Old Testament
2 Chronicles 2:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He assigned 70,000 of them to carry loads, 80,000 to cut stone in the mountains, and 3,600 to serve as overseers keeping the workers on task.
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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.
What 2 Chronicles 2:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, King Solomon organized a large workforce to help build the temple. He assigned 70,000 people to carry heavy loads, which shows the importance of teamwork in accomplishing big tasks. Additionally, 80,000 were designated to cut stone from the mountains, highlighting the need for skilled labor. The 3,600 overseers were responsible for ensuring that everyone stayed focused and productive. This structure reflects Solomon's leadership and planning abilities. By dividing the work among many, he ensured that the project would progress efficiently. This approach teaches us that when we work together and have clear roles, we can achieve great things. It also emphasizes the value of leadership in guiding and motivating a team to reach a common goal. Solomon's careful organization serves as a reminder that success often comes from collaboration and effective management of resources and people. In our own lives, we can apply this principle by recognizing the strengths of those around us and working together towards shared objectives.
How to apply 2 Chronicles 2:18 to your life
Consider how you can apply teamwork in your daily life. Identify tasks that require collaboration and delegate responsibilities based on each person's strengths. By working together and supporting one another, you can achieve more than you could alone. Remember, effective leadership involves guiding others toward a common goal, ensuring everyone contributes their best effort.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Chronicles Summary
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Illustrated scene from Solomon's story: Cedars from Hiram (2 Chronicles 2:1–18)
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Solomon
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying 2 Chronicles 2:18
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of 2 Chronicles
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Chronicles 2:18 mean?
2 Chronicles 2:18 describes how King Solomon organized a large workforce for building the temple. He assigned specific roles to 70,000 laborers for carrying loads, 80,000 for cutting stone, and 3,600 overseers to manage the workers, highlighting the importance of organization and teamwork in completing significant projects.
What is the significance of teamwork in 2 Chronicles 2:18?
The verse illustrates the value of teamwork by showing how Solomon divided tasks among a large group of workers. This division of labor allowed for efficient progress on the temple, demonstrating that collaboration can lead to achieving great goals.
What does the term 'overseers' mean in 2 Chronicles 2:18?
In 2 Chronicles 2:18, 'overseers' refers to the 3,600 individuals responsible for supervising the workers. Their role was to ensure that the laborers remained focused and productive, emphasizing the need for leadership in any large project.
How does 2 Chronicles 2:18 reflect Solomon's leadership?
This verse reflects Solomon's leadership by showcasing his ability to organize a massive workforce effectively. By assigning clear roles and responsibilities, he demonstrated strategic planning and the importance of guiding a team towards a common goal.
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