1 Kings 5:13-17 “Divided Responsibilities, United Purpose”
Solomon levied 30,000 men to assist in building the temple. 10,000 each month in relays so they were at home for two months. He appointed Adoniram to oversee their work. “Now Solomon had 70,000 transporters, and 80,000 hewers of stone in the mountains, besides Solomon’s 3,300 chief deputies who were over the project and who ruled over the people who were doing the work.” (15-16). The God given wisdom in Solomon is seen in his awareness for the need for both a great labor force and leaders for managing their work. We read: “Then the king commanded, and they quarried great stones, costly stones, to lay the foundation of the house with cut stones.” (17) It is significant this attention is given to the foundation fitting three criteria: large, valuable & “cut” stones. The house’s size, beauty [majesty] and durability is linked to these. The work force, its leadership and its materials point forward to the work of Christ and God’s people in God’s house. May God give us wisdom to build for eternity utilizing varied gifts being united for one purpose and clinging to our foundation.
