1 Kings 5:13

In 1 Kings 5, Solomon set out to begin the great work he had been called to — to build a house for the name of the LORD and a house for his kingdom. Then he raised a very large body of men from the people to cut the timber and shape the stone for the temple and for Solomon's palace. Of these 70,000 were carriers; 80,000 were quarry men and 3,600 overseers. In 1 Kings 5:13, we read of a levy of 30,000 men. We must count these as extra workmen, since Solomon sent them to Lebanon.

It was under Solomon that we see this remarkable combination of JEW and GENTILE in the work. In the same way it is CHRIST JESUS, risen and glorified, whom Solomon pictured, who builds the Temple of God. He has reconciled both Jew and Gentile to God in one body by the Cross, and He employs those who are His own, called out from both, in His service.

The labor force Solomon raised from Israel to send to Lebanon was large indeed: 30,000 men. Each man worked only one month out of three. Ten thousand went each month, then came home for two months. This was wise consideration for the laborers.

In verses 13-18 we watch the preparation work for the temple being organized. Solomon employs each man according to his own ability. His wisdom directs everything. His workers come to help Hiram's men with the wood for building, carrying loads and cutting stones out of the mountain.

There is good spiritual instruction for us in all this organization. God knows how to organize His work today without man's organization involved. The workers in the mountains of Lebanon used axes to cut down trees. They speak of evangelists sent by God to cut down the pride of men and so save them from their sins, so that they might be fit for use in His house. The logs were then put into the water. This pictures the faith that every convert must exercise. The logs may seem heavy enough to sink, but they do not: they float.

They clearly resented this forced labor. "Your father," they afterwards said to Rehoboam, "made our yoke grievous." They spoke of it, too, as a "heavy" yoke (1 Kings 12:4). There is no certain evidence that this was really so. Their labor was for the glory and security of the kingdom, and everyone was supposed to share in its prosperity. It is possible, though, that they were put to work on what served only for self-indulgence. When men leave the right way, as Solomon did, they soon become oppressive. That would give some ground for their discontent.

They said Solomon had made their yoke heavy. How sad a comment on the character of Solomon! He was a king of great wealth. But wealthy rulers nearly always use harsh means to increase their wealth instead of using it to ease the hardships of the people.