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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 4:6 Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/4-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/11_1Ki_04_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 4:6 - Solomon's Princes" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_kings/4-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_kings/4-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_kings/">1 Kings</a> > <a href="/1_kings/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm" title="1 Kings 4:5">◄</a> 1 Kings 4:6 <a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm" title="1 Kings 4:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_kings/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_kings/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Ahishar—palace administrator; Adoniram son of Abda—in charge of forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Ahishar was manager of the palace property. Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram the son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Ahishar <i>was</i> over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda <i>was</i> over the tribute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Ahishar, over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda, over the labor force.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and Ahishar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda <i>was</i> over the forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and Ahishar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the men subject to forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and Ahishar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda <i>was</i> over the men subject to forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and Ahishar <i>was</i> over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda <i>was</i> over the men subject to forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Ahishar was in charge of the household (palace); and Adoniram the son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ahishar, in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda, in charge of forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ahishar, in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda, in charge of forced labor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and Ahishar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the men subject to taskwork.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and Ahishar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the levy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[Ahishar] was in charge of the palace. [Adoniram], son of Abda, was in charge of forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />In charge of the palace servants: Ahishar In charge of the forced labor: Adoniram son of Abda <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Ahishar supervised palace matters, and Abda's son Adoniram supervised conscripted labor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Ahishar was supervisor of the palace. Adoniram son of Abda was supervisor of the work crews. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and Ahishar was over the palace; and Eliab son of Joab was over the army; and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the men subject to forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Ahishar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the men subject to forced labor. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Ahishar [is] over the household, and Adoniram son of Abda [is] over the tribute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Ahishar is over the household, and Adoniram son of Abda is over the tribute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Ahishar over the house: and Adoniram son of Abda over the tribute.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Ahisar governor of the house: and Adoniram the son of Abda over the tribute. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and Ahishar, first ruler of the house; and Adoniram, the son of Abda, over the tribute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Ahishar, master of the palace; and Adoniram, son of Abda, in charge of the forced labor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Abinshar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abinshar, Chief of the house, and Aduniram, son of Abda, over taxation.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and Ahishar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the levy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Achisar was steward, and Eliac the <i>chief</i> steward; and Eliab the son of Saph <i>was</i> over the family: and Adoniram the son of Audon over the tribute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/4-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=1472" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/4.htm">Solomon's Princes</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king; <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/301.htm" title="301: wa·’ă·ḥî·šār (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- My brother has sung, one of Solomon's officials. From 'ach and shiyr; brother of singer; Achishar, an Israelite.">Ahishar</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">was in charge of</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: hab·bā·yiṯ (Art:: N-ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">the palace;</a> <a href="/hebrew/141.htm" title="141: wa·’ă·ḏō·nî·rām (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- My Lord is exalted, one of Solomon's leaders. From 'adown and ruwm; lord of height; Adoniram, an Israelite.">and Adoniram</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/5653.htm" title="5653: ‘aḇ·dā (N-proper-ms) -- Two Isr. From abad; work; Abda, the name of two Israelites.">of Abda</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">was in charge of</a> <a href="/hebrew/4522.htm" title="4522: ham·mas (Art:: N-ms) -- Or mic; from macac; properly, a burden, i.e. A tax in the form of forced labor.">the forced labor.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-18.htm">1 Kings 12:18</a></span><br />Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-24.htm">2 Samuel 20:24</a></span><br />Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/9-21.htm">1 Kings 9:21</a></span><br />their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/5-14.htm">1 Kings 5:14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-28.htm">1 Kings 11:28</a></span><br />Now Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. So when Solomon noticed that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/8-9.htm">2 Chronicles 8:9</a></span><br />But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slave labor, because they were his men of war, the leaders of his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/10-18.htm">2 Chronicles 10:18</a></span><br />Then King Rehoboam sent out Hadoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-1.htm">1 Kings 4:1-5</a></span><br />So King Solomon ruled over Israel, / and these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest; / Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7-19</a></span><br />Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year, / and these were their names: Ben-hur in the hill country of Ephraim; / Ben-deker in Makaz, in Shaalbim, in Beth-shemesh, and in Elon-beth-hanan; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-27.htm">1 Kings 4:27-28</a></span><br />Each month the governors in turn provided food for King Solomon and all who came to his table. They saw to it that nothing was lacking. / Each one also brought to the required place their quotas of barley and straw for the chariot horses and other horses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/9-22.htm">1 Kings 9:22-23</a></span><br />But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry. / They were also the chief officers over Solomon’s projects: 550 supervisors over the people who did the work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">1 Kings 12:4</a></span><br />“Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-10.htm">1 Kings 12:10-11</a></span><br />The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! / Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">1 Kings 12:14</a></span><br />and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a></span><br />But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute.