TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
He sent them to the L'vanon in monthly relays of 10,000; they would stay a month in the L'vanon and two months at home. Adoniram was in charge of the forced labor.
Berean Standard Bible
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.
American Standard Version
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 men subject to taskwork.
World English Bible Messianic
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 men subject to forced labor.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Whome he sent to Lebanon, ten thousand a moneth by course: they were a moneth in Lebanon, and two moneths at home. And Adoniram was ouer the summe.
Young's Literal Translation
and he sendeth them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month, by changes, a month they are in Lebanon, two months in their own house; and Adoniram is over the tribute.
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In the KJVVerse 8,893 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Kings 5 verses 10–18
10 ¶ So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire.
11 And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year.
12 And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.
13 And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men.
14 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.
15 And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains;
16 Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.
17 And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.
18 And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.
Here is, I. The performance of the agreement between Solomon and Hiram. Each of the parties made good his engagement. 1. Hiram delivered Solomon the timber, according to his bargain, Kg1 5:10. The trees were Solomon's, but perhaps - Materiam superabat opus - The workmanship was of more value than the article. Hiram is therefore said to deliver the trees. 2. Solomon conveyed to Hiram the corn which he had promised him, Kg1 5:11. Thus let justice be followed (as the expression is, Deu 16:20), justice on both sides, in every bargain.
II. The confirmation of the friendship that was between them hereby. God gave Solomon wisdom (Kg1 5:12), which was more and better than any thing Hiram did or could give him; but this made Hiram love him, and enabled Solomon to improve his kindness, so that they were both willing to ripen their mutual love into a mutual league, that it might be lasting. It is wisdom to strengthen our friendship with those whom we find to be honest and fair, lest new friends prove not so firm and so kind as old ones.
III. The labourers whom Solomon employed in preparing materials for the temple. 1. Some were Israelites, who were employed in the more easy and honourable part of the work, felling trees and helping to square them, in conjunction with Hiram's servants; for this he appointed 30,000, but employed only 10,000 at a time, so that for one month's work they had two months' vacation, both for rest and for the despatch of their own affairs at home, Kg1 5:13, Kg1 5:14. It was temple service, yet Solomon takes care that they shall not be over-worked. Great men ought to consider that their servants must rest as well as they. 2. Others were captives of other nations, who were to bear burdens and to hew stone (Kg1 5:15), and we read not that these had their resting times as the other had, for they were doomed to servitude. 3. There were some employed as directors and overseers (Kg1 5:16), 3300 that ruled over the people, and they were as necessary and useful in their place as the labourers in theirs; here were many hands and many eyes employed, for preparation was now to be made, not only for the temple, but for all the rest of Solomon's buildings, at Jerusalem, and here in the forest of Lebanon, and in other places of his dominion, of which see Kg1 9:17-19. He speaks of the vastness of his undertakings (Ecc 2:4, I made me great works), which required this vast number of workmen.
IV. The laying of the foundation of the temple; for that is the building his heart is chiefly upon, and therefore he begins with that, Kg1 5:17, Kg1 5:18. It should seem, Solomon was himself present, and president, at the founding of the temple, and that the first stone (as has been usual in famous buildings) was laid with some solemnity. Solomon commanded and they brought costly stones for the foundation; he would do every thing like himself, generously, and therefore would have some of the costliest stones laid, or buried rather, in the foundation, though, being out of sight, worse might have served. Christ, who is laid for a foundation, is an elect and precious stone (Isa 28:16), and the foundations of the church are said to be laid with sapphires, Isa 54:11, compare Rev 21:19. That sincerity which is our gospel perfection obliges us to lay our foundation firm and to bestow most pains on that part of our religion which lies out of the sight of men.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–18. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Of the Temple of Solomon 1.3.1
The first thing to note here is that it was not for nothing that Solomon chose workmen from all Israel, nor was there any section of the people from which men fit for such a great task were not taken, because, of course, priests nowadays are not to be chosen from the stock of Aaron alone; rather, people are to be sought from the whole church who, whether by example or word, are competent to build the house of the Lord, and wherever they are found they are to be promoted to the office of teachers without any exception of persons. And when such people are ordained to instruct the infidel and those who are to be called into the joint pastorate of the church, they are sent as energetic and picked men, as it were, to hew in Lebanon the materials for the temple. And indeed the number of thirty thousand, which was the tally of the hewers of wood, can be aptly applied figuratively to those who are perfect in the faith of the holy Trinity, because it is most appropriate for teachers.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Kings 5:14 offers a precise administrative insight into King Solomon's vast labor force, detailing the highly organized rotational system for the thirty thousand men conscripted to fell timber in Lebanon for the Temple's construction. This verse vividly portrays Solomon's exceptional organizational capabilities, the extensive mobilization of national resources for his monumental building projects, and the critical role of dedicated oversight officials like Adoniram, underscoring the practical arrangements and the king's pervasive authority.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of King Solomon's meticulous preparations for constructing the Lord's Temple, a sacred endeavor long envisioned by his father, David, but reserved for Solomon. Immediately preceding this verse, 1 Kings 5:13 introduces the total number of the levy—thirty thousand men—and specifies that Solomon raised them from "all Israel." Verse 14 then elaborates on the precise deployment system for this immense workforce, highlighting a sophisticated rotational schedule designed for efficiency and sustainability. The subsequent verses, such as 1 Kings 5:15-18, further delineate other categories of laborers, including foreign residents and skilled craftsmen, providing a comprehensive picture of the unprecedented scale and diverse composition of the workforce assembled for this monumental, divinely-ordained undertaking. The meticulous administrative details throughout these chapters underscore the unparalleled nature of the Temple construction and Solomon's profound administrative acumen.
