Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 5 - Verse 15

Within the biblical context, the verse describes the impressive scale of the workforce under King Solomon's reign. The mention of "threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens" refers to the laborers who were responsible for carrying out various tasks and duties in service to the kingdom. These individuals would have been tasked with a range of responsibilities, such as construction, maintenance, and transportation of goods. Additionally, the reference to "fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains" highlights the significant number of workers specifically involved in cutting and extracting material from the mountains, likely for the purpose of building projects or infrastructure development. This verse serves to illustrate the wealth and power of King Solomon's kingdom, as well as the vast numbers of people who were employed to support and sustain it.

In this verse, the numbers mentioned symbolize the organization and vast scale of Solomon's building projects. The threescore and ten thousand individuals who bore burdens were likely responsible for carrying materials and assisting in the construction process, highlighting the immense workforce required for Solomon's ambitious building projects. The fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains were skilled laborers tasked with quarrying stones for construction, emphasizing the precision and craftsmanship involved in creating Solomon's magnificent structures, like the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse illustrates the meticulous planning and execution necessary for the grandeur of Solomon's building endeavors, showcasing the magnitude of resources and manpower employed under his leadership.