</p><p class="hdg">Adoniram</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/12-13.htm">1 Kings 12:13</a></b></br> And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/20-24.htm">2 Samuel 20:24</a></b></br> And Adoram <i>was</i> over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud <i>was</i> recorder:</p><p class="hdg">Adoram </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/5-13.htm">1 Kings 5:13,14</a></b></br> And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/9-15.htm">1 Kings 9:15</a></b></br> And this <i>is</i> the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/11-17.htm">Abda</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-24.htm">Adoniram</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-14.htm">Adoni'ram</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/acts/8-27.htm">Controller</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-24.htm">Forced</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-18.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-41.htm">Household</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">King's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-24.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-24.htm">Overseer</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-21.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-24.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-24.htm">Taskwork</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-24.htm">Tribute</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/11-17.htm">Abda</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-14.htm">Adoniram</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-14.htm">Adoni'ram</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-28.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-9.htm">Controller</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-13.htm">Forced</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">Household</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-27.htm">King's</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-13.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-19.htm">Overseer</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-1.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-14.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-14.htm">Taskwork</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">Tribute</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-1.htm">Solomon's princes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">His twelve officers for provision</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">The peace and largeness of his kingdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-22.htm">His daily provision</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-26.htm">His stable</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">His wisdom</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Ahishar was in charge of the palace;</b><br>Ahishar's role as the overseer of the palace indicates a position of significant authority and trust within King Solomon's administration. The palace was not only the king's residence but also the center of government operations. This position required a person of integrity and loyalty, as the palace was a symbol of the king's power and the heart of the kingdom's political life. The role of overseeing the palace can be compared to that of a chief steward or a high-ranking official in modern terms. In biblical times, such positions were often filled by those who had proven their loyalty and capability, reflecting the importance of maintaining order and efficiency in the king's household and administrative affairs.<p><b>and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor.</b><br>Adoniram, also known as Adoram in some biblical passages, was responsible for overseeing the forced labor, a critical aspect of Solomon's extensive building projects, including the construction of the Temple and his own palace. This role was crucial for the implementation of Solomon's ambitious plans, which required a large workforce. The use of forced labor, often drawn from the non-Israelite population or as a form of taxation from the Israelites, was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern monarchies. This system, while effective for achieving grand architectural feats, also sowed seeds of discontent among the people, which later contributed to the division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign (<a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">1 Kings 12:4</a>). The mention of Adoniram highlights the administrative complexity and the socio-political challenges of Solomon's reign. The use of forced labor can also be seen as a type of the burdens that Christ came to relieve, offering rest to those who are weary and burdened (<a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahishar.htm">Ahishar</a></b><br>He was the official in charge of Solomon's palace. His role was significant as he managed the affairs of the royal household, ensuring that the king's domestic needs and the operations of the palace were efficiently handled.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/adoniram_son_of_abda.htm">Adoniram son of Abda</a></b><br>He was responsible for overseeing the forced labor. This position was crucial for the implementation of Solomon's extensive building projects, including the construction of the temple and other infrastructure.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon's_administration.htm">Solomon's Administration</a></b><br>This verse is part of a larger passage detailing the organization of King Solomon's officials and the structure of his government, highlighting the efficiency and order of his reign.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/forced_labor.htm">Forced Labor</a></b><br>This refers to the labor force that was conscripted to work on Solomon's building projects. It was a common practice in ancient kingdoms to use forced labor for large-scale construction.