2 Chronicles 2:18 – “He assigned 70,000 of them to be carriers and 80,000 to be stonecutters in the hills, with 3,600 foremen over them to keep the people working.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Solomon organizes the labor force needed for the construction of the temple. Out of the 153,600 foreigners counted in Israel (as mentioned in the previous verse), he assigns specific roles to different groups. Seventy thousand people are designated as carriers, responsible for transporting materials. Eighty thousand are stonecutters, tasked with quarrying and preparing the stone needed for the temple. Additionally, 3,600 foremen are appointed to oversee the work and ensure that everything is running smoothly.

The division of labor reflects the complexity and magnitude of the temple project. Solomon’s careful organization and leadership were essential for completing the task efficiently and effectively. This verse shows the importance of structure, management, and skilled labor in carrying out God’s work.

Historical Context

At the time this verse was written, Solomon was undertaking the monumental task of building the temple in Jerusalem, a project that required vast resources and manpower. The temple would replace the portable tabernacle that had served as the center of worship for Israel since the days of Moses. It was to be the permanent dwelling place of God’s presence and a symbol of His covenant with Israel.

The workers described in this verse were foreigners who had settled in Israel or were brought in from other nations as laborers. These laborers were not Israelites by birth, but they played a vital role in the construction of the temple. This shows that even those outside the covenant community were used in fulfilling God’s purposes.

Theological Implications

Theologically, this verse highlights the value of every person’s role in accomplishing God’s work. While some of the workers were stonecutters, others were carriers, and still others were foremen overseeing the work. Each role was essential for the completion of the temple, and all were contributing to the same purpose—the building of a place where God would dwell among His people.

This teaches us that in God’s kingdom, all contributions are valuable, no matter how big or small. Whether someone is performing a task that seems mundane or overseeing an entire project, their work is important in the grand scheme of God’s plan.

Literary Analysis

This verse provides a snapshot of the organizational structure that Solomon put in place for the temple’s construction. The specific numbers—70,000 carriers, 80,000 stonecutters, and 3,600 foremen—give us a sense of the immense scale of the project. The verse also highlights the importance of leadership and oversight, as the foremen were tasked with ensuring that the laborers remained productive and that the work proceeded according to plan.

By detailing the division of labor, the text emphasizes the importance of order and structure in accomplishing significant tasks. The repetition of specific roles—carriers, stonecutters, and foremen—underscores that each task, no matter how menial, contributed to the greater goal of building God’s temple.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 31:1-5: God calls Bezalel and Oholiab, skilled workers who were tasked with building the tabernacle, showing that craftsmanship and labor are important in serving God.
• Nehemiah 4:16-18: Nehemiah organizes the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, highlighting the importance of dividing labor and assigning tasks to specific groups.
• 1 Corinthians 12:4-6: Speaks of the different gifts given by the Holy Spirit, each of which contributes to the building up of the body of Christ.
• Romans 12:4-5: Paul emphasizes that just as each part of the body has a unique function, so does every member of the church have a role in God’s work.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, this verse reminds us that no task is too small in the service of God. Whether we are in positions of leadership or doing behind-the-scenes work, every role is valuable in building God’s kingdom. The laborers mentioned in this verse were part of something much larger than themselves—the construction of the temple, where God’s presence would dwell. In the same way, our work for God contributes to something eternal, even if we don’t always see the full picture.

This verse also highlights the importance of organization and teamwork. Just as Solomon assigned specific tasks to different groups, we are called to work together as the body of Christ, each playing our part in God’s plan.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reflects God’s love in the way He invites people to participate in His work. God didn’t need human labor to build the temple—He could have done it by divine power. Yet He chose to involve people, even foreigners, in this sacred project. This shows that God values human contribution and desires to include us in His plans, no matter our background or status.

God’s love is also seen in the way He provides for the needs of His people through careful planning and organization. Solomon’s division of labor ensured that the work would be done efficiently and that everyone’s efforts were valued and coordinated.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The temple Solomon built foreshadowed the ultimate temple—Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the true temple (John 2:19-21), the place where God’s presence dwells fully. Just as Solomon’s temple required the work of many different people, the spiritual temple that Jesus is building—the Church—requires the contributions of all believers.

In 1 Peter 2:5, believers are described as “living stones” being built into a spiritual house. Just as the stonecutters in Solomon’s time shaped and prepared the stones for the temple, God is shaping each of us to be part of His spiritual house. Through Jesus, we are invited to be part of something greater, contributing our gifts and talents to the building of His kingdom.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse challenge us to see the value in every task we do for God, whether big or small?
2. What can we learn from Solomon’s careful organization and leadership when it comes to serving God in our own lives?
3. How does this passage remind us that God values teamwork and cooperation in accomplishing His purposes?
4. In what ways does Jesus fulfill the role of the temple, and how can we contribute to the spiritual temple He is building today?
5. How can we be more intentional in using our gifts and talents to serve God, knowing that every role is important in His kingdom?

This verse encourages us to see the importance of working together for God’s purposes, valuing every contribution, and recognizing that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. Just as Solomon’s workers built the temple, we are called to contribute to the spiritual temple Jesus is building, where God’s presence dwells among His people.