Lesson 315: 1 Kings 4:6
The Blueprint — The Verse
Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor.
Memorization Practice
Click words to hide them and test your memory.
Without looking, enter the book, chapter, and verse for this passage.
Rate your recall:
The Context — The History
Solomon's administration reflected the organization of a growing monarchy with international trade, building projects, and centralized governance. Official lists in Kings show how Israel's united kingdom managed labor and palace affairs under David's successor.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
names Solomon's officials and twelve district governors who supplied the royal household. Among palace administrators were Ahishar and Adoniram, who oversaw forced labor, revealing the structure behind Solomon's famed wisdom and extensive construction.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
-
Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan was chief minister, the king’s friend;
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
-
SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba and the third king of Israel. Solomon is known for his extraordinary wisdom, vast wealth, and major building projects—including the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign began in peace and prosperity, but his later years were marked by compromise as foreign wives led him into idolatry. Scripture remembers Solomon for both his God‑given wisdom... More had twelve officers over all IsraelThe nation chosen by Yahweh as His own covenant people, descended from Jacob (Israel) and formed into a distinct identity at Sinai. In the biblical worldview, Israel is God’s allotted portion among all nations after Babel (Deuteronomy 32), set apart to reveal His character, law, and redemptive plan. Israel carries the promises given to Abraham, the mission of representing Yahweh... More, who provided food for the king and his household. Each man had to make provision for a month in the year.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
-
What does responsible governance require beyond personal wisdom?
-
How should power over labor be exercised justly?
-
Why might Scripture preserve mundane administrative details?
Places — Map this passage
Locations mentioned in this lesson passage. Switch to Whole book or Journey mode on the map for a broader view.
Places list
Geographic data © OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0)