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.

And, behold, I will give {H5414} to thy servants {H5650}, the hewers {H2404} that cut {H3772} timber {H6086}, twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} measures {H3734} of beaten {H4347} wheat {H2406}, and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} measures {H3734} of barley {H8184}, and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} baths {H1324} of wine {H3196}, and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} baths {H1324} of oil {H8081}.

I will give your servants, the woodcutters who cut the timber, 100,000 bushels of cracked wheat, 100,000 bushels of barley, 100,000 gallons of wine, and 100,000 gallons of olive oil."

I will pay your servants, the woodcutters, 20,000 cors of ground wheat, 20,000 cors of barley, 20,000 baths of wine, and 20,000 baths of olive oil.”

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.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 2:10 details King Solomon's generous provision for King Hiram's skilled laborers from Tyre, who were tasked with supplying and preparing timber for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. This verse is part of Solomon's diplomatic letter to Hiram, outlining the terms of their collaboration.

Context

This verse is situated within Solomon's ambitious plans to build the magnificent Temple for the Lord, a task his father King David had desired but was not permitted to complete. Solomon recognized that Israel lacked the specialized forestry and stonework skills possessed by the Phoenicians of Tyre. Therefore, he sought assistance from King Hiram, an ally who had previously supplied timber and craftsmen for King David's palace. Solomon's letter, begun in 2 Chronicles 2:3, requests cedar and fir timber from Lebanon, along with skilled craftsmen, and in this verse, he specifies the substantial payment in return.

Key Themes

  • Generosity and Fair Compensation: Solomon's willingness to provide such vast quantities of staple goods—wheat, barley, wine, and oil—demonstrates his commitment to fair and abundant compensation for the skilled labor and valuable resources. It reflects the high value placed on the work dedicated to God's house.
  • International Cooperation: The passage highlights the crucial alliance between Israel and Tyre, showcasing how nations could collaborate through trade and shared expertise for a grand, divinely ordained project. This partnership was vital for the scale and quality of the Temple's construction.
  • Provision for a Sacred Endeavor: The immense provisions underscore the significance and sacredness of the Temple project itself. Solomon spared no expense, reflecting a deep understanding that the work for God's glory deserved the best resources and dedicated support.

Linguistic Insights

The "measures" of wheat and barley refer to the Hebrew unit cor (כֹּר - `kor`), a substantial dry measure, equivalent to approximately 6 bushels or 220 liters. The "baths" of wine and oil refer to the Hebrew unit bath (בַּת - `bath`), a liquid measure, roughly 6 gallons or 22 liters. The repetition of "twenty thousand" for each commodity emphasizes the extraordinary scale of the payment, signaling Solomon's immense wealth and the vast resources required for the Temple's construction.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons on valuing labor and providing adequately for those who contribute their skills and effort, especially in endeavors that serve a higher purpose. It reminds us that significant undertakings, even those with spiritual aims, require careful planning, practical resources, and respectful collaboration. Solomon's example encourages us to be generous in our dealings and to appreciate the diverse contributions of others when working towards common goals, particularly when building up God's kingdom today.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 5:11 (4 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Kings 7:26 (2 votes)

    And it [was] an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.

  • Luke 10:7 (2 votes)

    And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

  • Ezra 7:22 (2 votes)

    Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing [how much].

  • Romans 13:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

  • Romans 13:8 (2 votes)

    Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

  • 1 Kings 7:38 (2 votes)

    Then made he ten lavers of brass: one laver contained forty baths: [and] every laver was four cubits: [and] upon every one of the ten bases one laver.