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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › 1 Kings 5  › 1 Kings 5:13

1 Kings 5:13

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1 Kings 5:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of 30,000 men from all Israel.

King James Version KJV

¶ And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men.

American Standard Version ASV

And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then King Solomon got together men for the forced work through all Israel, thirty thousand men in number;

Free Bible Version FBV

King Solomon drafted a labor force of 30,000 from all of Israel.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And King Salomon raised a summe out of all Israel, and the summe was thirtie thousand men:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And king Solomon lifteth up a tribute out of all Israel, and the tribute is thirty thousand men,

World English Bible WEB

King Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And king Solomon chose workmen cut of all Israel, and the levy was of thirty thousand men.

Translation for Translators T4T

King Solomon forced 30,000 men from all over Israel to become his workers.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 5:13

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 5:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְדַבֵּר֮ עַל הָֽ/עֵצִים֒ מִן הָ/אֶ֨רֶז֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּ/לְּבָנ֔וֹן וְ/עַד֙ הָ/אֵז֔וֹב אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֹצֵ֖א בַּ/קִּ֑יר וַ/יְדַבֵּר֙ עַל הַ/בְּהֵמָ֣ה וְ/עַל הָ/ע֔וֹף וְ/עַל הָ/רֶ֖מֶשׂ וְ/עַל הַ/דָּגִֽים
וַ/יְדַבֵּר֮ dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
הָֽ/עֵצִים֒ ʻêts H6086 tree Art | N-mp
מִן min H4480 from Prep
הָ/אֶ֨רֶז֙ ʼerez H730 cedar Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
בַּ/לְּבָנ֔וֹן Lᵉbânôwn H3844 Lebanon Prep | N-proper
וְ/עַד֙ ʻad H5704 till Conj | Prep
הָ/אֵז֔וֹב ʼêzôwb H231 hyssop Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
יֹצֵ֖א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal
בַּ/קִּ֑יר qîyr H7023 wall Prep | N-ms
וַ/יְדַבֵּר֙ dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
הַ/בְּהֵמָ֣ה bᵉhêmâh H929 animal Art | N-fs
וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep
הָ/ע֔וֹף ʻôwph H5775 bird Art | N-ms
וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep
הָ/רֶ֖מֶשׂ remes H7431 creeping Art | N-ms
וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep
הַ/דָּגִֽים dâg H1709 fish Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 5:13

וַ/יְדַבֵּר֮ dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָֽ/עֵצִים֒ ʻêts H6086 "tree" Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
מִן min H4480 "from" Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָ/אֶ֨רֶז֙ ʼerez H730 "cedar" Art | N-ms
A cedar tree, known for its strength and durability, like the cedar wood used to build Solomon's temple in 1 Kings 5-6. The cedar tree was highly valued in ancient times for its timber and wood.
Definition: 1) cedar 1a) cedar tree 1b) cedar timber, cedar wood (in building) 1c) cedar wood (in purifications)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: cedar (tree). See also: Leviticus 14:4; 1 Chronicles 22:4; Psalms 29:5.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בַּ/לְּבָנ֔וֹן Lᵉbânôwn H3844 "Lebanon" Prep | N-proper
Lebanon is a mountain range in Israel, named for its white snow or limestone peaks, often mentioned in Psalms and other books.
Definition: Combined with biq.ah (בִּקְעָה " Valley" H1237I) § Lebanon = "whiteness" a wooded mountain range on the northern border of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: Lebanon. See also: Deuteronomy 1:7; Psalms 104:16; Psalms 29:5.
וְ/עַד֙ ʻad H5704 "till" Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הָ/אֵז֔וֹב ʼêzôwb H231 "hyssop" Art | N-ms
In the Bible, hyssop is a plant used for medicine and rituals, mentioned in the book of Exodus. It symbolizes purification and cleansing. The Israelites used it to apply blood to doorposts.
Definition: hyssop, a plant used for medicinal and religious purposes
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: hyssop. See also: Exodus 12:22; Leviticus 14:52; Psalms 51:9.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יֹצֵ֖א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
בַּ/קִּ֑יר qîyr H7023 "wall" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a wall, often referring to the walls of houses, chambers, or even the altar. It is used to describe structures built for protection or division. The KJV translates it as wall or side.
Definition: 1) wall, side 1a) wall (of house or chamber) 1b) the sides (of the altar)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall. See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Chronicles 3:11; Psalms 62:4.
וַ/יְדַבֵּר֙ dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/בְּהֵמָ֣ה bᵉhêmâh H929 "animal" Art | N-fs
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/ע֔וֹף ʻôwph H5775 "bird" Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word simply means a bird, like the ones that fly in the sky. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms, often symbolizing freedom.
Definition: 1) flying creatures, fowl, insects, birds 1a) fowl, birds 1b) winged insects Aramaic equivalent: oph (עוֹף "bird" H5776)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: bird, that flieth, flying, fowl. See also: Genesis 1:20; 1 Samuel 17:46; Psalms 50:11.
וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/רֶ֖מֶשׂ remes H7431 "creeping" Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to small moving animals like reptiles. It appears in the Bible to describe creatures that creep or crawl on the ground. In the book of Genesis, God creates these animals to inhabit the earth.
Definition: 1) creeping things, moving things, creeping organism 1a) creeping things 1b) gliding things (of sea animals) 1c) moving things (of all animals)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: that creepeth, creeping (moving) thing. See also: Genesis 1:24; Genesis 8:19; Psalms 104:25.
וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/דָּגִֽים dâg H1709 "fish" Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word means fish, often referring to a group of fish. It is used in various biblical stories, including those about Jesus and fishing.
Definition: fish
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: fish. See also: Genesis 9:2; Psalms 8:9; Zephaniah 1:10.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 5:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 9:15 This is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon imposed to build the house of the LORD, his own palace, the supporting terraces, and the wall of Jerusalem, as well as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.
2 1 Kings 4:6 Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor.

