What does Solomon's provision for workers reveal about his leadership and priorities? The text in focus “Now behold, I will give your servants, the woodsmen who cut timber, twenty thousand cors of crushed wheat, twenty thousand cors of barley, twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of olive oil.” (2 Chronicles 2:10) Generosity that values people • Solomon promises vast amounts of food and drink—an unmistakable signal that every lumberjack matters. • Specific quantities remove guesswork and anxiety, assuring the men their needs will be met. • Abundance, not bare minimum, sets the tone for the whole project. Justice anchored in God’s law • Deuteronomy 24:14-15 commands prompt, fair wages; Solomon obeys. • Leviticus 19:13 warns against exploiting workers; Solomon models the opposite. • His practice fits later truths: “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Timothy 5:18; Luke 10:7). Worship seen in workplace ethics • This provision is tied to the temple’s construction—honoring God starts with honoring people made in His image. • 1 Chronicles 22:2-4 shows David stockpiling materials; Solomon now stewards them for the Lord’s house and for those who build it. Diplomacy and testimony • 1 Kings 5:11 records identical yearly shipments to King Hiram, forging trust and cooperation. • Generosity toward Gentile laborers lets the nations taste Israel’s covenant blessings (Genesis 12:3). Wise stewardship on display • Solomon channels royal resources into a workforce, not personal opulence. • Feeding thousands safeguards productivity and morale, ensuring excellence in the temple’s craftsmanship. Takeaways for today • God-honoring leadership treats workers as valued partners, not expendable tools. • Providing generously and transparently advances both human well-being and God’s purposes. • Material blessings are entrusted to serve people and magnify the Lord, never to be hoarded. |
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