Historical & Cultural Context: The practice of a "levy" or corvée labor—compulsory, temporary labor for public works—was a deeply ingrained feature of ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, prevalent in societies such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and various Canaanite states. Kings routinely conscripted a segment of their male population for military service, agricultural duties, or, as in this significant instance, for large-scale building projects. This form of labor was distinct from chattel slavery, as the laborers were typically citizens serving a mandatory, finite term for the state, often receiving provisions or sustenance in return. Solomon's levy for the Temple and other extensive royal buildings, as further elaborated in 1 Kings 9:15, represented an unprecedented mobilization of human resources in Israelite history, reflecting the newfound wealth, centralized power, and administrative sophistication of the united monarchy. Lebanon, particularly its famed cedar forests, was globally renowned in the ancient world for its superior quality timber, an indispensable material for grand architectural constructions. Securing access to these vital resources through a strategic alliance with Hiram, King of Tyre, as detailed in 1 Kings 5:1, was a critical geopolitical and logistical necessity for Solomon's ambitious plans.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully illustrates several pivotal themes central to the narrative of Solomon's reign and the broader scope of 1 Kings. Firstly, it prominently highlights Solomon's Administrative Prowess and Wisdom, demonstrating his remarkable capacity to organize and manage a massive national undertaking with extraordinary efficiency and foresight. This meticulous organization serves as a tangible testament to the divine wisdom divinely granted to him, as explicitly promised in 1 Kings 3:12. Secondly, the theme of Royal Authority and National Service is profoundly evident, as the king's unquestionable power to conscript his subjects for national projects is clearly exercised. This "levy" underscores the significant demands placed upon the populace for the sake of the kingdom's grandeur and, more profoundly, for the sacred purpose of constructing God's house. Lastly, the verse contributes significantly to the overarching theme of Communal Effort for a Sacred Purpose. Despite the inherent burden of the labor, the entire nation, through this highly organized system, contributed directly to the construction of the Temple. This collective contribution symbolized a unified commitment to the worship of Yahweh and the establishment of His sacred dwelling place among His chosen people, showcasing a profound national dedication to a divine mandate.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Administrative Detail to convey the meticulous planning and immense scale of King Solomon's kingdom. The precise numbers ("ten thousand," "a month," "two months") and the explicit mention of the rotational system ("by courses") serve to impress upon the reader the logistical complexity and the king's sophisticated organizational capacity. This pervasive focus on detail lends a strong sense of Realism to the narrative, grounding the grand, divinely-ordained project of Temple building in the practicalities of human labor and rigorous management. Furthermore, the specific naming of Adoniram functions as a form of Metonymy, where the individual administrator stands as a representative for the entire administrative apparatus responsible for overseeing the vast labor levy. For a discerning reader familiar with later Israelite history, Adoniram's mention also serves as subtle Foreshadowing, as his continued, and ultimately fatal, role "over the levy" under Rehoboam directly contributes to his demise and the tragic division of the kingdom, thereby highlighting the long-term societal impact and potential burdens inherent in such extensive royal demands.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous organization of labor for the Temple's construction, as so precisely detailed in 1 Kings 5:14, profoundly highlights the enduring theological principle that significant divine undertakings often necessitate immense human effort, personal sacrifice, and meticulous planning. While the method of conscription (the levy) was a common ancient Near Eastern practice, the ultimate purpose—to construct a sacred dwelling place for God's manifest presence—elevated this labor to a profound sacred calling. It vividly demonstrates a national commitment to God's explicit mandate, where every individual, through their contribution, however burdensome or demanding, played an integral part in establishing the central hub of Israelite worship. This communal effort for a sacred purpose powerfully foreshadows the New Testament concept of the church as God's spiritual temple, a living edifice built by the collective contributions of believers, each serving faithfully according to their unique gifts and divine calling.