1 Chronicles 22:15

Moreover [there are] workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.

Moreover there are workmen {H6213}{H4399} with thee in abundance {H7230}, hewers {H2672} and workers {H2796} of stone {H68} and timber {H6086}, and all manner of cunning men {H2450} for every manner of work {H4399}.

Moreover, you have plenty of workers - quarrymen, stone-workers, lumbermen, and all kinds of skilled craftsmen to do whatever has to be done with

You also have many workers: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and men skilled in every kind of work—

Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all men that are skilful in every manner of work:

Commentary

1 Chronicles 22:15 KJV: "Moreover, there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work."

Context

This verse is part of King David's final instructions and preparations for the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. Although God had forbidden David from constructing the Temple himself due to his role as a man of war (1 Chronicles 22:8), He promised that David's son, Solomon, would undertake the task (1 Chronicles 22:10). David, with a heart fully devoted to God's house, meticulously gathered immense quantities of materials—gold, silver, bronze, iron, timber, and stone—as detailed in 1 Chronicles 22:14. In verse 15, David assures Solomon that not only are the materials ready, but also the skilled labor force is abundant and available, ensuring all necessary resources are in place for this monumental divine project.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Foresight: This verse highlights God's comprehensive provision for His work. David's diligent preparation, guided by divine wisdom, ensured that Solomon would have all the necessary resources, including the skilled human capital, to complete the Temple.
  • The Value of Skilled Labor: The emphasis on "hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men" underscores the importance of diverse talents and specialized skills in accomplishing God's purposes. Every type of craftsman, from the most basic laborer to the highly intricate artisan, was essential.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: The mention of "workmen with thee in abundance" points to the vast, collaborative effort required for significant spiritual undertakings. Building God's house, whether literally or figuratively, is a communal endeavor where many hands and varied gifts are needed.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's phrase "cunning men" might sound negative in modern English, but in this context, the Hebrew word (חָכָם, chakham) signifies highly skilled, expert, or wise artisans. It implies intelligence and understanding applied to craftsmanship, much like the Spirit-filled abilities granted to Bezaleel and Aholiab for the construction of the Tabernacle in Exodus 31:3. These individuals were not merely laborers but masters of their specific trades, crucial for the intricate details of the Temple.

Practical Application

This verse offers enduring lessons for believers today concerning God's work and our participation in it:

  • God Equips for His Call: Just as God provided for the physical building of the Temple, He also provides the necessary resources and people for the spiritual building of His church and the advancement of His kingdom. When God calls us to a task, He will equip us and provide the necessary help, whether it's financial resources, specific skills, or willing hearts.
  • Value All Gifts and Roles: Every member of the body of Christ has unique gifts and talents. Whether one is a "hewer" (doing foundational or often unseen work) or a "cunning man" (possessing highly specialized and visible skills), all roles are essential and valuable for the effective functioning of the church, as described in 1 Corinthians 12.
  • Diligence in Preparation: David's example teaches us the importance of thoughtful planning and diligent preparation in our service to God. While God provides, He also expects us to use wisdom and foresight in our efforts.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 7:14 (2 votes)

    He [was] a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

  • Exodus 31:3 (2 votes)

    And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,

  • Exodus 31:5 (2 votes)

    And in cutting of stones, to set [them], and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.

  • Exodus 35:32 (2 votes)

    And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

  • Exodus 28:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ And they shall make the ephod [of] gold, [of] blue, and [of] purple, [of] scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.

  • Exodus 35:35 (2 votes)

    Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, [even] of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.