1 Kings 5:13 Summary

This verse tells us that King Solomon gathered a large group of 30,000 men from all over Israel to help with his building projects, including the temple. This was a big job that required a lot of workers, kind of like when we work together as a team to accomplish something big. Just like the Israelites had to work together to build the temple, we can work together to build God's kingdom, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:9. By trusting in God's plan and using our unique skills and talents, we can accomplish great things and bring glory to God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King Solomon conscript a labor force of 30,000 men from all Israel?

King Solomon conscripted a labor force of 30,000 men from all Israel to help with the construction projects he had planned, including the temple, as seen in 1 Kings 5:13 and 1 Kings 6:1. This was a large-scale endeavor that required a significant amount of manpower.

How did the Israelites feel about being conscripted for labor?

The Bible does not explicitly state how the Israelites felt about being conscripted for labor, but it can be inferred that they may have felt burdened or oppressed, as seen in the complaints of the Israelites in 1 Kings 12:4. However, it is also possible that they saw it as a necessary sacrifice for the construction of the temple and the glory of God, as seen in Exodus 35:21.

What can we learn from King Solomon's leadership in this verse?

We can learn that King Solomon was a wise and efficient leader who was able to mobilize resources and people to achieve his goals, as seen in 1 Kings 5:13 and Proverbs 24:3-4. However, we must also remember that his leadership was not without its flaws, as seen in 1 Kings 11:1-4.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' history and God's plan for His people, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Jeremiah 31:31-34. It also highlights the importance of hard work and dedication, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can contribute to the 'labor force' of God's kingdom, using my unique skills and talents?
  2. How can I balance my own desires and plans with the larger goals and purposes of God, as seen in Proverbs 19:21?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to be more diligent and hardworking, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12?
  4. How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when faced with large-scale challenges or tasks, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 5:13

And King Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel,.... Not of money, but of men, as follows: and the levy was thirty thousand men; for what purpose, and how they were employed, 1 Kings 5:14 shows.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 5:13

And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:13

Which were to be employed in the most honourable and easy parts of the work relating to the temple, in manner expressed, . And these were Israelites; but those 150,000, mentioned , were strangers, by comparing this with ,22. If it seem strange to any man that so many thousands should be employed about so small a building as the temple was, it must be considered, 1. That the temple, all its parts being considered, was far larger than men imagine, of which more hereafter. 2. That it is probable, that they were employed by turns, as the 30,000 were, , else they had been oppressed with hard and uninterrupted labours. 3. That the timber and stone hewed and carried by them was designed, not only (though principally) for the temple, but also for Solomon’ s own houses and buildings; because we read of no other levy of men, nor of any great care and pains taken, after the building of the temple, for the procurement or preparation of materials for his own houses, or his other buildings; which implies, that that work was done before; nay, that this very levy of men was made and employed for the building of the Lord’ s house, and Solomon’ s house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor and Megiddo, and Gezer, is expressed , which may fully satisfy that scruple.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:13

1 Kings 5:13 And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men.Ver. 13. And king Solomon raised a levy.] Heb., A tribute of men, perhaps of aliens, or such as the Gibeonites were in Israel.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:13

(13) Levy out of all Israel.—This, though far from being onerous, appears to have been at this time exceptional. For in 1 Kings 9:22 we read that “of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they were men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains.” Thus exceptionally introduced at first for the special service of God, it may have been the beginning of what was hereafter an oppressive despotism over the Israelites themselves. Probably even now the Israelite labourers were (under the chief officers) put in authority over the great mass of 150,000 bondmen, evidently drawn from the native races. (See 2 Chronicles 2:17.) But the whole description suggests to us—what the history of Exodus, the monuments of Egypt, and the description by Herodotus of the building of the Pyramids confirm—the vast sacrifice of human labour and life, at which (in the absence of machinery to spare labour) the great monuments of ancient splendour were reared.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:13

Verse 13. The levy was thirty thousand men.] We find from the following verse that only ten thousand were employed at once, and those only for one month at a time; and having rested two months, they again resumed their labour. These were the persons over whom Adoniram was superintendent, and were all Israelites.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 5:13

13–18. Solomon’s levy of forced labourers for the work on Lebanon (2 Chronicles 2:1-2; 2 Chronicles 2:17-18) 13. a levy] The men selected had to give their labour. Such compulsory service has been a not unusual demand of Oriental monarchs. If we take the census of the people as it is given in 2 Samuel 24:9 we find that the 30,000 labourers required for this work were rather more than 2 per cent. of the numbers given in by Joab to David. Of course this levy only lasted so long as the work on Lebanon was in hand. The levy of bondservice mentioned in 1 Kings 9:21 was of a different kind. The strangers there spoken of were made perpetually to do forced labour. Josephus considers the present levy to have been no hardship. He says that Solomon ἄπονοντὴνἐργασίανκατέστησε. And probably the object for which the work was done would lend some enthusiasm to the labourers. Samuel (1 Samuel 8:16) had given the people warning that their kings would make such demands upon their service.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 5:13

A levy out of all Israel - This was, apparently, the first time that the Israelites had been called upon to perform forced labor, though it had been prophesied 1 Samuel 8:16.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 5:13

THE AT LEBANON, 1 Kings 5:13-18. 13. Levy — See note on 1 Kings 4:6, and 2 Samuel 20:24.
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