Solomon also had 70,000 burden-bearers and 80,000 stonecutters in the hill country,
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to just see the massive numbers, but notice the specific detail: in the hill country. This wasn't just about hauling pre-cut stones; it points to the immense, rugged labor of quarrying and shaping the raw materials right from the earth, revealing the sheer scale of human effort and logistical challenge behind even the most magnificent divine projects. This wasn't a quick build; it was a massive undertaking requiring careful planning and relentless work from thousands.
Solomon also had 70,000 burden-bearers and 80,000 stonecutters in the hill country,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Before this, King Solomon was planning to build a magnificent temple for God, just as his father David had longed to do. This verse, and the verses immediately following, detail the massive workforce and the sheer scale of resources Solomon mobilized, involving not just Israelites but also people from surrounding nations, to accomplish this monumental construction project. The sheer logistical undertaking is laid bare here, setting the stage for the temple's eventual glory.
The Bible doesn't shy away from the sheer human effort involved in God's projects. Look at the numbers for Solomon's temple!
A Monumental Undertaking
We often focus on the beauty and spiritual significance of the Temple, but 1 Kings 5:15 reminds us of the immense human labor required to build it.
This wasn't a small community project; it was an operation on an industrial scale, reflecting the grandeur God intended for His dwelling place.
God's Work, Human Hands
It's crucial to see that God's plan often involves significant human effort and resources. The Temple was a testament to both God's glory and the capabilities He provides humanity to carry out His will.
Behind these staggering numbers lies a story of employment, resource management, and the economic engine of a kingdom.
More Than Just Building
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These figures represent a significant portion of the population engaged in a single, massive project. This wasn't just about construction; it had vast economic and social implications:
A Kingdom's Foundation
The building of the Temple was not only a spiritual cornerstone for Israel but also a monumental economic and organizational feat, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of executing God's grand designs within a society.
The immense workforce mentioned highlights the sheer scale and ambition of the Temple project, a national undertaking that required significant mobilization of resources and labor, reflecting Solomon's power and the kingdom's prosperity at its peak.
c. 1015 BC
David Becomes King of Israel
David unites the tribes of Israel and establishes Jerusalem as the capital, setting the stage for a unified kingdom.
c. 1005 BC
David Plans the Temple
The Lord speaks to David, approving his desire to build a temple, but designates his son Solomon for the task. David gathers vast resources for its construction.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Becomes King
Upon David's death, Solomon ascends to the throne, inheriting a prosperous kingdom and the mandate to build the Temple.
c. 967-960 BC— this verse
Temple Construction Begins
Solomon initiates the monumental task of building the Temple in Jerusalem, requiring immense labor and resources from across his kingdom and beyond.
c. 960 BC
Temple Dedicated and Completed
After seven years of construction for the Temple itself and thirteen years for his palace, Solomon dedicates the magnificent structure, symbolizing Israel's golden age.
This passage immediately precedes the verse, explaining how Solomon organized the labor force for his grand building projects, setting the context for the sheer scale of human effort involved.
2 Chronicles 2:17-18This parallel account in Chronicles also details Solomon's census of foreigners and Israelites for labor, reinforcing the immense resources and manpower required for the temple construction.
Exodus 1:11-14This passage highlights the forced labor and oppression of the Israelites in Egypt, offering a stark contrast to the organized, though still demanding, labor force Solomon utilized, reminding us of the different ways humans can be subjected to burdensome work.
Deuteronomy 16:18This verse speaks to the appointment of judges and officials to oversee justice and administration, which would have been crucial for managing such a vast workforce and ensuring order during the construction.
It's easy to just see the massive numbers, but notice the specific detail: in the hill country. This wasn't just about hauling pre-cut stones; it points to the immense, rugged labor of quarrying and shaping the raw materials right from the earth, revealing the sheer scale of human effort and logistical challenge behind even the most magnificent divine projects. This wasn't a quick build; it was a massive undertaking requiring careful planning and relentless work from thousands.
Before this, King Solomon was planning to build a magnificent temple for God, just as his father David had longed to do. This verse, and the verses immediately following, detail the massive workforce and the sheer scale of resources Solomon mobilized, involving not just Israelites but also people from surrounding nations, to accomplish this monumental construction project. The sheer logistical undertaking is laid bare here, setting the stage for the temple's eventual glory.
Before this, King Solomon was planning to build a magnificent temple for God, just as his father David had longed to do. This verse, and the verses immediately following, detail the massive workforce and the sheer scale of resources Solomon mobilized, involving not just Israelites but also people from surrounding nations, to accomplish this monumental construction project. The sheer logistical undertaking is laid bare here, setting the stage for the temple's eventual glory.
"Solomon also had 70,000 burden-bearers and 80,000 stonecutters in the hill country," — It's easy to just see the massive numbers, but notice the specific detail: in the hill country. This wasn't just about hauling pre-cut stones; it points to the immense, rugged labor of quarrying an…
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Last reviewed October 2026