What is the meaning of 1 Kings 5:14? He sent them to Lebanon Solomon had already secured a treaty with Hiram of Tyre for cedar, juniper, and craftsmen (1 Kings 5:6–10; 2 Chron 2:3–8). The king therefore “sent” workers northward, literally dispatching Israelites across the border to Lebanon’s forests. Rather than a symbolic gesture, this is the plain historical movement of a labor force charged with felling and transporting timber for the temple (1 Kings 6:7). The verse shows Solomon’s willingness to commit national resources to a God-ordained project (Exodus 25:8; 1 Chron 28:10). In monthly shifts of 10,000 men • 1 Kings 5:13 tells us there were thirty thousand conscripted laborers. • Dividing them into three equal shifts demonstrates organization, not chaos—Solomon’s wisdom in action (1 Kings 4:29-34). • The size—10,000—underscores the magnitude of the temple undertaking (2 Chron 2:17-18). • The rotation mirrors earlier models of service, such as the priestly courses established by David (1 Chron 24:1-19). So that they would spend one month in Lebanon A full thirty-day stint allowed a crew to accomplish significant work: cutting, trimming, and assembling rafts of timber to float down the coast (1 Kings 5:9). The schedule also highlights: • Single-minded focus while on assignment (Nehemiah 4:6). • Dependence on foreign cooperation—Israelites in Lebanon, Phoenician sailors on the sea (Ezekiel 27:8-9). And two months at home God never intended endless toil. By giving two months off, Solomon preserved family life, agriculture, and the economic stability of households back in Israel (Deuteronomy 24:5; Psalm 127:2). The pattern resonates with Sabbath principles of rest (Exodus 20:9-10) and foreshadows Jesus’ words that “the Sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27). Practical benefits include: • Time to tend fields and flocks. • Opportunity to worship at the regular festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16). • Prevention of burnout, maintaining enthusiasm for the sacred task (Galatians 6:9). And Adoniram was in charge of the forced labor Adoniram (also called Adoram) had served under David and would remain in office until Rehoboam (2 Samuel 20:24; 1 Kings 4:6; 12:18). His oversight ensured: • Accountability—each crew answered to a central authority (1 Kings 9:15). • Fair distribution of the draft—no tribe bore the burden alone (1 Kings 5:13-14). • Clear chain of command, reflecting God’s preference for order (1 Corinthians 14:40). While the term “forced labor” can sound harsh, it was a national levy for a holy purpose, not the cruel slavery Israel once endured in Egypt (Exodus 1:13-14). Later abuse of the same system would provoke rebellion (1 Kings 12:4), reminding leaders to exercise authority righteously (Micah 6:8). summary 1 Kings 5:14 records Solomon’s well-planned labor rotation: 10,000 Israelites at a time worked in Lebanon for a month, then returned home for two, all under the supervision of Adoniram. The verse showcases wise organization, balanced work-rest rhythms, and wholehearted national commitment to build a temple for the Lord, fulfilling God’s promise that His name would dwell in Jerusalem. |
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