2 Samuel 20:24

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And Adoram [was] over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud [was] recorder:

Complete Jewish Bible:

Adoram was in charge of forced labor, Y'hoshafat the son of Achilud was secretary of state,

Berean Standard Bible:

Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;

American Standard Version:

and Adoram was over the men subject to taskwork; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Adoram{H151} was over the tribute{H4522}: and Jehoshaphat{H3092} the son{H1121} of Ahilud{H286} was recorder{H2142}:

Cross-References (KJV):

1 Kings 4:3

  • Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.

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.

1 Kings 4:6

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

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Commentary for 2 Samuel 20:24

2 Samuel 20:24 is a verse that lists the key officials in the administration of King David, towards the end of his reign. The verse specifically mentions Adoram, who was in charge of the "tribute," which likely refers to the collection of taxes or labor services from the people. This role would have been crucial in maintaining the financial stability of the kingdom and funding the royal court and military campaigns. Adoram's position indicates the importance of resource management in the governance of Israel.

Additionally, the verse names Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud as the recorder. His role was probably akin to that of a modern-day secretary of state or chief historian, responsible for keeping official records, chronicling significant events, and possibly also handling state correspondence. This position underscores the value placed on record-keeping and the historical legacy of the monarchy.

The historical context of this verse is set during a tumultuous period in David's reign, just after the suppression of Sheba's rebellion (2 Samuel 20:1-22). The detailed account of the officials reflects the complexity and sophistication of the Israelite monarchy's bureaucracy during this time. It also highlights the efforts to restore order and reassert central authority after the internal conflict.

In summary, 2 Samuel 20:24 provides a snapshot of the administrative structure in King David's later years, emphasizing the roles of taxation and record-keeping as integral to the functioning of the state. The verse reflects the restoration of order and the establishment of a stable government following a period of unrest, showcasing the organizational capacity of David's administration.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H151
    There are 95 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אֲדֹרָם
    Transliteration: ʼĂdôrâm
    Pronunciation: ad-o-rawm'
    Description: contracted for אֲדֹנִירָם; Adoram (or Adoniram), an Israelite; Adoram.
  2. Strong's Number: H4522
    There are 22 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מַס
    Transliteration: maç
    Pronunciation: mas
    Description: or מִס; from מָסַס; properly, a burden (as causing to faint), i.e. a tax in the form of forced labor; discomfited, levy, task(-master), tribute(-tary).
  3. Strong's Number: H3092
    There are 75 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יְהוֹשָׁפָט
    Transliteration: Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
    Pronunciation: yeh-ho-shaw-fawt'
    Description: from יְהֹוָה and שָׁפַט; Jehovah-judged; Jehoshaphat, the name of six Israelites; also of a valley near Jerusalem; Jehoshaphat. Compare יוֹשָׁפָט.
  4. Strong's Number: H1121
    There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: בֵּן
    Transliteration: bên
    Pronunciation: bane
    Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
  5. Strong's Number: H286
    There are 87 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אֲחִילוּד
    Transliteration: ʼĂchîylûwd
    Pronunciation: akh-ee-lood'
    Description: from אָח and יָלַד; brother of one born; Achilud, an Israelite; Ahilud.
  6. Strong's Number: H2142
    There are 223 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: זָכַר
    Transliteration: zâkar
    Pronunciation: zaw-kar'
    Description: a primitive root; also as denominative from זָכָר; properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male; [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well.