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Solomon's labor force in 1 Kings 5:14 offers a profound glimpse into the dedication, meticulous planning, and sacrifice often required for monumental, divinely-ordained projects. It serves as a potent reminder that building God's kingdom, whether in ancient Israel or in our contemporary context, frequently demands significant communal effort, strategic foresight, and unwavering personal commitment. While we no longer operate under a system of forced labor, the underlying principle of contributing our time, unique talents, and material resources to God's work remains profoundly relevant and eternally significant. This verse challenges us to deeply consider the "cost" of our discipleship and our genuine willingness to participate actively in God's grand purposes, even when such participation requires personal sacrifice, diligent effort, or sustained perseverance. It encourages us to wholeheartedly embrace our distinct roles within the larger body of Christ, recognizing that every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or laborious, is absolutely vital for the collective advancement of God's mission in the world. Our labor, when offered willingly, cheerfully, and with a heart devoted to the glory of God, transcends mere effort and becomes a profound act of worship and a powerful testament to our living faith.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the primary purpose of this specific levy mentioned in 1 Kings 5:14?
Answer: The levy meticulously described in 1 Kings 5:14 was specifically established for the monumental and demanding task of felling and transporting vast quantities of timber from the renowned forests of Lebanon. This timber, primarily high-quality cedar and fir, was absolutely essential for the construction of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, which was the central focus of Solomon's reign, as well as for his own opulent palace and other significant royal building projects. The highly efficient rotational system implemented for this levy ensured a continuous and steady supply of these crucial materials while simultaneously managing the welfare and sustainability of the thirty thousand Israelite laborers involved.
Who was Adoniram, and why is his role in this passage particularly significant?
Answer: Adoniram (also known by the names Adoram or Hadoram in other biblical accounts) was a high-ranking and exceptionally influential official within the Israelite administration, specifically holding the critical position of being "over the levy," meaning he was responsible for the forced labor. His significance lies in his crucial and long-standing role in overseeing the massive workforce that was indispensable for Solomon's extensive and ambitious building projects, including the sacred Temple. He appears to have served in this demanding capacity from the reign of King David, through the entirety of Solomon's reign, and tragically, into the tumultuous early reign of Solomon's son, Rehoboam. His continued presence in this role highlights the administrative continuity of this vital function across multiple reigns. Tragically, his unwavering role in enforcing the burdensome levy under Rehoboam directly led to his stoning by the disgruntled and rebellious Israelites, an event that became a pivotal catalyst contributing to the division of the kingdom.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 5:14 meticulously details the physical labor undertaken for the construction of a physical temple, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate spiritual building project centered entirely on Jesus Christ. The vast, organized effort to construct a dwelling place for God's manifest presence in Jerusalem powerfully points to Jesus Christ Himself as the true and ultimate Temple, the unique and perfect place where God fully dwells among humanity in the person of His Son (John 2:19-21). Just as the ancient levy involved the immense sacrifice and arduous labor of many for a divine purpose, Christ Himself bore the ultimate burden and performed the ultimate labor of redemption, offering His very life as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice to reconcile fallen humanity to a holy God (Hebrews 9:11-14). Furthermore, the communal effort of building the physical Temple in Solomon's day finds its glorious fulfillment in the New Testament concept of the Church, which is divinely described as a spiritual house, a living temple built upon the unshakeable foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the indispensable chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22). We, as individual believers, are living stones being actively built into this vibrant spiritual temple, each contributing our unique gifts and willing service under the perfect divine leadership of Christ, the true Adoniram, who perfectly oversees, empowers, and unites His people to participate in His ongoing work of building His eternal kingdom, not through forced labor or obligation, but through willing love, abounding grace, and the empowering presence of His Spirit (1 Peter 2:4-5).