Adoram אֲדֹרָם
Official in charge of forced labor under David and Solomon
Who is Adoram in the Bible?
Adoram, also known as Adoniram or Hadoram, was an official who managed forced labor under the reigns of David, Solomon, and Rehoboam. He is mentioned in 2 Samuel 20:24 as being in charge of forced labor during David's time, and continued in this role under Solomon (1 Kings 4:6), where he oversaw the conscripted workers for major construction projects including the temple and royal palace. His prominence in managing Israel's labor force made him a significant administrative figure in the early monarchy. Adoram's role became politically consequential during Rehoboam's reign, when his continued oversight of forced labor contributed to tensions that ultimately led to the division of the kingdom.
Biography
Adoram, also referred to as Adoniram or Hadoram, was a prominent official who served under three successive kings of Israel: David, Solomon, and Rehoboam. He is primarily known for his role in overseeing the forced labor used in various construction projects.
During King David's reign, Adoram was mentioned as being in charge of the forced labor (2Sa.20.24). This suggests that he was responsible for organizing and supervising the workers conscripted for royal building projects.
Under King Solomon, Adoram (called Adoniram in 1Ki.4.6) continued to hold the position of being in charge of the forced labor. Solomon undertook extensive building projects, including the construction of the temple and his royal palace, which required a significant workforce. Adoniram was tasked with managing the labor force, which included both Israelites and foreign workers (1Ki.5.13).
Family
In Scripture
3 biblical books2 Samuel 1 verse
- 2 Samuel 20:24
"Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;"
1 Kings 3 verses
- 1 Kings 12:18
"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."
- 1 Kings 4:6
"Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor."
- 1 Kings 5:14
"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."
2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 10:18
"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."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲדֹרָם |
| Named | Hebrew | אֲדֹנִירָם |
| Named | Hebrew | הֲדֹרָם |
Encyclopedia Article
ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)