1 Kings 5:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he sent {H7971} them to Lebanon {H3844}, ten {H6235} thousand {H505} a month {H2320} by courses {H2487}: a month {H2320} they were in Lebanon {H3844}, and two {H8147} months {H2320} at home {H1004}: and Adoniram {H141} was over the levy {H4522}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 5:14 provides a precise administrative snapshot of King Solomon's massive labor force, specifically detailing the rotational system employed for the levy of thirty thousand men tasked with felling timber in Lebanon for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse underscores Solomon's remarkable organizational capabilities and the extensive national resources mobilized for his monumental building projects, highlighting the practical arrangements, the king's authority, and the dedicated oversight of officials like Adoniram.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Solomon's preparations for building the Lord's Temple, a project his father David had long envisioned but was not permitted to undertake. Immediately preceding this verse, [1 Kings 5:13](/1_kings/5-13 "1 Kings 5:13 - Solomon's Levy of Laborers") introduces the total number of the levy (thirty thousand men) and states that Solomon raised it out of all Israel. Verse 14 then elaborates on the specific system by which these men were deployed: a rotational schedule designed to manage such a vast workforce efficiently. The subsequent verses, [1 Kings 5:15-18](/1_kings/5-15 "1 Kings 5:15-18 - Further Details of the Temple Labor Force"), describe additional categories of laborers, including foreign residents and skilled craftsmen, further detailing the immense scale and diverse composition of the workforce assembled for this monumental divine undertaking. The meticulous administrative details in these verses emphasize the unprecedented nature of the Temple construction and Solomon's meticulous planning.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of a "levy" or corvée labor (forced labor for public works) was a common feature of ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, and other Canaanite states. Kings would conscript a portion of their male population for military service, agricultural work, or, as in this case, large-scale building projects. This was distinct from chattel slavery, as the laborers were typically citizens serving a mandatory, temporary term for the state, often receiving provisions in return. Solomon's levy for the Temple and other royal buildings (as seen in [1 Kings 9:15](/1_kings/9-15 "1 Kings 9:15 - Solomon's Building Projects")) was unprecedented in Israelite history, reflecting the newfound wealth and centralized power of the united monarchy. Lebanon, specifically the cedar forests, was renowned throughout the ancient world for its high-quality timber, essential for grand constructions, and securing access to it through an alliance with Hiram, King of Tyre ([1 Kings 5:1](/1_kings/5-1 "1 Kings 5:1 - Alliance with Hiram")), was a strategic necessity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the narrative of Solomon's reign and the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reigns of Kings in Israel and Judah"). Firstly, it highlights **Solomon's Administrative Prowess and Wisdom**, demonstrating his capacity to organize and manage a massive national undertaking with remarkable efficiency, a testament to the divine wisdom granted to him ([1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom")). Secondly, the concept of **Royal Authority and National Service** is prominent, as the king's power to conscript his subjects for national projects is clearly exercised. This "levy" underscores the demands placed upon the populace for the sake of the kingdom's grandeur and the sacred purpose of building God's house. Lastly, the verse contributes to the theme of **Communal Effort for a Sacred Purpose**. Despite the burden of the labor, the entire nation, through this organized system, contributed directly to the construction of the Temple, symbolizing a collective commitment to the worship of Yahweh and the establishment of His dwelling place among His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Levy (Hebrew, _mas'_):** The Hebrew word מַס (*mas*) refers to forced labor, corvée, or tribute. It denotes a compulsory service or payment exacted by a sovereign from his subjects. In this context, it specifically refers to the conscripted workforce for state projects. The use of *mas* here emphasizes the king's authority to command the labor of his people for national endeavors, distinguishing it from voluntary service or hired labor. This term carries connotations of burden and obligation, which would become a point of contention later in Israel's history.
* **Courses (Hebrew, _ḥălîfâ'_):** The Hebrew word חֲלִיפָה (*ḥălîfâ*) signifies a "change," "succession," or "relief." In this context, it describes the rotational system by which the laborers were deployed. The phrase "by courses" indicates a highly organized and systematic approach to managing the workforce, ensuring that men served for a specific period (one month) before being relieved and returning home for a longer period (two months). This sophisticated system speaks to Solomon's administrative genius, designed to maintain productivity while also providing necessary rest and time at home for the laborers, preventing complete exhaustion or rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses":** This clause describes the deployment strategy for the thirty thousand men of the levy. "He" refers to King Solomon. The destination, Lebanon, was crucial for its abundant cedar and fir timber. The specific number, "ten thousand," indicates the size of each rotating group, emphasizing the vast scale of the operation. The phrase "a month by courses" highlights the precise, systematic rotation, where a fresh contingent of ten thousand men was sent each month, replacing the group that had just completed its term.
* **"a month they were in Lebanon, [and] two months at home":** This segment details the exact schedule of the rotation. Each group of ten thousand men would serve for one month in the demanding environment of the Lebanese forests, felling and transporting timber. Following this strenuous period, they would return home for two months, allowing them to rest, attend to their families and livelihoods, and recover before their next turn of service. This well-structured cycle demonstrates a pragmatic approach to labor management, balancing the demands of the project with the welfare and sustainability of the workforce.
* **"and Adoniram [was] over the levy":** This final clause identifies the official responsible for overseeing this massive labor force. Adoniram (also called Adoram or Hadoram in other passages) was a key administrator in Solomon's kingdom, holding a position of significant authority and responsibility. His role as "over the levy" meant he managed the conscription, deployment, and logistical support for these thirty thousand men, ensuring the smooth operation of this vital component of Solomon's building program. His long tenure, extending from David's reign into Rehoboam's, underscores his importance and the continuity of this administrative function.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Administrative Detail** to convey the meticulous planning and immense scale of 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 focus on detail lends a strong sense of **Realism** to the narrative, grounding the grand project of Temple building in the practicalities of human labor and management. Furthermore, the specific naming of **Adoniram** serves as a form of **Metonymy**, where the individual stands for the entire administrative apparatus overseeing the levy. For a reader familiar with later Israelite history, Adoniram's mention also functions as subtle **Foreshadowing**, as his continued role "over the levy" under Rehoboam ultimately leads to his death and contributes to the division of the kingdom, highlighting the long-term societal impact and potential burdens of such royal demands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous organization of labor for the Temple's construction, as detailed in 1 Kings 5:14, highlights the principle that significant divine undertakings often require immense human effort, sacrifice, and meticulous planning. While the method of conscription (the levy) was a common ancient Near Eastern practice, the ultimate purpose—building a dwelling place for God's presence—elevated this labor to a sacred calling. It demonstrates a national commitment to God's mandate, where every individual, through their contribution, however burdensome, played a part in establishing the center of Israelite worship. This communal effort for a sacred purpose foreshadows the New Testament concept of the church as God's spiritual temple, built by the collective contributions of believers, each serving according to their gifts and calling.

