2 Chronicles 2:10 – “I will give your servants, the woodsmen who cut the timber, twenty thousand cors of ground wheat, twenty thousand cors of barley, twenty thousand baths of wine and twenty thousand baths of olive oil.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Solomon is offering compensation to Hiram, the king of Tyre, for the skilled workers who will help cut and provide the timber needed for the temple construction. Solomon pledges to supply large quantities of wheat, barley, wine, and olive oil to support the workers and the kingdom of Tyre in exchange for their service.

This agreement is significant because it reflects the cooperation between Israel and Tyre, as well as Solomon’s respect for the contributions of those outside his own nation. He recognizes that the workers are valuable, and he is prepared to reward them generously for their efforts. The verse shows how Solomon prioritized fairness and generosity in building partnerships, especially in such an important project as the temple.

Historical Context

At the time Solomon was preparing to build the temple, Tyre was a neighboring kingdom known for its skilled craftsmen and its abundance of natural resources, especially timber from the forests of Lebanon. The relationship between Israel and Tyre had been established earlier when Solomon’s father, David, worked with Hiram on building projects (2 Samuel 5:11). Now, Solomon was continuing that alliance, recognizing that Tyre’s workers had the expertise needed to provide the best materials for the temple.

The sheer scale of the offerings—20,000 cors (roughly equivalent to hundreds of thousands of gallons) of wheat, barley, wine, and oil—demonstrates the enormity of the project. Solomon was not only concerned with the temple itself but also with taking care of the people who would help build it.

Theological Implications

Theologically, this verse highlights the importance of recognizing the value of others and offering fair compensation for their work. Even though the temple was being built to honor God, Solomon made sure that the workers were well provided for. This reflects the biblical principle that God values justice, fairness, and generosity, especially when it comes to those who labor in His service.

It also speaks to the idea that God’s work often involves cooperation with others. While Israel was God’s chosen people, Solomon recognized the need for skilled workers from another nation to complete the temple. This partnership shows that God’s purposes can extend beyond national or ethnic boundaries, involving people from different backgrounds in His plans.

Literary Analysis

This verse stands as a practical statement in the midst of a larger narrative about the temple’s construction. The specificity of the amounts—20,000 cors of wheat, barley, wine, and oil—illustrates the seriousness of Solomon’s commitment to ensuring the temple was built with excellence and care. The large quantities also reflect the scale of the project and the importance of providing for the workers who were contributing to it.

By including details about compensation, the verse emphasizes that the building of the temple was not just a spiritual endeavor but also a significant economic and logistical undertaking. It underscores the idea that God’s work involves both spiritual dedication and practical responsibility.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Kings 5:10-11: Another account of Solomon providing wheat, oil, and wine to Hiram for the workers, showing that this was part of an ongoing agreement.
• Deuteronomy 24:14-15: Commands the Israelites not to withhold wages from hired workers, especially those who are poor.
• Luke 10:7: Jesus teaches that “the worker deserves his wages,” reflecting the importance of fair compensation.
• James 5:4: Warns against mistreating workers by withholding their rightful wages, emphasizing God’s concern for justice.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse reminds us of the importance of fairness, generosity, and honoring those who work hard. Solomon didn’t just build the temple—he ensured that the people who helped him were well cared for. This challenges us to treat others with respect and generosity, especially when they are contributing to something meaningful or working in service to others.

It also highlights the value of partnerships and collaboration. Just as Solomon worked with people outside of Israel to build the temple, we are called to work together with others—using our resources and skills—to fulfill God’s purposes in the world today.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows God’s love in that He cares for all people, even those who might seem far removed from His chosen nation. The workers from Tyre were not Israelites, yet they played a vital role in building the temple, a place where God’s presence would dwell. Solomon’s care for their well-being reflects God’s heart for justice and generosity, showing that God values the dignity and well-being of all people, regardless of their nationality or status.

God’s love is also seen in the way He provides for His people through others. Just as the workers were provided for through Solomon’s generosity, we can trust that God will provide for our needs as we participate in His work.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The temple Solomon built was a physical place where God’s presence dwelled among His people, but in the New Testament, we see that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the temple. In John 2:19-21, Jesus refers to His body as the temple, foreshadowing His death and resurrection. Through Jesus, God’s presence is no longer confined to a building, but is accessible to all who believe in Him.

Just as Solomon worked with others to build the temple, Jesus brings people together from all nations to build His kingdom. In Ephesians 2:19-22, Paul describes believers as being “built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Through Jesus, we are part of a spiritual temple, where God’s presence is with us, and we are called to work together to advance His kingdom.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Solomon’s generosity in compensating the workers challenge the way we think about treating others, especially those who work hard on our behalf?
2. What does this verse teach us about the importance of fairness and justice in our dealings with others?
3. How can we be more intentional in working with others—both within and outside the church—to accomplish God’s purposes?
4. How does this verse point to the larger idea of God’s provision and care for all people, even those who may not seem directly connected to His plans?
5. In what ways does Jesus fulfill the role of the temple, and how can we live as part of the “spiritual temple” that God is building today?

This verse encourages us to honor those who labor, to act with fairness and generosity, and to recognize that God’s purposes often involve working together with others. Through Jesus, we are invited into God’s presence, and we are called to build His kingdom with the same care and commitment that Solomon showed in building the temple.