Adoniram

See also Adoram

ADONIRAM (ăd-ō-nī'răm, Heb. ’ădhōnîrām, my Lord is exalted). He first appears by the name Adoram as an officer of David “in charge of forced labor” (2Sam.20.24). He held the same office under Solomon (1Kgs.4.6). Rehoboam sent him on a mission of some kind to the now rebel tribes of Israel (1Kgs.12.18) who stoned him to death. Another variant of his name, Hadoram, appears in the NIV footnote to 2Chr.10.18.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

An official of Solomon (1Ki 4:6; 5:14). Near the close of the reign of David, and at the opening of the reign of Rehoboam, the same office was held by Adoram (2Sa 20:24; 1Ki 12:18).

It was not for the temple only, but for all Solomon’s numerous building enterprises. In theory men of Israelite blood were free from this burden, but practically they found it a burden and a grievance. At the accession of Rehoboam they protested against it (1Ki 12; 2Ch 10). Nothing in the account is more indicative of Rehoboam’s utter lack of good judgment than his sending his veteran superintendent of the forced labor department to confer with the people. The murder of Adoniram, and the ignominious flight of Rehoboam, were natural consequences.

Willis J. Beecher