During the reign of King Solomon, the presence of strangers, or foreigners, in Israel was notably significant. This period, marked by unprecedented peace and prosperity, saw an influx of non-Israelites who contributed to the kingdom's economic and cultural development. The term "strangers" in the biblical context often refers to those who were not native Israelites but lived among them, including sojourners, laborers, and traders.

Biblical Context and Solomon's Reign

Solomon, the son of David, ascended to the throne of Israel and reigned during a time of great wealth and expansion. His wisdom and leadership attracted many from surrounding nations, eager to witness the splendor of his court and the grandeur of the Temple he built for the LORD. The Bible records that Solomon's wisdom and the fame of his accomplishments spread far and wide, drawing visitors and settlers from various regions.

In 2 Chronicles 2:17-18 , it is noted: "Solomon numbered all the foreigners in the land of Israel, following the census his father David had conducted, and there were found to be 153,600 in all. He made 70,000 of them porters, 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, and 3,600 supervisors to make the people work." This passage highlights the significant number of foreigners who were integrated into the labor force, particularly in the construction of the Temple and other monumental projects.

Role and Integration of Strangers

The presence of these strangers was integral to Solomon's ambitious building programs. They provided the necessary labor and skills required for the massive construction efforts that characterized his reign. The division of labor among the foreigners, as described in the biblical account, underscores their importance in achieving Solomon's architectural and infrastructural goals.

Moreover, the inclusion of foreigners in the workforce reflects the broader economic and social policies of Solomon's administration. By employing non-Israelites, Solomon was able to harness a diverse range of talents and resources, contributing to the kingdom's prosperity. This integration also suggests a level of tolerance and cooperation between Israelites and foreigners, facilitated by the stability and wealth of Solomon's rule.

Religious and Cultural Implications

The influx of strangers during Solomon's reign also had religious and cultural implications. While the Israelites were commanded to maintain their distinct identity and worship practices, the presence of foreigners introduced new cultural influences and interactions. Solomon's own marriage alliances with foreign princesses, as mentioned in 1 Kings 11:1-4, illustrate the complex interplay between maintaining Israelite traditions and engaging with the broader world.

Despite the potential challenges, the biblical narrative emphasizes the wisdom and discernment required to navigate these relationships. Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple, as recorded in 1 Kings 8:41-43 , acknowledges the presence of foreigners and expresses a desire for them to know and fear the LORD: "As for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of Your name—for they will hear of Your great name and mighty hand and outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this house, may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, so that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel."

Legacy and Historical Significance

The numerous strangers in Israel during Solomon's reign left a lasting impact on the nation's history. Their contributions to the kingdom's infrastructure and economy were significant, and their presence highlighted the interconnectedness of Israel with the surrounding nations. Solomon's ability to manage and integrate such a diverse population is a testament to his wisdom and the divine favor that characterized his reign.2 Chronicles 2:17
And Solomon numbered all the strangers that were in the land of Israel, after the numbering with which David his father had numbered them; and they were found an hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of ...
... His very name meaning "adding" as Christ is adding to ... his life and sell him into
the hands of strangers. ... 23:6). Solomon was the builder of Israel's Temple, so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 the fact of the.htm

The Land and the People.
... before the resurrection, was to the lost sheep of Israel. ... [195] The worship was very
simple: it ... single Passover reckoned the number of strangers and residents ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 17 the land and.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... 4:27: "And many lepers were in Israel in the ... servants saw what was done, they were
very sorry, and ... brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... would open their gates freely to the strangers, and their ... and Samuel cried unto the
Lord for Israel, and the ... which ensued, were overcome on the very spot where ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church.
... a new fraud, and under the very title of ... 3121] As the twelve tribes of Israel were
divided ... set themselves to preside among the daring strangers assembled, who ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise i on the unity.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel."' Then I ... The way taken by the
kings was very quiet, and no ... This was a usual welcome for strangers like these ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

Book ii.
... of your graves into the land of Israel, and ye ... For the resurrection, as the very
form of the ... Abraham, ready to receive strangers, faithful towards God, devoted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book ii.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... found so great faith, no, not in Israel." [801] We ... more plainly and readily recognized
by strangers, who, indeed ... of a desire like this is very different from ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Truly the light is good (saith Solomon) and a pleasant ... Of whom Tyrus mentioned by
Ezekiel, was a very lively type ... me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel" (Amos 7 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... To show us how great and numerous a people will then be ... east, and behold the glory
of the God of Israel came from the way of the east'-the very same way ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

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