What is the meaning of 1 Kings 5:13?

Then

• The word signals continuity with the verses before, where Solomon secures peace treaties and vast resources (1 Kings 5:1-12).

• It reminds us that God’s timing is orderly—first peace, then building. Compare 1 Chronicles 22:9-10, where David foretells that a “man of rest” will build the temple.

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King Solomon

• Solomon is the covenant heir (2 Samuel 7:12-13) entrusted to construct the house of the Lord (1 Kings 6:1).

• His wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34) is now applied in administration, showing that God grants practical skill in addition to insight.

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Conscripted

• The Hebrew monarchy practiced conscripted labor for national projects (1 Samuel 8:11-12).

• This was not slavery as in Egypt but a regulated levy; citizens served in rotations (1 Kings 5:14).

• Solomon’s action fulfills the warning given through Samuel, yet remains within God’s permissive will for the temple’s construction (1 Kings 9:20-22, 2 Chronicles 2:17-18).

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A Labor Force

• The term highlights organized, purposeful work—an echo of Israel’s earlier wilderness craftsmanship (Exodus 35:30-35).

• Labor was dignified and God-directed, building a dwelling for His Name (1 Kings 8:17-18).

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Of 30,000 Men

• The sheer number underscores the magnitude of the temple task.

• It points to God’s abundant provision of manpower, similar to how He provided materials (1 Kings 5:9-11).

• The workforce served one month in Lebanon and two months at home (1 Kings 5:14), balancing national duty with family life.

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From All Israel

• Every tribe participated, symbolizing unity under the covenant (1 Kings 4:7).

• This nationwide involvement anticipates the later dedication when “all Israel” gathers (1 Kings 8:2-5).

• It also foreshadows the complaint to Rehoboam about Solomon’s heavy yoke (1 Kings 12:4), reminding us that leadership must remain compassionate.

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summary

1 Kings 5:13 records Solomon’s nationwide draft of 30,000 Israelites for temple construction. Coming after God-given peace, the verse shows Solomon’s wise administration, the scale of God’s project, and the unified participation of the covenant people. It affirms that when God commissions a work, He supplies the leaders, the plan, and the labor to accomplish it.