King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 2:17 Mean?

2 Chronicles 2:17 in the King James Version says “And Solomon numbered all the strangers that were in the land of Israel, after the numbering wherewith David his father h...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Solomon numbered all the strangers that were in the land of Israel, after the numbering wherewith David his father had numbered them; and they were found an hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred. the strangers: Heb. the men the strangers”

2 Chronicles 2:17 · KJV

Context

15

Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:

16

And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem. as much: Heb according to all thy need Joppa: Heb. Japho

17

And Solomon numbered all the strangers that were in the land of Israel, after the numbering wherewith David his father had numbered them; and they were found an hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred. the strangers: Heb. the men the strangers

18

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Solomon numbered all the strangers that were in the land of Israel, after the numbering wherewith David his father had numbered them; and they were found an hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Mobilizing resources for God's house. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Preparation for Temple Building point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
סְפָרָ֖ם1 of 22

“had numbered”

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

שְׁלֹמֹ֗ה2 of 22

“And Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

כָּל3 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֤ים4 of 22
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הַגֵּירִים֙5 of 22
H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

אֲשֶׁר֙6 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ7 of 22

“that were in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל8 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י9 of 22

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הַסְּפָ֔ר10 of 22

“the numbering”

H5610

a census

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

סְפָרָ֖ם12 of 22

“had numbered”

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

דָּוִ֣יד13 of 22

“wherewith David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֑יו14 of 22

“his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיִּמָּֽצְא֗וּ15 of 22

“them and they were found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

מֵאֽוֹת׃16 of 22

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁים֙17 of 22

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

אֲלָפִ֖ים18 of 22

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וּשְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת19 of 22

“and three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

אֲלָפִ֖ים20 of 22

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְשֵׁ֥שׁ21 of 22

“and six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מֵאֽוֹת׃22 of 22

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 2:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 2:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 22:21 Kings 9:20-211 Kings 5:13-162 Chronicles 2:22 Chronicles 8:7-8

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