2 Chronicles 2:10
I will give for your servants, the woodsmen who cut timber, 20,000 cors of crushed wheat, 20,000 cors of barley, 20,000 baths of wine, and 20,000 baths of oil.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Notice how the vast quantities are not for Israel, but for the foreign laborers who are cutting timber! This reveals God's astonishing generosity and care, extending even to those outside the covenant community, ensuring they are well-provided for as they contribute to His sacred project.
King Hiram of Tyre is agreeing to provide King Solomon with skilled workers and materials for building the temple. This verse is Solomon's direct response, detailing the generous payment he's offering in return, a massive amount of food and drink to sustain Hiram's laborers during their work. This exchange sets the stage for the epic construction project that follows.
Ever wondered how much a king can give? Solomon's response to Hiram's help is mind-blowing.
This verse details a massive payment for services rendered. Solomon is sending 20,000 cors of crushed wheat and barley, and 20,000 baths of wine and oil to Hiram. To put this into perspective, a 'cor' was a huge measure, likely around 80 gallons! This wasn't just a thank you; it was a king's ransom, demonstrating immense gratitude and the vast resources at Solomon's disposal.
Abundant Provision
Think of the logistics: harvesting, processing, transporting, and storing these enormous quantities. It speaks to a well-managed kingdom and a genuine desire to honor the partnership with Tyre. This generosity wasn't just about paying a bill; it was about building a strong relationship rooted in thankfulness.
More than just wood, Hiram provided skilled labor. Solomon's gift acknowledges the humans behind the work.
Solomon isn't just paying for raw materials; he's compensating the 'woodsmen' – the skilled laborers who cut and prepared the timber. This detail is crucial. It elevates the transaction beyond a simple trade to a recognition of human effort and expertise.
Building Bridges Through Business
This partnership between Israel and Tyre was essential for the Temple's construction. Solomon understood that strong relationships are built on fair dealings and acknowledgment of contributions. His lavish provision shows he valued Hiram's people and their work, not just the cedar and cypress trees.
Understand the original words
chittah · Hebrew Noun
A fundamental grain of the Middle East, frequently used as a metaphor for sustenance, provision, and the basic necessities of life provided by God.
yayin · Hebrew Noun
In biblical culture, wine is a symbol of joy, celebration, and the blessing of God upon the land. It is often linked with grain and oil as a sign of abundance.
shemen · Hebrew Noun
A staple in the ancient Near East, oil symbolizes the blessing of God, healing, consecration, and the sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
This verse highlights the sheer scale and logistical demands of constructing Solomon's Temple, emphasizing the significant resources needed to sustain the workforce.
c. 967 BC— this verse
Solomon's Temple Construction Begins
Following King David's preparations, Solomon initiates the ambitious project of building the First Temple in Jerusalem, a massive undertaking requiring immense resources and labor.
c. 967 BC
Hiram's Assistance Secured
King Hiram of Tyre, an ally of David, provides skilled Phoenician craftsmen and vast quantities of timber (especially cedar) from Lebanon, crucial for the Temple's structure and beauty.
c. 967 BC
Labor Force Mobilized
Solomon organizes a huge workforce, including Israelites and conscripted foreigners, for quarrying stone, felling timber, and other construction tasks.
c. 967 BC
Massive Provisions Required
The scale of the project necessitates a constant and enormous supply of food and drink for thousands of laborers and artisans working on the Temple site.
This passage describes a similar agreement where Solomon provided food and drink to Hiram's servants who were supplying cedar and pine for the temple, highlighting the ongoing exchange of goods for labor in these massive building projects.
Ezra 3:7This verse mentions providing food and drink to the skilled workers and laborers, specifically the Zidonians and Tyrians, who helped rebuild the temple after the exile, echoing the provision made for builders in Solomon's time.
Nehemiah 5:15While addressing a different issue of economic hardship, Nehemiah references the provisions made by previous governors for the people, which included food and wine, showing a pattern of leaders being responsible for the sustenance of those working for the community's benefit.
Matthew 6:33Jesus teaches us to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness first, trusting that He will provide for our needs, which is a spiritual parallel to the practical provision God ensured for those working on His temple.
Notice how the vast quantities are not for Israel, but for the foreign laborers who are cutting timber! This reveals God's astonishing generosity and care, extending even to those outside the covenant community, ensuring they are well-provided for as they contribute to His sacred project.
King Hiram of Tyre is agreeing to provide King Solomon with skilled workers and materials for building the temple. This verse is Solomon's direct response, detailing the generous payment he's offering in return, a massive amount of food and drink to sustain Hiram's laborers during their work. This exchange sets the stage for the epic construction project that follows.
King Hiram of Tyre is agreeing to provide King Solomon with skilled workers and materials for building the temple. This verse is Solomon's direct response, detailing the generous payment he's offering in return, a massive amount of food and drink to sustain Hiram's laborers during their work. This exchange sets the stage for the epic construction project that follows.
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c. 967 BC
Logistical Challenges Faced
Transporting and distributing vast quantities of grain, wine, and oil to the construction site, located in Jerusalem, presented significant logistical hurdles.
"I will give for your servants, the woodsmen who cut timber, 20,000 cors of crushed wheat, 20,000 cors of barley, 20,000 baths of wine, and 20,000 baths of oil.”" — Notice how the vast quantities are not for Israel, but for the foreign laborers who are cutting timber! This reveals God's astonishing generosity and care, extending even to those outside the coven…
