2Ch 2:18 | KingComments | STEP | These verses are a further explanation of what the chronicler has already noticed ( ). We read here that Solomon counts “all the aliens” in Israel for the work to be done. David has previously gathered foreigners to help with the building of the temple ( ). How many there are is not mentioned. Solomon counts a total number of “153,600”. From this he appoints three groups of workers: “70,000 of them to carry loads and 80,000 to quarry [stones] … and 3,600 supervisors”. Those who quarry stones have to cut the stones “in the mountains”. These must have been large stones, according to investigations up to eight meters long. These stones must not only be cut out, but also made ready to fit, because they are simply placed on and next to each other during building. Also the Lord Jesus counts His workers. He has His twelve servants whom He sends out ( ). He then appoints another seventy whom He sends out ( ). Just like the aliens whom Solomon puts to work, all the Lord’s workers today are “aliens” ( ; ) who perform a heavenly service in a foreign country. This service is performed by teachers (those who carry loads), evangelists (those who quarry [stones]) and shepherds or overseers or elders (supervisors). The last category, as in the days of Solomon, must help the people of God to serve Him in their daily lives.

‏ 2 Chronicles 2:18

Solomon Distributes the Functions

These verses are a further explanation of what the chronicler has already noticed (2Chr 2:2). We read here that Solomon counts “all the aliens” in Israel for the work to be done. David has previously gathered foreigners to help with the building of the temple (1Chr 22:2). How many there are is not mentioned. Solomon counts a total number of “153,600”. From this he appoints three groups of workers: “70,000 of them to carry loads and 80,000 to quarry [stones] … and 3,600 supervisors”.

Those who quarry stones have to cut the stones “in the mountains”. These must have been large stones, according to investigations up to eight meters long. These stones must not only be cut out, but also made ready to fit, because they are simply placed on and next to each other during building.

Also the Lord Jesus counts His workers. He has His twelve servants whom He sends out (Lk 9:1). He then appoints another seventy whom He sends out (Lk 10:1). Just like the aliens whom Solomon puts to work, all the Lord’s workers today are “aliens” (1Pet 1:1 ; 1Pet 2:11; Heb 11:13) who perform a heavenly service in a foreign country. This service is performed by teachers (those who carry loads), evangelists (those who quarry [stones]) and shepherds or overseers or elders (supervisors). The last category, as in the days of Solomon, must help the people of God to serve Him in their daily lives.