The Hebrew name ʼĂdônîyrâm, represented by H141, means lord of height. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible and identifies a specific Israelite official. The name itself is derived from the words for "lord" and "height," and the individual who holds it plays a key administrative role in the biblical narrative.
In the biblical narrative, ʼĂdônîyrâm is identified as the son of Abda and serves as an official under King Solomon. His primary responsibility was to be "over the tribute" 1 Kings 4:6 and "over the levy" 1 Kings 5:14. He worked alongside other administrators, such as Ahishar, who was "over the household" 1 Kings 4:6. ʼĂdônîyrâm managed a massive labor force sent to Lebanon, organizing them into courses of ten thousand men who would work for one month and then return home for two months 1 Kings 5:14.
Several related words provide context for the role and environment of ʼĂdônîyrâm:
- H4522 maç (a tax in the form of forced labor; levy, task(-master), tribute(-tary)): This word defines the core of ʼĂdônîyrâm's duty. It refers to the forced labor used for state projects, such as when Solomon raised a levy to build the house of the LORD 1 Kings 9:15.
- H301 ʼĂchîyshâr (brother of (the) singer; Achishar, an Israelite; Ahishar): This is the name of ʼĂdônîyrâm's contemporary. As an official "over the household," Ahishar managed the royal palace staff while ʼĂdônîyrâm managed the national workforce 1 Kings 4:6.
- H1004 bayith (a house... family, etc.): This term appears in both verses mentioning ʼĂdônîyrâm. It describes the household managed by Ahishar 1 Kings 4:6 and the homes where the laborers of the levy could return for two months at a time 1 Kings 5:14.
The significance of H141 is found not in theology but in the practical administration of the Israelite kingdom.
- Civil Organization: The mention of ʼĂdônîyrâm and his specific role over the levy provides a clear example of the structured government established under Solomon. His position highlights a sophisticated system for managing labor and resources.
- Kingdom Building: ʼĂdônîyrâm's work was directly tied to the monumental construction projects of his era. He was responsible for organizing the maç, or forced labor, which was essential for building the temple and other national structures 1 Kings 9:15.
- Human Cost: The system ʼĂdônîyrâm oversaw, while efficient, was based on the maç, which is defined as a "burden" and "forced labor." His role implicitly points to the immense human effort required to achieve the kingdom's ambitions.
In summary, ʼĂdônîyrâm H141 is the name of a high-ranking official whose brief appearances offer a valuable glimpse into the administrative machinery of Solomon's kingdom. While not a central character, his role as the master of the levy is crucial for understanding how the great building projects of the time were accomplished. He represents the organized, and demanding, civil structure that translated royal ambition into physical reality.
TRV