1 Kings 5:15
Solomon had 70,000 porters and 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains,
Solomon had 70,000 porters
This phrase highlights the vast workforce that King Solomon employed for the construction of the temple, a project of immense scale and significance. The use of 70,000 porters, or laborers, indicates the logistical complexity and the massive human resources required. This workforce was likely composed of non-Israelite laborers, possibly Canaanites or other subjugated peoples, reflecting the socio-political dynamics of the time. The number also underscores Solomon's wealth and the kingdom's prosperity, as such a large labor force would require substantial resources to maintain. This aligns with the biblical narrative of Solomon's reign as a period of peace and prosperity, allowing for such grand projects.

and 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains
The mention of 80,000 stonecutters emphasizes the skilled labor necessary for the temple's construction, particularly in quarrying and shaping the stones used in the building. The "mountains" likely refer to the region around Jerusalem, where limestone quarries were abundant. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of such quarries, which would have been essential for providing the high-quality stone needed for the temple. The stonecutters' work was crucial, as the temple was to be a permanent and magnificent dwelling place for God, reflecting His glory and the covenant with Israel. This labor force's size and specialization highlight the temple's importance and the meticulous care taken in its construction, foreshadowing the New Testament's depiction of Jesus as the cornerstone of the spiritual temple, the Church.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, he was tasked with constructing the Temple in Jerusalem.

2. Porters
These were laborers responsible for carrying materials. In the context of Solomon's temple construction, they played a crucial role in transporting the necessary resources.

3. Stonecutters
Skilled workers who extracted and shaped stones from the mountains. Their work was essential for the construction of the Temple, which required precise and high-quality materials.

4. Mountains
The location where the stonecutters worked. The mountains provided the raw materials needed for the Temple's construction, symbolizing the strength and permanence of God's dwelling place.

5. Temple Construction
A significant event in Israel's history, the building of the Temple was a fulfillment of God's promise to David and a central place of worship for the Israelites.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Teamwork in God's Work
Solomon's use of a large workforce illustrates the necessity of collaboration and diverse skills in accomplishing God's purposes. In the church today, every member's contribution is vital.

God's Provision of Resources and Skills
Just as God provided Solomon with the resources and skilled workers needed for the Temple, He equips His people with the necessary gifts and talents to fulfill His mission.

The Significance of Preparation and Planning
Solomon's organization of laborers and materials reflects the importance of careful planning in executing God's work. We are called to be diligent and intentional in our service to God.

The Role of Leadership in God's Kingdom
Solomon's leadership in mobilizing and managing the workforce demonstrates the responsibility of leaders to guide and support their communities in fulfilling God's vision.

The Symbolism of the Temple as God's Dwelling
The construction of the Temple signifies God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live lives that reflect His presence.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's organization of laborers for the Temple construction reflect the importance of teamwork in the church today?

2. In what ways can we identify and utilize the skills and talents God has given us for His purposes?

3. What lessons can we learn from Solomon's preparation and planning for the Temple that apply to our personal and communal spiritual endeavors?

4. How can leaders in the church effectively mobilize and support their communities in fulfilling God's mission?

5. Considering that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, how should this truth impact our daily lives and interactions with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 31
This chapter describes the skilled artisans Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God to construct the Tabernacle. This connection highlights the importance of God-given skills and talents in building places of worship.

1 Chronicles 22
David's preparation for the Temple construction, including gathering materials and workers, parallels Solomon's efforts and underscores the continuity of God's plan through generations.

2 Chronicles 2
Provides additional details about the labor force and materials used in the Temple's construction, emphasizing the scale and significance of the project.
Men of Many Types Used in the Work of GodG. T. Coster.1 Kings 5:15
Partakers in the Process Share in the Honour of the ResultH. W. Beecher.1 Kings 5:15
Scope for Every Faculty in Christ's ServiceR. Venting.1 Kings 5:15
The Pioneers of CivilisationW. L. Watkinson.1 Kings 5:15
The Co-Operation of HiramJ. Parker, D. D.1 Kings 5:1-18
People
Adoniram, David, Gebalites, Giblites, Hiram, Sidonians, Solomon
Places
Gebal, Lebanon, Tyre
Topics
Bare, 80000, Bearing, Bore, Burden-bearers, Burdens, Carriers, Cutters, Eighty, Fourscore, Hewers, Hewing, Hill, Hills, Mountain, Mountains, Seventy, Solomon, Stone, Stonecutters, Stone-cutters, Stone-masons, Ten, Thousand, Threescore, Transport, Transporters
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 5:15

     4366   stones

1 Kings 5:8-18

     7236   Israel, united kingdom

1 Kings 5:12-18

     5592   treaty

1 Kings 5:13-15

     5266   conscription

1 Kings 5:15-18

     5403   masons
     5531   skill

Library
Great Preparations for a Great Work
'And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David. 2. And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 3. Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. 4. But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
The Messianic prophecy, as we have seen, began at a time long anterior to that of David. Even in Genesis, we perceived [Pg 131] it, increasing more and more in distinctness. There is at first only the general promise that the seed of the woman should obtain the victory over the kingdom of the evil one;--then, that the salvation should come through the descendants of Shem;--then, from among them Abraham is marked out,--of his sons, Isaac,--from among his sons, Jacob,--and from among the twelve sons
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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