What does 2 Chronicles 2:18 mean?
"And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work." - 2 Chronicles 2:18
The verse 2 Chronicles 2:18 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work." This verse is part of a larger passage that describes the preparations made by King Solomon for the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. In order to understand the full meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was written, as well as the broader themes and symbolism present in the passage.
The book of 2 Chronicles is part of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament, and it is considered a historical record of the reigns of the kings of Judah. In particular, 2 Chronicles focuses on the reign of King Solomon, who is best known for building the temple in Jerusalem. The construction of the temple was a monumental undertaking, and it required a vast amount of resources and manpower. The verse in question describes the division of labor among the workers who were responsible for various tasks related to the construction of the temple.
The number of workers mentioned in the verse is significant. Threescore and ten thousand (or 70,000) were assigned to be bearers of burdens, while fourscore thousand (or 80,000) were designated as hewers in the mountain. In addition, three thousand and six hundred overseers were responsible for setting the people to work. These numbers convey the scale and scope of the project, underscoring the magnitude of Solomon's efforts to build the temple.
Furthermore, the allocation of workers to different tasks reflects the organization and planning that went into the construction project. The bearers of burdens would have been responsible for transporting materials and supplies to the construction site, while the hewers in the mountain would have been involved in quarrying and cutting stone. The overseers would have provided supervision and direction for the workers, ensuring that they were effectively carrying out their duties. This division of labor demonstrates the attention to detail and strategic thinking that characterized Solomon's approach to the construction project.
In addition to the practical aspects of the construction project, this verse also carries spiritual and symbolic significance. The temple was intended to be a place of worship and a dwelling for the presence of God, and its construction was a sacred and holy endeavor. The meticulous planning and organization of the workers reflected the reverence and care with which Solomon approached the task of building a house for the Lord.
The division of labor among the workers also serves as a metaphor for the diverse gifts and abilities that God has given to His people. Just as the workers in Solomon's time had different roles and responsibilities, each with its own importance, so too do believers in the community of faith have different spiritual gifts and callings. This verse reminds us that all members of the body of Christ have a role to play, and that each person's contributions are valuable and necessary for the work of the kingdom.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 2:18 is a verse that speaks to the dedication and organization required for the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. It conveys the scale and scope of King Solomon's efforts, as well as the spiritual and symbolic significance of the temple as a place of worship and the dwelling of God. The verse also carries broader implications for the diversity of gifts and callings within the community of faith, reminding believers that each person has a valuable role to play in the work of the kingdom.
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2 Chronicles 2:18 - "And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work."
"And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work." - 2 Chronicles 2:18
2 Chronicles 18:9
2 Chronicles 18:9
2 Chronicles 20:18
2 Kings 14:18 - "And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Chronicles 21:18 - "¶ And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease."
2 Chronicles 18:1 - "Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab."
1 Chronicles 18:2 - "And he smote Moab; and the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts."
2 Chronicles 17:18 - "And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war."
2 Chronicles 18:6 - "But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?"
2 Chronicles 18:28 - "So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead."
2 Chronicles 18:13 - "And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak."
2 Chronicles 18:4 - "¶ And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day."
2 Chronicles 18:8 - "And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla."
2 Chronicles 4:18 - "Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance: for the weight of the brass could not be found out."
2 Kings 1:18 - "Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Chronicles 24:18 - "And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass."
2 Chronicles 18:32 - "For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him."
1 Chronicles 2:18 - "¶ And Caleb the son of Hezron begat children of Azubah his wife, and of Jerioth: her sons are these; Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon."
2 Chronicles 11:18 - "¶ And Rehoboam took him Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David to wife, and Abihail the daughter of Eliab the son of Jesse;"
2 Chronicles 18:2 - "And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead."
2 Chronicles 18:18 - "Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left."
2 Chronicles 31:18 - "And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:"
2 Chronicles 18:25 - "Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;"
2 Chronicles 18:17 - "And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?"
2 Chronicles 18:20 - "Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?"
2 Chronicles 18:24 - "And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself."
2 Chronicles 34:18 - "Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king."
2 Chronicles 18:11 - "And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king."