New International Version Adoniram was in charge of forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder; New Living Translation Adoniram was in charge of forced labor. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian. English Standard Version and Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; Berean Standard Bible Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; Berean Literal Bible and Adoram was in charge of revenue; and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder; King James Bible And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder: New King James Version Adoram was in charge of revenue; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; New American Standard Bible and Adoram was over the forced labor, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the secretary; NASB 1995 and Adoram was over the forced labor, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; NASB 1977 and Adoram was over the forced labor, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; Legacy Standard Bible and Adoram was over the forced labor, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; Amplified Bible Adoram was over the forced labor; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; Berean Annotated Bible Adoram (Hadoram) was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat (YHWH has judged) son of Ahilud (child's brother) was the recorder; Christian Standard Bible Adoram was over forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was court historian; Holman Christian Standard Bible Adoram was in charge of forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was court historian; American Standard Version and Adoram was over the men subject to taskwork; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; Contemporary English Version Adoram was in charge of the slave-labor force. Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud kept government records. English Revised Version and Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder: GOD'S WORD® Translation Adoram was in charge of forced labor. Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, was the royal historian. Good News Translation Adoniram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was in charge of the records; International Standard Version Adoram supervised conscripted labor, Ahilud's son Jehoshaphat was the recorder, NET Bible Adoniram was supervisor of the work crews. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the secretary. New Heart English Bible and Adoniram was in command of the forced labor; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; Webster's Bible Translation And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAdoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; World English Bible Adoram was over the men subject to forced labor, Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Adoram [is] over the tribute, and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud [is] the remembrancer, Berean Literal Bible and Adoram was in charge of revenue; and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder; Young's Literal Translation and Adoram is over the tribute, and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud is the remembrancer, Smith's Literal Translation And Adoniram over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, calling to mind: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut Aduram over the tributes: and Josaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder. Catholic Public Domain Version Yet truly, Adoram was over the tributes. And Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, was the keeper of records. New American Bible Adoram was in charge of the forced labor. Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, was the chancellor. New Revised Standard Version Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Adoniram was in charge of the tribute, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Aduniram was over taxes and Yushaphat son of Akhilud, the Recorder OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and Adoram was over the levy; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; Brenton Septuagint Translation And Adoniram was over the tribute: and Josaphath the son of Achiluth was recorder. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Sheba's Rebellion…23Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; 24Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 25Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;… Cross References Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; 1 Kings 12:18 Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 10:18 Then King Rehoboam sent out Hadoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem. 1 Kings 4:6 Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 2 Samuel 8:16 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 1 Chronicles 18:15 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 1 Kings 4:3 Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 1 Kings 5:14 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. 1 Kings 9:21 their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. 1 Kings 11:28 Now Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. So when Solomon noticed that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph. 1 Chronicles 27:25-31 Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the royal storehouses. Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the storehouses in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the fortresses. / Ezri son of Chelub was in charge of the workers in the fields who tilled the soil. / Shimei the Ramathite was in charge of the vineyards. Zabdi the Shiphmite was in charge of the produce of the vineyards for the wine vats. … 1 Chronicles 29:6 Then the leaders of the families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly. 2 Chronicles 8:10 They were also the chief officers for King Solomon: 250 supervisors. Nehemiah 11:22-24 Now the overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica. He was one of Asaph’s descendants, who were the singers in charge of the service of the house of God. / For there was a command from the king concerning the singers, an ordinance regulating their daily activities. / Pethahiah son of Meshezabel, a descendant of Zerah son of Judah, was the king’s agent in every matter concerning the people. Esther 1:1 This is what happened in the days of Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. Matthew 20:25-28 But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— … Mark 10:42-45 So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. … Treasury of Scripture And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder: Adoram 1 Kings 4:6 And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute. 1 Kings 12:18 Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. recorder. 1 Kings 4:3 Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder. Jump to Previous Adoniram Adoram Ahilud Ahi'lud Charge Forced Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Labor Overseer Recorder Remembrancer Subject Taskwork Tribute WorkJump to Next Adoniram Adoram Ahilud Ahi'lud Charge Forced Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Labor Overseer Recorder Remembrancer Subject Taskwork Tribute Work2 Samuel 20 1. By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel3. David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life 4. Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab 14. Joab pursues Sheba to Abel 16. A wise woman saves the city by Sheba's head 23. David's officers Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Adoram oversaw the labor force conscripted for royal projects and public works. His office reflects David’s increasingly organized administration and the demands of maintaining roads, fortifications, supply systems, and other needs of a united kingdom. Such labor could include Israelites as well as conquered peoples, placing a real burden on those called to serve. 1Ki 12:18 Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge… Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; Jehoshaphat maintained the official records of the kingdom, preserving accounts of royal decisions, military matters, and significant events. His position provided continuity within David’s government and helped support orderly administration throughout the nation. 2Sa 8:16 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army;… Persons / Places / Events 1. AdoniramHe was appointed by King David to oversee the forced labor, a significant administrative role in the kingdom. His position indicates the organized structure of David's government and the need for labor to support the kingdom's projects. 2. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud He served as the recorder, a high-ranking official responsible for chronicling events and maintaining records. This role was crucial for the administration and historical documentation of the kingdom. 3. Forced Labor This refers to the conscripted workforce used for public works and royal projects. It highlights the economic and social structures of ancient Israel under David's rule. 4. King David's Administration The verse is part of a larger passage detailing the officials in David's government, reflecting the organized and hierarchical nature of his administration. 5. Israel The nation over which David reigned, providing the context for the administrative roles mentioned in the verse. Teaching Points The Importance of Administration in LeadershipEffective leadership requires a well-organized administration. David's kingdom was supported by capable officials who managed various aspects of governance. The Role of Record Keeping Jehoshaphat's role as a recorder underscores the importance of documentation and historical records in maintaining order and continuity in governance. Ethical Considerations of Forced Labor While forced labor was a common practice in ancient times, it raises ethical questions about the treatment of workers and the responsibilities of leaders to their people. Continuity and Change in Leadership The mention of Adoniram in both David's and Solomon's reigns highlights the continuity of certain roles and the importance of experienced leadership in maintaining stability. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 20:24?2. How does Adoniram's role as "in charge of forced labor" reflect leadership responsibilities? 3. What can we learn about delegation from 2 Samuel 20:24's list of officials? 4. How does 2 Samuel 20:24 connect with Exodus 1:11 on forced labor? 5. How can we apply the concept of stewardship from 2 Samuel 20:24 today? 6. What does Adoniram's position teach about accountability in our personal and professional lives? 7. What role did Adoniram play in 2 Samuel 20:24, and why is it significant? 8. How does Adoniram's position as overseer of forced labor reflect on Israel's society in 2 Samuel 20:24? 9. Why is forced labor mentioned in 2 Samuel 20:24, and what does it reveal about Israel's leadership? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 20? (24) Adoram was over the tribute.--The same office was held by Adoniram in Solomon's reign (1Kings 4:6; 1Kings 5:14), and by Adoram at the beginning of the reign of his successor (1Kings 12:18). ll those may have been the same person, or at least of the same family. "The tribute" should rather be the levy, the forced labour so largely employed by Solomon. It is remarkable that there is no trace of such an office in 2Samuel 8:16-18, nor in the parallel (1Chronicles 18:14-17). It was a feature of Oriental despotism only introduced towards the close of David's reign, and carried to much greater length under Solomon.Verse 24. - Adoram was over the tribute. This was a new officer, and a new thing. For the Hebrew word mas does not mean "tribute," but "forced labour." This was one of the most oppressive exactions of old time, and it continued to be practised in Europe throughout the Middle Ages until it was abolished at the end of the eighteenth century by the French Revolution, except in Russia, where the serfs were freed from it by the late emperor Alexander II. Nevertheless, it was probably made almost necessary at first by the absence of money. As there was no money for the payment of taxes, the dues of the king or lord could only be rendered by personal service. Yet even so it was exceedingly liable to be abused, and the people might be taken from their own homes and fields just when their presence there was most needed. One most painful result was that the women had to endure, upon the farm and among the cattle, a drudgery to which they were unsuited. We gather from this passage that it was David who began this practice in Israel, exacting probably only from the descendants of the Canaanites (who, nevertheless, formed a considerable portion of the inhabitants of Palestine) forced labour employed in preparing for the building of the temple, and in the fortifications of his fenced cities. Under Solomon it seems to have been extended to other classes (1 Kings 5:13, 14; but see 1 Kings 9:20-22), and reduced to a system, which pressed so heavily upon the people that it was the principal cause of the revolt of the ten tribes from Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:4). Unless the Israelites had themselves suffered severely from this exaction, they would not have been driven into rebellion by sympathy with the remains of the native races. Subsequently we find Jeremiah accusing Jehoiakim of employing forced labour (Jeremiah 22:13), but the severity with which he condemned it suggests that it had then ceased to be customary. Adoram. His appointment to this office was probably at a late period in David's reign, as he continued to hold the office under Solomon (1 Kings 4:6; 1 Kings 5:14, where he is called Adoniram), and even down to the beginning of Rehoboam's reign (1 Kings 12:18). We there read that he paid the penalty of his hateful office with his life. In 2 Chronicles 10:18 he is called Hadoram. 2 Samuel 20:24 literally lists two key officials to show that, even after internal rebellion, David’s kingdom remained orderly. Adoram managed the labor force to advance national projects within covenant boundaries, while Jehoshaphat faithfully documented the king’s acts for posterity. The verse underscores God-given structure, accountability, and continuity—reminding us that divine order under righteous leadership secures both progress and historical faithfulness. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Adoniramוַאֲדֹרָ֖ם (wa·’ă·ḏō·rām) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 151: Adoram -- an Israelite leader was in charge of עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against forced labor; הַמַּ֑ס (ham·mas) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4522: Body of forced laborers, forced service, taskworkers, taskwork, serfdom Jehoshaphat וִיהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט (wî·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Ahilud אֲחִיל֖וּד (’ă·ḥî·lūḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 286: Ahilud -- 'child's brother', two Israelites was the recorder; הַמַּזְכִּֽיר׃ (ham·maz·kîr) Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male Additonal Resources 2 Samuel 20:24 Blue Letter Bible2 Samuel 20:24 Bible Gateway 2 Samuel 20:24 Bible.com 2 Samuel 20:24 NIV |
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