(The Lord speaking is red text)
And Adoram [was] over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud [was] recorder:
Adoram was in charge of forced labor, Y'hoshafat the son of Achilud was secretary of state,
Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
and Adoram was over the men subject to taskwork; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder;
And Adoram{H151} was over the tribute{H4522}: and Jehoshaphat{H3092} the son{H1121} of Ahilud{H286} was recorder{H2142}:
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
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)