Keraia
1 Kings 5

1 Kings 5:14

Solomon’s Labor Force · 1 Kings 5:13–18
Read 1 Kings 5

Translations

Modern
He sent them to Lebanon in monthly shifts of 10,000 men, so that they would spend one month in Lebanon and two months at home. And Adoniram was in charge of the forced labor.
Traditional
And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram was over the levy.
Literal
And he sent them to Lebanon ten thousand by the month in shifts. One month they were in Lebanon, and two months in his house. And Adoniram was over the forced labor.
Latin
Mittebatque eos in Libanum, decem millia per menses singulos vicissim, ita ut duobus mensibus essent in domibus suis: et Adoniram erat super hujuscemodi indictione.

Original

Hebrew
English
He sent them to Lebanon in monthly shifts of 10,000 men, so that they would spend one month in Lebanon and two months at home. And Adoniram was in charge of the forced labor.

Notes

1 Kings 5:13–18

This passage explains Solomon's workforce and how they divided the work. Forced labor was common in the ancient Near East (see study note on 1 Kings 4:6).

1 Kings 5:1–18

King Hiram of Tyre was a loyal friend of David (2 Samuel 5:11–12). This likely means they had a treaty. Hiram was an important ally and business partner (1 Kings 5:7–11, 18; 9:11, 26–28; 10:22). His name is a shorter version of Ahiram, found in other Phoenician writings.

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Solomon’s Wisdom

Events

People

Adoram: Official in charge of forced labor under David and Solomon

Places

Lebanon: A mountainous region known for its cedar trees

Glossary

Adoniram Alliance Jerusalem Kings, Books of First and Second Lebanon Postexilic Period Slave, Slavery Solomon (Person)

Topics

Adoniram: Also Called Adoram, a Tax Gatherer Hadoram: Chief officer of the Tribute Under Rehoboam: Probably Identical with Adoniram of Lebanon: Furnished: Stones for Solomon's Temple Mountains: Abounded With: Stone for Building Temple: Solomon's: Materials For, Furnished by Hiram Temple: Solomon's: Solomon Drafts Men for the Building of the First Temple: Solomon: Employed Thirty Thousand Israelites in the Work Tribute: Often Exacted in Labour