2 Samuel 20 24

2 Samuel 20:24 kjv

And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:

2 Samuel 20:24 nkjv

Adoram was in charge of revenue; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

2 Samuel 20:24 niv

Adoniram was in charge of forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder;

2 Samuel 20:24 esv

and Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder;

2 Samuel 20:24 nlt

Adoniram was in charge of forced labor. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian.

2 Samuel 20 verses

2 Samuel 20 24 Meaning

This verse details two significant officials within King David's administration after the re-establishment of royal authority following the rebellion of Sheba. Adoram was appointed to oversee the tribute and forced labor, a critical but often oppressive role in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms. Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, maintained his crucial position as the recorder, responsible for the official records and annals of the kingdom, highlighting the importance of record-keeping and historical memory in the Davidic monarchy.

2 Samuel 20 24 Context

This verse appears as the opening of a short list of King David's key officials immediately following the successful suppression of Sheba's rebellion (2 Sam 20:1-22). The previous chapters detailed continuous unrest, including Absalom's revolt and its aftermath, and now Sheba's attempt to fragment the kingdom. David's action to list his high-ranking administrative personnel signals the re-establishment of stability and order in the kingdom. The mention of these specific offices, tribute/forced labor and recorder, highlights the functioning bureaucratic apparatus necessary for governing an expanding nation. The re-institution of these roles demonstrates David's consolidated authority and his focus on effective governance after a period of significant upheaval.

2 Samuel 20 24 Word Analysis

• And Adoram: Hebrew wa-'Adoram (וַאֲדֹרָם). The name Adoram is likely a shortened form of Adoniram, meaning "My Lord is Exalted." This individual has a significant, prolonged career, serving under David and later under Solomon, even until Rehoboam's reign, where his role overseeing tribute ultimately leads to his violent death.
• was over the tribute: Hebrew 'al ham-mas (עַל הַמַּס). Mas (מַס) specifically refers to forced labor, corvée, or a levy of compulsory service, rather than purely monetary tax or tribute. It implies conscription for public works, such as building projects, military service, or agricultural duties. Being "over the mas" (sar hammas) meant supervising this labor force. This was a critical and often resented role in ancient kingdoms, embodying the burdensome aspect of state power.
• and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud: Hebrew wîhôshaphaṭ ben-'Achîlud (וִיהוֹשָׁפָט בֶּן-אֲחִילוּד). "Jehoshaphat" means "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh has ruled." "Ahilud" means "my brother is a child" or "brother of a child." Jehoshaphat held this office from David's earlier reign through Solomon's.
• was recorder: Hebrew ham-mazkîr (הַמַּזְכִּיר). This title literally means "the one who causes to remember" or "the remembrancer." This official held a high and influential position in the royal court, comparable to a chancellor, secretary of state, or royal archivist. The recorder's duties included keeping royal annals, chronicles, and important records; documenting state decisions; composing diplomatic correspondence; and possibly advising the king, helping him recall past events or policies. This office reflects a sophisticated level of state administration focused on institutional memory and historical record-keeping, essential for the continuity and legitimacy of the monarchy.

2 Samuel 20 24 Bonus Section

• Adoram's Longevity and Fate: Adoram's long tenure spanning from David's reign (as Adoram) into Solomon's (as Adoniram) and then into Rehoboam's reign is remarkable. His consistent role as the chief over forced labor demonstrates the institutional stability of this particular, crucial administrative post. However, his ultimate demise, stoned by the Northern tribes under Rehoboam, vividly illustrates the deeply entrenched resentment against the "mas" system, a key factor in the division of the kingdom.
• The Importance of the "Recorder": The mazkir (recorder) was not merely a passive record-keeper but an active participant in state affairs, preserving the king's legacy and aiding in governance through institutional memory. This role ensured that the king had access to historical precedents and official documents, crucial for informed decision-making and for validating royal actions. The continued presence of such an office speaks to a valuing of official narrative and administrative continuity.

2 Samuel 20 24 Commentary

The re-listing of Adoram and Jehoshaphat immediately after the suppression of Sheba's rebellion signifies David's decisive restoration of order and administrative functions within his kingdom. Adoram's role "over the tribute" highlights the heavy governmental burden placed on the populace through forced labor, a system that, while crucial for state projects, would later lead to major unrest during Rehoboam's reign. Jehoshaphat's position as "recorder" underscores the monarchy's reliance on organized bureaucracy for official memory, legitimacy, and internal governance. These appointments reflect a highly structured kingdom, where stable administrative offices were essential for implementing royal will and maintaining societal order following civil strife.