* [1 Kings 9:15](/1_kings/9-15 "1 Kings 9:15 - Solomon's Building Projects")
* [2 Chronicles 2:17-18](/2_chronicles/2-17 "2 Chronicles 2:17-18 - Solomon's Census of Foreigners for Labor")
* [Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "Nehemiah 4:6 - The People Work with All Their Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Solomon's labor force in 1 Kings 5:14 offers a profound glimpse into the dedication and sacrifice required for monumental, divinely-ordained projects. It reminds us that building God's kingdom, whether in ancient Israel or in our contemporary context, often demands significant communal effort, meticulous planning, and personal commitment. While we no longer operate under a system of forced labor, the principle of contributing our time, talents, and resources to God's work remains profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to consider the "cost" of our discipleship and our willingness to participate in God's grand purposes, even when it requires personal sacrifice or diligent, sustained effort. It encourages us to embrace our roles within the larger body of Christ, recognizing that every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or laborious, is vital for the collective advancement of God's mission in the world. Our labor, when offered willingly and cheerfully for the glory of God, becomes an act of worship and a testament to our faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous organization of Solomon's labor force challenge my own approach to planning and executing tasks for God's kingdom?**
* **In what ways am I currently contributing my "labor" (time, talents, resources) to God's work, and what might it cost me to contribute more fully?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of willing and cheerful service, even when the tasks seem burdensome or require sustained effort?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the value of communal effort in achieving God's purposes, and how can I better collaborate with others in ministry?**

### FAQ

**What was the purpose of this specific levy mentioned in 1 Kings 5:14?**

Answer: The levy described in [1 Kings 5:14](/1_kings/5-14 "1 Kings 5:14 - Solomon's Labor Levy") was specifically for the monumental task of felling and transporting timber from the forests of Lebanon. This timber, primarily cedar and fir, was essential for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, as well as Solomon's own palace and other significant building projects. The rotational system ensured a continuous supply of materials while managing the welfare of the thirty thousand Israelite laborers.

**Who was Adoniram, and why is his role significant?**

Answer: Adoniram (also known as Adoram or Hadoram) was a high-ranking official in the Israelite administration, specifically "over the levy" or forced labor. His significance lies in his crucial role in overseeing the massive workforce responsible for Solomon's extensive building projects, including the Temple. He appears to have served in this capacity from the reign of King David through Solomon's reign and into the reign of Solomon's son, Rehoboam. His continued presence highlights the continuity of this administrative function. Tragically, his role in enforcing the burdensome levy under Rehoboam directly led to his stoning by the disgruntled Israelites, a pivotal event that contributed to the [division of the kingdom](/1_kings/12-18 "1 Kings 12:18 - Adoniram's Death and the Division of the Kingdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 5:14 details the physical labor for a physical temple, it foreshadows the ultimate spiritual building project centered on Christ. The vast, organized effort to construct a dwelling place for God's presence in Jerusalem points to Jesus Christ as the true and ultimate Temple, the place where God fully dwells among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction and Raising of the Temple")). Just as the levy involved the sacrifice and labor of many for a divine purpose, Christ himself bore the ultimate burden and performed the ultimate labor of redemption, offering His life as the perfect sacrifice to reconcile humanity to God ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, Our High Priest, and His Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the communal effort of building the Temple finds its fulfillment in the New Testament concept of the Church, which is described as a spiritual house built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ Our Cornerstone")). We, as believers, are living stones being built into this spiritual temple, each contributing our unique gifts and service under the divine leadership of Christ, the true Adoniram, who perfectly oversees and empowers His people to participate in His ongoing work of building His kingdom, not through forced labor, but through willing love and grace ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones for a Spiritual House")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 4:6

And Ahishar [was] over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda [was] over the tribute.

1 Kings 4:19

Geber the son of Uri [was] in the country of Gilead, [in] the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and [he was] the only officer which [was] in the land.

1 Chronicles 27:1

¶ Now the children of Israel after their number, [to wit], the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course [were] twenty and four thousand.

1 Chronicles 27:15

The twelfth [captain] for the twelfth month [was] Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.