1 Kings Chapter 4 · Verse 6
And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַבָּ֑יִת
was over the household
H1004
הַבָּ֑יִת
was over the household
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
3 of 8
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
1 Kings 9:15And this is the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.1 Kings 12:18Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.2 Samuel 20:24And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's administration and prosperity, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.