Lexical Summary sephar: census Original Word: סְפָר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance numbering From caphar; a census -- numbering. see HEBREW caphar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as sepher Definition enumeration, census NASB Translation census (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. סְפָר noun [masculine] enumeration, census (late; on formative compare LagBN 175); — absolute ׳ס, followed by אֲשֶׁר as accusative of congnate meaning with verb סָפַר2Chron 2:16. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence The noun סְפָר (Strong’s 5610) appears once in the Hebrew canon, at 2 Chronicles 2:17: “Then Solomon numbered all the foreigners who were in the land of Israel, following the census that his father David had taken, and there were found one hundred fifty-three thousand six hundred” (Berean Standard Bible). The single use provides a concentrated window into the biblical theology of counting, stewardship, and the place of the nations within Israel’s redemptive economy. Narrative Setting in 2 Chronicles Chronicles recounts Solomon’s preparation to build the temple. Before describing cedar shipments, skilled craftsmen, and architectural details, the text records a census of resident aliens. This act of enumeration was not bureaucratic trivia; it was an expression of covenant responsibility. Solomon’s kingdom, enjoying “rest on every side” (1 Kings 5:4), could now marshal labor for sacred purposes. The count of 153,600 foreigners ensured that each worker would be assigned fairly—70,000 porters, 80,000 stonecutters, and 3,600 overseers (2 Chronicles 2:18). By capturing the total, סְפָר anchors the passage in historical reality and underscores the ordered wisdom that characterizes Solomon’s reign. Counting and Covenant Order Scripture often links enumeration with divine order: סְפָר participates in this broader biblical motif: counting is legitimate when it serves God’s purposes and magnifies His sovereignty. The sinful census of 2 Samuel 24 contrasts sharply; David’s earlier numbering relied on human pride, whereas Solomon’s count facilitates temple ministry. Foreigners in the Temple Work The census highlights God’s inclusive plan. These foreigners (Hebrew gērîm) were not peripheral. They became essential contributors to the house “for the Name of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 2:1). Centuries earlier, the Abrahamic promise envisioned blessing for “all the families of the earth” (Genesis 12:3). Here, Gentile laborers foreshadow the later inclusion of nations who, in Christ, become “fellow citizens with the saints” (Ephesians 2:19). The precise tally of 153,600 anticipates the greater harvest described in Revelation 7:9—“a multitude no one could count.” Wisdom and Administrative Stewardship Proverbs celebrates the virtue of diligent planning (Proverbs 27:23-24). Solomon’s census models such wisdom. By knowing the exact workforce, the king could allocate tasks, avoid oppression, and ensure timely completion. Ministry today likewise benefits from thoughtful assessment of people and resources. Church leaders who responsibly “count the cost” (Luke 14:28) echo the principle embedded in סְפָר. Theological Reflections 1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency: The LORD ordained the temple, yet employed numerable human labor. Enumeration did not diminish divine glory; it magnified it by revealing order within creation. Practical Ministry Application • Stewardship: Churches may track attendance, giving, or volunteer hours, not as an end in itself but to deploy gifts effectively for kingdom purposes. Conclusion Although occurring only once, סְפָר conveys far more than a statistic. It connects administrative diligence with worship, links Israel’s temple to the nations, and invites contemporary believers to honor God through orderly, inclusive, and purposeful service. Forms and Transliterations הַסְּפָ֔ר הספר has·sə·p̄ār hasseFar hassəp̄ārLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 2:17 HEB: יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אַחֲרֵ֣י הַסְּפָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר סְפָרָ֖ם NAS: following the census which KJV: after the numbering wherewith David INT: of Israel after the numbering after had numbered 1 Occurrence |
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