vast workforce signifies the deep commitment of the nation to building a dwelling place for the Lord, reflecting a spiritual priority that transcends mere architectural ambition. It reminds us that even the most sacred endeavors require practical organization, diligent work, and the coordinated efforts of many individuals, each contributing their part. The Temple, though built by human hands, was consecrated as a place where God's presence would dwell among His people, bridging the gap between the divine and the human and serving as a tangible focal point for worship and covenant relationship.

* [1 Kings 5:13-18](/1_kings/5-13 "1 Kings 5:13-18 - Solomon's Labor Force for the Temple")
* [Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30 "Exodus 35:30-35 - Bezalel and Oholiab, Spirit-Filled Craftsmen for the Tabernacle")
* [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as a Holy Temple Built on Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous organization and immense dedication displayed in 2 Chronicles 2:2 offer profound lessons for believers today. Just as Solomon mobilized vast resources and manpower for a physical temple, we are called to dedicate our lives, talents, and resources to building God's spiritual kingdom. This verse reminds us that grand visions for God's glory require not only fervent prayer and divine inspiration but also diligent planning, strategic allocation of resources, and disciplined execution. Every individual, from the burden-bearer to the hewer to the overseer, played an indispensable role in the Temple's construction. Similarly, within the body of Christ, every member is vital, possessing unique gifts and callings that contribute to the overall health and growth of the church. We are challenged to recognize the significance of every task, no matter how seemingly mundane, when done for the glory of God, and to work together in unity and order, under wise leadership, to fulfill the Great Commission and build up the spiritual house of God, which is the church. This passage encourages us to embrace our specific roles with diligence and to appreciate the collective effort required for God's purposes to flourish.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's meticulous organization challenge me to approach God's work with greater intentionality and planning in my own life or ministry?**
* **In what ways can I recognize and value the diverse contributions of all members within my community or church, understanding that every role, no matter how seemingly small, is essential for building God's kingdom?**
* **What "burdens" or "hewing" is God calling me to bear or do in His service today, and how can I dedicate myself to it with the same commitment seen in the Temple builders?**

### FAQ
**Were these men forced laborers or volunteers?**

Answer: The text itself does not explicitly state whether the men were volunteers or conscripted. However, the parallel account in [1 Kings 5:13-18](/1_kings/5-13 "1 Kings 5:13-18 - Solomon's Labor Force for the Temple") refers to a "levy" or "forced labor" (Hebrew: _mas_). This indicates a system of compulsory public service, often for a limited duration, which was common in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms. While distinct from chattel slavery, it involved mandatory service to the state. [1 Kings 9:20-22](/1_kings/9-20 "1 Kings 9:20-22 - Solomon's Labor Force Distinction") further clarifies that Solomon did not enslave Israelites for this labor but rather utilized the descendants of the non-Israelite peoples whom the Israelites had not utterly destroyed. Israelites typically served in administrative, military, and supervisory roles, with the 3,600 overseers likely falling into this category. Thus, it was a highly organized, state-mandated system, primarily utilizing non-Israelite populations for the heavy manual labor, reflecting the administrative power of Solomon's reign.

**Why are the numbers so high?**

Answer: The high numbers (70,000 burden-bearers, 80,000 hewers, 3,600 overseers) serve to underscore the monumental scale and national importance of building the Temple. This was not just a local construction project but a central undertaking for all Israel, designed to be the magnificent dwelling place for God's presence among His people. Such vast figures demonstrate the immense resources and manpower Solomon commanded during his reign, reflecting the glory and prosperity of his kingdom. More profoundly, the Chronicler often uses large numbers to emphasize the magnitude of God's blessings and the vastness of the endeavors undertaken for His glory. The sheer scale highlights the profound dedication and value placed on establishing a permanent, glorious house for the Lord, signifying its central role in Israel's spiritual and national identity and demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises of prosperity to the Davidic line.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The immense human effort and meticulous organization detailed in [2 Chronicles 2:2](/2_chronicles/2-2 "2 Chronicles 2:2 - Solomon's Temple Workforce"), dedicated to building a physical dwelling for God, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Temple, for all its glory and the vast resources poured into its construction, was merely a shadow and a type of the true and greater reality to come. Christ himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction and Resurrection of His Body")). He is the ultimate "builder" of a spiritual house, the Church, not made with human hands, but eternal and perfect ([Hebrews 9:11](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11 - Christ, the High Priest of the Greater Tabernacle")). Just as Solomon's laborers prepared stones, Christ is the [chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Chief Cornerstone") upon whom the entire spiritual edifice is built. We, as believers, are called to be [living stones](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House"), individually and collectively forming this new, eternal Temple where God's Spirit truly dwells ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")). The "bearing of burdens" and "hewing" for the physical Temple foreshadow the costly sacrifice and diligent work of Christ, who bore the burden of sin ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ Bears Our Griefs")) and was "hewn" on the cross, to establish the new covenant and build a people for God's own possession, a spiritual house consecrated by His blood and indwelt by His Spirit.

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 2:18

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.

1 Kings 5:15

And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains;

1 Kings 5:16

Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which [were] over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.