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_palace.htm">The Palace</a></b><br>The royal residence of King Solomon, which was a center of political and administrative activity in Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/stewardship_and_responsibility.htm">Stewardship and Responsibility</a></b><br>Ahishar and Adoniram's roles remind us of the importance of faithful stewardship in whatever responsibilities we are given. Whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities, we are called to manage our duties with integrity and diligence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_organization.htm">Leadership and Organization</a></b><br>Solomon's well-organized administration serves as a model for effective leadership. Good leaders delegate responsibilities and ensure that their teams are well-structured to achieve common goals.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_ethics_of_labor.htm">The Ethics of Labor</a></b><br>The use of forced labor under Solomon raises questions about the ethics of labor practices. As Christians, we are called to treat workers with fairness and justice, reflecting God's love and righteousness in our dealings with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/historical_reflection.htm">Historical Reflection</a></b><br>Reflecting on Israel's history of oppression and their later role as oppressors can lead us to examine our own lives for areas where we might be perpetuating cycles of injustice or sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_governance.htm">God's Sovereignty in Governance</a></b><br>Despite human failings, God remains sovereign over all governments and administrations. We can trust that He is working out His purposes, even through imperfect systems and leaders.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_anxiety.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on anxiety?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_shebna's_downfall.htm">In Isaiah 22:15–19, what evidence supports the existence of Shebna and his downfall, given the lack of external records? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_adoram's_stoning_in_1_kings_12_18_verified.htm">Is there any external record confirming the swift stoning of Adoram in 1 Kings 12:18, or does this raise doubts about the event’s historicity? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_solomon's_peaceful_reign_end_in_conflict.htm">How do we reconcile the promise of Solomon having a peaceful reign (1 Chronicles 22:9) with the conflicts and eventual division of the kingdom after his rule? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">Over the household,</span>--like the "High Steward" of a modern Court. In <a href="/2_kings/18-18.htm" title="And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.">2Kings 18:18</a> we have the same three officers mentioned ("Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder").<p><span class= "bld">Adoniram . . . over the tribute </span>(or "levy"),--evidently the head of Solomon's great public works. (See <a href="/1_kings/5-14.htm" title="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.">1Kings 5:14</a>.) The name is elsewhere given as <span class= "ital">Adoram. </span>It is to be noticed that in the enumeration of David's officers in the early part of the reign (<a href="/context/2_samuel/8-16.htm" title="And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;">2Samuel 8:16-18</a>)<span class= "ital"> no </span>such officer is found; but that in the latter part of his reign the list contains the name of Adoram (<a href="/2_samuel/20-24.htm" title="And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:">2Samuel 20:24</a>). It has been thought that the numbering of the people recorded in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21, was in preparation for such forced work, and hence was odious to Joab and others. In <a href="/1_kings/12-18.htm" title="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.">1Kings 12:18</a> we read how the holder of this office, being naturally most unpopular with those who had felt the burden of Solomon's splendour, was stoned to death in the insurrection against Rehoboam. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Ahishar was over the household</span> [steward and manager of the palace. We meet this office here for the first time, an evidence of the growing size and magnificence of the court (cf. <a href="/1_kings/18-3.htm">1 Kings 18:3</a>; <a href="/2_kings/18-18.htm">2 Kings 18:18</a>; <a href="/isaiah/22-15.htm">Isaiah 22:15</a>). That such an officer was needed, the fact mentioned below (on ver. 23) as to the enormous size of the royal household will prove]: <span class="cmt_word">and Adoniram</span> [see on 1 Kings 12:18] <span class="cmt_word">the son</span> of <span class="cmt_word">Abda was over the</span> tribute. [Marg. "levy," <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, the forced labour (<a href="/1_kings/5-13.htm">1 Kings 5:13, 14</a>). See on 1 Kings 12:3.] <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/4-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Ahishar</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲחִישָׁ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·ḥî·šār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_301.htm">Strong's 301: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ahishar -- 'my brother has sung', one of Solomon's officials</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[was] in charge of</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the palace;</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבָּ֑יִת</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bā·yiṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Adoniram</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲדֹנִירָ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·ḏō·nî·rām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_141.htm">Strong's 141: </a> </span><span class="str2">Adoniram -- 'my Lord is exalted', one of Solomon's leaders</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Abda</span><br /><span class="heb">עַבְדָּ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḇ·dā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5653.htm">Strong's 5653: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abda -- two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[was] in charge of</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the labor force.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמַּֽס׃</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4522.htm">Strong's 4522: </a> </span><span class="str2">Body of forced laborers, forced service, taskworkers, taskwork, serfdom</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/4-6.htm">1 Kings 4:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/4-6.htm">1 Kings 4:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/4-6.htm">1 Kings 4:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/4-6.htm">1 Kings 4:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/4-6.htm">1 Kings 4:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/4-6.htm">1 Kings 4:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/4-6.htm">1 Kings 4:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/4-6.htm">1 Kings 4:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/4-6.htm">1 Kings 4:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/4-6.htm">1 Kings 4:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/4-6.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 4:6 And Ahishar was over the household (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 4:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 4:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 4:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 4:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>