Adoniram
“My lord is exalted”
Summary
The chief official over forced labor under David, Solomon, and Rehoboam, who was stoned to death by the rebellious northern tribes.
☩Position and Service
Adoniram (also called Adoram and Hadoram) served as superintendent of forced labor under three kings spanning approximately 47 years. He oversaw the conscription of workers for royal building projects, including Solomon's temple and other extensive construction.
☩The System of Forced Labor
Solomon organized a levy of 30,000 men who served in monthly rotations cutting timber in Lebanon. Though the system theoretically exempted Israelites, focusing on conquered peoples, in practice it became a heavy burden on all. This forced labor was central to the people's complaints against the Davidic dynasty.
☩His Death
When the northern tribes demanded relief from their burdens at Rehoboam's coronation, the king foolishly sent Adoniram to collect the tribute. The people stoned him to death, and Rehoboam fled to Jerusalem. This event sealed the permanent division of the kingdom.
See Also
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Adoniram," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.George Morrish, "Adoniram," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Adoniram," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).