דברי הימים ב, פרק ב׳, פסוק ט׳

King Solomon reaches out to the King of Tyre with careful diplomacy and deep respect. Rather than demanding a royal tax or expecting free labor for his grand building project, Solomon makes it clear that he intends to compensate the foreign workers generously. He promises to provide an abundance of grain and beverages specifically to pay the woodcutters who will be harvesting the timber [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד].

The compensation for these laborers involves massive quantities of food, measured using ancient standards of volume. The dry goods are counted in a measure known as a kor, which contains over two hundred and ten liters [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The liquids are measured in units called baths, with each bath holding exactly one-tenth of a kor [רש״י, רלב״ג, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Regarding the specific type of wheat provided, the primary approach among commentators is that it is crushed or ground, having been pounded to remove the outer layer and produce flour. However, another perspective suggests the phrasing relates to eating, simply emphasizing that this grain is given directly to the workers as their daily nourishment [רד״ק בשם אביו, מצודת דוד].

This detailed list of provisions presents a notable contrast to another historical account of the same agreement. In the Book of Kings, the record shows Solomon providing only wheat and oil on a yearly basis, whereas this account includes barley and wine as well. Commentators resolve this difference by explaining that the two records focus on entirely different recipients. The Book of Kings outlines the royal gift given directly to the King of Tyre to sustain his private household. In contrast, the current account details the practical wages and daily food rations distributed directly to the laborers and woodcutters working on Solomon's behalf [רלב״ג, רד״ק, מלבי״ם].