Adoram, also known as Adoniram, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily recognized for his role as an overseer of forced labor during the reigns of King David, King Solomon, and King Rehoboam. His name, Adoram, means "my lord is exalted" in Hebrew, reflecting a position of authority and respect.

Biblical References:

1. Under King David:
Adoram is first mentioned in the context of King David's administration. In 2 Samuel 20:24 , it states, "Adoram was in charge of the forced labor." This position indicates that Adoram was responsible for organizing and managing the labor force, which was crucial for the various building projects and military endeavors during David's reign.

2. Under King Solomon:
Adoram's role continued under King Solomon, who is known for his extensive building projects, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. In 1 Kings 4:6 , it is noted, "Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor." Solomon's reign was marked by prosperity and grand architectural achievements, necessitating a well-organized labor force, which Adoram managed.

3. Under King Rehoboam:
Adoram's service extended into the reign of Solomon's son, Rehoboam. However, his tenure ended tragically during a period of civil unrest. In 1 Kings 12:18 , it is recorded, "Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death." This incident occurred during the division of the united monarchy, as the northern tribes of Israel rejected Rehoboam's rule, leading to the establishment of the separate kingdom of Israel.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Adoram's role as overseer of forced labor highlights the administrative structures in place during the united monarchy of Israel. His position was critical for the implementation of the king's projects, reflecting the centralized power and organization of the kingdom. The use of forced labor, while common in ancient Near Eastern societies, also underscores the tensions between the monarchy and the people, particularly evident in the revolt against Rehoboam.

Theologically, Adoram's account serves as a reminder of the consequences of oppressive leadership and the importance of wise governance. His death marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, symbolizing the fracture of the united kingdom and the beginning of a divided Israel, which had lasting implications for the nation's spiritual and political trajectory.

Adoram's life and death are a testament to the complexities of leadership and the challenges faced by those in positions of authority in biblical times. His account is a part of the larger narrative of Israel's history, illustrating the interplay between divine providence and human agency.Adoram

their beauty; their power

Adoram

[ADONIRAM; HADORAM]

Adoram

See ADONIRAM

see ADONIRAM. ADORAM

a-do'-ram. See ADONIRAM.

151. Adoram -- an Israelite leader
... Adoram. 152 . an Israelite leader. Transliteration: Adoram Phonetic Spelling:
(ad-o-rawm') Short Definition: Adoram. ... leader NASB Word Usage Adoram (2). Adoram. ...
/hebrew/151.htm - 6k

How, Upon the Death of Solomon the People Forsook his Son Rehoboam ...
... Nay, they were so bitter, and retained their wrath so long, that when he sent Adoram,
which was over the tribute, that he might pacify them, and render them ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how upon the.htm

The Rending of the Kingdom
... action. Through one of the influential men of his kingdom, "Adoram, who was
over the tribute," he made an effort to conciliate them. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 6 the rending of.htm

How Every Nation was Denominated from their First Inhabitants.
... Now Joctan, one of the sons of Heber, had these sons, Elmodad, Saleph, Asermoth,
Jera, Adoram, Aizel, Decla, Ebal, Abimael, Sabeus, Ophir, Euilat, and Jobab. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how every nation.htm

"This Thing is from Me"
... But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned
over them. Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/this thing is from me.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... task at the appointed time; and so afterward it came to pass that the first ten
thousand returned to their work every fourth month: and it was Adoram who was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... He also set Adoram over the tribute, and Sabathes and Achilaus over the records.
He made Sheva the scribe, and appointed Zadok and Abiathar the high priests. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... is proved in the Israelitish epoch by Canaanitish names, such as Adonizedek and
Adonibezek, or Jewish names such as Adonijah, Adonikam, Adoniram-Adoram. ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Adoram (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary see ADONIRAM. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ADORAM.
a-do'-ram. See ADONIRAM. Multi-Version Concordance Adoram (2 Occurrences). ...
/a/adoram.htm - 7k

Levy (19 Occurrences)
... of the population, to work for him by courses on Lebanon. Adoram (12:18) presided
over this forced labour service (Ger. Frohndienst; Fr. corvee). ...
/l/levy.htm - 13k

Adoniram (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Adoram, 1 Kings 12:18), the son of Abda, was
"over the tribute," ie, the levy or forced labour. He was ...
/a/adoniram.htm - 10k

Ador'am (2 Occurrences)
Ador'am. Adoram, Ador'am. Adoration . ... 2 Samuel 20:24 and Adoram was over the
levy; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; (See RSV). ...
/a/ador'am.htm - 6k

Taskwork (14 Occurrences)
... (ASV). 2 Samuel 20:24 and Adoram was over the men subject to taskwork;
and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; (ASV). ...
/t/taskwork.htm - 10k

Hadoram (5 Occurrences)
... Chronicles 10:18). Called also Adoram (2 Samuel 20:24) and Adoniram (1 Kings
4:6). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HADORAM. ha-do ...
/h/hadoram.htm - 9k

Jeroboam (96 Occurrences)
... See ing the turn affairs had taken, but still unwilling to make any concessions,
Rehoboam sent Adoram, who had been over the levy for many years (1 Kings 5:14 ...
/j/jeroboam.htm - 62k

Tribute (67 Occurrences)
... (WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV). 2 Samuel 20:24 And Adoram was over the tribute: and
Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder: (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/t/tribute.htm - 32k

Forced (84 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 20:24 and Adoram was over the men subject to forced labor; and Jehoshaphat
the son of Ahilud was the recorder; (WEB BBE NAS RSV NIV). ...
/f/forced.htm - 33k

Rehoboam (42 Occurrences)
... Rehoboam, believing in his ability to carry out his threat (1 Kings 12:14), sent
Adoram, his taskmaster, who no doubt had quelled other disturbances, to subdue ...
/r/rehoboam.htm - 34k

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