Text: 2 Chronicles 2:17-18
OT Text Referred to: 1 Kings 5:13-18
Subject: Forced labor for temple construction
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): None
Significance: Both texts detail the labor force assembled for temple construction. The Chronicler specifies that Solomon conscripted 153,600 resident aliens (gerim) as laborers, carriers, and overseers (2 Chr 2:17-18), while 1 Kings 5:13-18 records a levy of 30,000 Israelites plus 70,000 carriers and 80,000 stonecutters. The Chronicler's notable distinction is that the forced laborers were non-Israelite aliens, not native citizens—a theological point that distances Solomon from the oppressive practices the northern tribes later cited as cause for secession (2 Chr 10:4).