2 Chronicles 2:17-18
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It's easy to gloss over, but Solomon's detailed census of the "resident aliens"—those not born Israelite but living among them—shows a surprising commitment to inclusivity and recognizing every person's place within God's people. This isn't just about labor force numbers; it's a deliberate act of acknowledging their presence and contribution to the kingdom.
Then Solomon counted all the resident aliens who were in the land of Israel, after the census of them that David his father had taken, and there were found 153,600. Seventy thousand of them he assigned to bear burdens, 80,000 to quarry in the hill country, and 3,600 as overseers to make the people work.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Solomon is gearing up to build the magnificent Temple for God, a monumental task that requires immense resources and manpower. This census of foreign workers, building on his father David's earlier count, highlights the sheer scale of the project and the king's thorough planning to gather the necessary laborers for this sacred endeavor.
Did you know King Solomon’s census wasn't just about Israelites? This verse highlights a group often overlooked.
In 2 Chronicles 2:17, Solomon meticulously counts the 'resident aliens' in Israel. These weren't just visitors; they were foreigners who had settled in the land, living among the Israelites. David, his father, had also taken a census of them, showing a consistent recognition of their presence and contribution. This act of counting them demonstrates that even those not born into the covenant community were seen and valued in a practical sense, especially for labor. It’s a reminder that God’s purposes often involve people from all nations, not just one. They were an integral part of the nation's infrastructure and economy, particularly in grand projects like the Temple.
Who built the magnificent Temple of Solomon? It wasn't just the Israelites.
The significant number of resident aliens (over 153,000!) underscores their crucial role in the construction of the Temple. While the Bible doesn't detail their individual spiritual journeys, their labor was indispensable. This highlights a beautiful principle: God uses diverse talents and backgrounds for His glory. The Temple, a place of worship for Israel, was built with the hands of people from various origins. It foreshadows the New Testament reality where the church, the spiritual Temple, is composed of believers from every nation, tribe, and tongue, all working together in God’s plan.
Understand the original words
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ger · Hebrew Noun
Foreigners residing within the borders of Israel who were expected to adhere to certain laws and were often incorporated into the labor force or religious life of the community.
pequdim · Hebrew Noun
The official counting of the population, often associated with military readiness or taxation; in a biblical context, it reflects God's sovereignty over His people and the organization of the covenant community.
sebel · Hebrew Noun
The act of carrying heavy loads, often used in scripture to describe forced labor, servitude, or the difficult obligations placed upon individuals by a governing authority.
natsach · Hebrew Noun
Refers to individuals appointed to supervise work, ensure efficiency, and enforce authority, a role recognized in the administration of both sacred projects and secular governance.
Solomon's census of foreign residents directly serves his ambitious Temple-building project, highlighting how the kingdom's resources, including its diverse population, were mobilized for this central act of worship.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy Established
David unites the tribes of Israel and establishes Jerusalem as the capital, marking a period of national consolidation.
c. 992 BC
David's First Census
King David orders a census of Israel, a potentially controversial act that resulted in divine displeasure. This census is the precedent for Solomon's.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Becomes King
Following David's death, Solomon ascends the throne, inheriting a stable kingdom and the plans for the Temple.
c. 967 BC— this verse
Solomon's Census of Aliens
Solomon conducts a census specifically of the foreign laborers residing in Israel, noting their large numbers.
c. 966 BC
Temple Construction Begins
Solomon initiates the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, utilizing the vast labor force, including the recorded aliens.
c. 960 BC
Temple Completed
The magnificent Temple in Jerusalem is finished after seven years of construction, a testament to Israel's prosperity and God's favor.
This passage immediately precedes the account of David gathering materials for the temple and directly mentions David's decree to gather all the foreigners, setting the stage for Solomon's census.
Ezra 3:7This verse describes the people of Israel hiring Sidonians and Tyrians to help transport cedar logs for the rebuilding of the temple, mirroring the use of foreign labor in Solomon's time and highlighting a continuity of practice.
1 Kings 5:13-16This passage details Solomon's arrangement with King Hiram of Tyre for materials and skilled labor for the temple, explicitly stating that Solomon conscripted 30,000 Israelites and 150,000 foreigners for labor, which aligns with the large number of resident aliens counted.
Exodus 12:48-49This earlier Mosaic Law provides the framework for how foreigners residing within Israel were to be treated and incorporated into the community, establishing the principle that both Israelites and aliens were subject to the same laws, relevant to the census taken of these resident aliens.
It's easy to gloss over, but Solomon's detailed census of the "resident aliens"—those not born Israelite but living among them—shows a surprising commitment to inclusivity and recognizing every person's place within God's people. This isn't just about labor force numbers; it's a deliberate act of acknowledging their presence and contribution to the kingdom.
Solomon is gearing up to build the magnificent Temple for God, a monumental task that requires immense resources and manpower. This census of foreign workers, building on his father David's earlier count, highlights the sheer scale of the project and the king's thorough planning to gather the necessary laborers for this sacred endeavor.
Solomon is gearing up to build the magnificent Temple for God, a monumental task that requires immense resources and manpower. This census of foreign workers, building on his father David's earlier count, highlights the sheer scale of the project and the king's thorough planning to gather the necessary laborers for this sacred endeavor.
"Then Solomon counted all the resident aliens who were in the land of Israel, after the census of them that David his father had taken, and there were found 153,600. Seventy thousand of them he assigned to bear burdens, 80,000 to quarry in…" — It's easy to gloss over, but Solomon's detailed census of the "resident aliens"—those not born Israelite but living among them—shows a surprising commitment to inclusivity and recognizing every perso…
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Last reviewed October 2026
