1 Kings 5:14

Verse

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.

American Standard Version (1901)

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 men subject to taskwork.

Bible in Basic English

And sent them to Lebanon in bands of ten thousand every month: for a month they were working in Lebanon and for two months in their country, and Adoniram was in control of them.

Free Bible Version

He sent them in shifts of 10,000 each month to Lebanon, so that they were one month in Lebanon and two months at home, Adoniram was in charge of the labor force.

Geneva Bible 1599

Whome he sent to Lebanon, ten thousand a moneth by course: they were a moneth in Lebanon, and two moneths at home. And Adoniram was ouer the summe.

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

Translation for Translators

Adoniram was their boss. Solomon divided the men into three groups. Each month 10,000 of them went to Lebanon and worked for a month there, and then they came back home for two months.

Unlocked Literal Bible

He sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month in shifts. One month they were in Lebanon and two months at home. Adoniram was over the men who were subjected to forced labor.

Noah Webster Bible

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.

World English Bible

He sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: for a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home; and Adoniram was over the men subject to forced labor.

Young's Literal Translation

and he sendeth them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month, by changes, a month they are in Lebanon, two months in their own house; and Adoniram [is] over the tribute.

Context

Solomon’s Labor Force

¹³Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of 30,000 men from all Israel.¹⁴He 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.

Summary

This verse describes the impressive wisdom and understanding given by God to King Solomon, surpassing all others in his time. Solomon's wisdom was evident in his ability to govern and make wise decisions, which brought peace and prosperity to the kingdom of Israel. The verse highlights the divine favor upon Solomon, fulfilling God's promise to grant him wisdom and discernment. Through Solomon's reign, God's faithfulness and sovereignty were displayed, showcasing the importance of seeking wisdom from the Lord in leadership and decision-making.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses,.... In their turns; these are the servants of his he proposed to be with Hiram's servants, assisting in cutting down the trees, and squaring the timber in Lebanon, Kg1 5:6; a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home; that they might not be overworked; for they wrought but four months in the year in the hard service in Lebanon, the rest of their time was spent in managing their domestic affairs; these were Israelites: and Adoniram was over the levy: the same that was over the tribute or the collectors of the tax, Kg1 4:6; and, according to the Targum, these were such persons.