The united kingdomOverseer of the forced laborRoyal officialAdministratorc. 1000–930 BC
Adoram – also known by the name forms Adoniram and Hadoram – was the son of Abda and one of the most long-serving officials in Israel's early monarchy. As chief overseer of forced labor, he served under three kings: David, Solomon, and Rehoboam. During Solomon's grand building period, he managed the rotation system in which 30,000 men were sent to Lebanon in shifts of 10,000 to cut timber for the temple and the king's other projects. The oppressive system he administered stirred growing bitterness among the northern tribes. When Rehoboam, after Solomon's death, rejected the people's plea for lighter burdens, he sent Adoram – the very embodiment of that hated forced labor – to restore order. The people stoned Adoram to death, and Rehoboam had to flee to Jerusalem in his chariot. This dramatic event became the triggering point for the division of the kingdom into Judah and Israel, and Adoram's fate stands as a lasting testimony that abuse of power over God's people brings serious consequences.
Adoram began his service as overseer of the forced labor during the reign of King David. He is mentioned among David's chief officials in a list of the king's administration.
Under Solomon, Adoniram son of Abda is listed among the king's highest officials as leader of the forced labor, which testifies to his central position in governing the kingdom.
Under Solomon's leadership, Adoniram directed 30,000 men who were sent in shifts to Lebanon to gather timber for the temple—10,000 men at a time worked one month and spent two months at home.
13He spoke about trees, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of a wall; and he spoke about animals and birds, creeping things and fish.
Adoram Stoned to Death During the Revolt Against Rehoboam
When the northern tribes revolted against Rehoboam at Shechem, the king foolishly sent Adoram—the very symbol of the hated forced labor—to speak to the people. The Israelites stoned him to death, and Rehoboam had to flee to Jerusalem. This event marked the final break and division of the united kingdom.
18Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. King Rehoboam managed to get into his chariot and escape to Jerusalem.
20When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they sent for him and called him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. No one followed the house of David except the tribe of Judah alone.
18King Rehoboam sent out Hadoram, who was in charge of forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. King Rehoboam barely managed to get into his chariot and escape to Jerusalem.