What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 2:10? I will pay your servants - Solomon is not asking for charity; he offers fair compensation to Hiram’s men. “The worker is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7), and Solomon models that principle. - This reinforces Proverbs 3:27: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due.” - By making the temple project financially upright from the start, Solomon protects its integrity (cf. 1 Chronicles 29:17). the woodcutters - These skilled laborers from Lebanon (2 Chronicles 2:8) are essential to obtaining cedar and cypress. - God often weaves outsiders into His purposes, as with Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 31:1-6) and Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1-4). - Their inclusion previews the house of prayer “for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7). 20,000 cors of ground wheat - A cor is roughly six bushels, so this equals about 120,000 bushels—lavish provision, not bare minimum. - Wheat, the primary staple (Genesis 30:14; John 6:9-13), symbolizes sustenance and blessing. - Solomon’s generosity reflects the Lord’s own abundance (Psalm 132:15). 20,000 cors of barley - Barley ripens earlier than wheat (Ruth 1:22) and was often food for common people and animals (John 6:9). - Supplying both grains ensures year-round provision—echoing Joseph’s foresight in Genesis 41:49. - It shows Solomon’s sensitivity to practical needs, paralleling Proverbs 27:23-27. 20,000 baths of wine - A bath is about six gallons, totaling roughly 120,000 gallons of wine. - Wine pictures joy and covenant blessing (Psalm 104:15; John 2:1-11). - By including wine, Solomon honors the workers with more than survival rations—he offers celebration. 20,000 baths of olive oil - Olive oil served for food, light, and anointing (Exodus 27:20; James 5:14). - Abundant oil recalls Deuteronomy 8:7-10, the promised land flowing with “olives and honey.” - 1 Kings 5:11 notes Solomon provided oil “year after year,” indicating an ongoing commitment, not a one-time payment. summary 2 Chronicles 2:10 shows Solomon pledging extravagant, fair, and varied provisions to Hiram’s woodcutters. His offer underscores righteous wages, values skilled labor, and mirrors God’s abundant generosity—all so the temple, the dwelling place of God’s name, can be built without reproach and with joyful cooperation between Israel and the nations. |
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