1 Kings 12:18 Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem.

◄ 1 Kings 12:18 ►

New International Version
King Rehoboam sent out Adoniram, who was in charge of forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. King Rehoboam, however, managed to get into his chariot and escape to Jerusalem.

New Living Translation
King Rehoboam sent Adoniram, who was in charge of forced labor, to restore order, but the people of Israel stoned him to death. When this news reached King Rehoboam, he quickly jumped into his chariot and fled to Jerusalem.

English Standard Version
Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was taskmaster over the forced labor, and all Israel stoned him to death with stones. And King Rehoboam hurried to mount his chariot to flee to Jerusalem.

Berean Standard Bible
Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem.

King James Bible
Then 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.

New King James Version
Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was in charge of the revenue; but all Israel stoned him with stones, and he died. Therefore King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste to flee to Jerusalem.

New American Standard Bible
Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, and all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam hurried to mount his chariot to flee to Jerusalem.

NASB 1995
Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the forced labor, and all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam made haste to mount his chariot to flee to Jerusalem.

NASB 1977
Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the forced labor, and all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam made haste to mount his chariot to flee to Jerusalem.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the forced labor, and all Israel stoned him and he died. And King Rehoboam made haste to mount his chariot to flee to Jerusalem.

Amplified Bible
Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor [to represent him], and all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam quickly mounted his chariot to escape to Jerusalem.

Christian Standard Bible
Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was in charge of forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. King Rehoboam managed to get into the chariot and flee to Jerusalem.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was in charge of forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. King Rehoboam managed to get into the chariot and flee to Jerusalem.

American Standard Version
Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the men subject to taskwork; and all Israel stoned him to death with stones. And king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

English Revised Version
Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the levy; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. And king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram to Israel. He was in charge of forced labor, but they stoned him to death. So King Rehoboam got on his chariot as fast as he could and fled to Jerusalem.

Good News Translation
Then King Rehoboam sent Adoniram, who was in charge of the forced labor, to go to the Israelites, but they stoned him to death. At this, Rehoboam hurriedly got in his chariot and escaped to Jerusalem.

International Standard Version
King Rehoboam sent Hadoram, who was in charge of conscripted labor, but all of Israel stoned him to death, and King Rehoboam had to jump in his chariot and flee back in a hurry to Jerusalem.

Majority Standard Bible
Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem.

NET Bible
King Rehoboam sent Adoniram, the supervisor of the work crews, out after them, but all Israel stoned him to death. King Rehoboam managed to jump into his chariot and escape to Jerusalem.

New Heart English Bible
Then king Rehoboam sent Adoniram, who was over the men subject to forced labor; and all Israel stoned him to death with stones. King Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then 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 enter his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

World English Bible
Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the men subject to forced labor; and all Israel stoned him to death with stones. King Rehoboam hurried to get himself up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And King Rehoboam sends Adoram who [is] over the tribute, and all Israel casts stones at him, and he dies; and King Rehoboam has strengthened himself to go up into a chariot to flee to Jerusalem;

Young's Literal Translation
And king Rehoboam sendeth Adoram who is over the tribute, and all Israel cast at him stones, and he dieth; and king Rehoboam hath strengthened himself to go up into a chariot to flee to Jerusalem;

Smith's Literal Translation
And king Rehoboam will send Adoram who was over the tribute, and all Israel will stone upon him with stone, and he will die. And king Rehoboam strengthened himself to go up into the chariot to flee to Jerusalem.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Then king Roboam sent Aduram, who was over the tribute: and all Israel stoned him, and he died. Wherefore king Roboam made haste to get him up into his chariot, and he fled to Jerusalem:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute. And all of Israel stoned him, and he died. Therefore, king Rehoboam hurrying, climbed into the chariot, and fled to Jerusalem.

New American Bible
King Rehoboam then sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. King Rehoboam then managed to mount his chariot and flee to Jerusalem.

New Revised Standard Version
When King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was taskmaster over the forced labor, all Israel stoned him to death. King Rehoboam then hurriedly mounted his chariot to flee to Jerusalem.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then King Rehoboam sent Adoniram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, and he died. Therefore King Rehoboam made haste to ride in his chariot to flee to Jerusalem.He said to him, I am a prophet also as are you; and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with you into your house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied to him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And King Rekhabaam sent Aduniram who was over taxation to all Israel, and all of the house of Israel stoned him with stones, and he died, and King Rekhabaam was strengthened to embark on a chariot, and he fled to Jerusalem.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the levy; and all Israel stoned him with stones, so that he died. And king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king sent Adoniram who was over the tribute; and they stoned him with stones, and he died: and king Roboam made haste to rise to flee to Jerusalem.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Kingdom Divided
…17but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah. 18Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem. 19So to this day Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Chronicles 10:18
Then King Rehoboam sent out Hadoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 20:24
Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;

1 Kings 4:6
Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor.

1 Kings 5:14
He sent them to Lebanon in monthly shifts of 10,000 men, so that they would spend one month in Lebanon and two months at home. And Adoniram was in charge of the forced labor.

1 Kings 11:28
Now Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. So when Solomon noticed that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph.

2 Samuel 8:16
Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;

2 Samuel 20:23
Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites;

1 Kings 9:22
But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry.

1 Kings 11:43
And Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David. And his son Rehoboam reigned in his place.

1 Kings 14:25-26
In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem. / He seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace. He took everything, including all the gold shields that Solomon had made.

2 Chronicles 9:25
Solomon had 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots, and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 12:2-4
In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem / with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites. / He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem.

Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ...

Mark 10:42-45
So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. ...

Luke 22:25-27
So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.

Treasury of Scripture

Then 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.

Adoram

1 Kings 4:6
And Ahishar was over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute.

1 Kings 5:14
And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram was over the levy.

Adoniram

2 Samuel 20:24
And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:

2 Chronicles 10:18
Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram that was over the tribute; and the children of Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. But king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

Hadoram

Exodus 17:4
And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.

Numbers 14:10
But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

2 Chronicles 24:21
And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.

made speed [heb] strengthened himself

1 Kings 20:18-20
And he said, Whether they be come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive…

Proverbs 28:1,2
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion…

Amos 2:16
And he that is courageous among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day, saith the LORD.

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Adoram Chariot Death Died Enter Flee Forced Haste Israel Jerusalem Labor Mount Rehoboam Speed Stoned Stones Subject Tribute

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Adoram Chariot Death Died Enter Flee Forced Haste Israel Jerusalem Labor Mount Rehoboam Speed Stoned Stones Subject Tribute

1 Kings 12

1. The Israelites, assembled at Shechem to crown Rehoboam,
4. by Jeroboam make a suit of relaxation unto him
6. Rehoboam, refusing the old men's counsel, answers them roughly
16. Ten tribes revolting, kill Adoram, and make Rehoboam flee
21. Rehoboam, raising an army, is forbidden by Shemaiah
25. Jeroboam strengthens himself by cities
26. and by idolatry of the two calves

Berean Study Bible

Then King Rehoboam
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, ascended to the throne of Israel after his father's death. His reign marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as it leads to the division of the united kingdom. The name "Rehoboam" in Hebrew means "he who enlarges the people," which is ironic given that his actions led to the division of the nation. This highlights the importance of wise leadership and the consequences of failing to seek God's guidance.

sent out Adoram
Adoram, also known as Adoniram, was a high-ranking official responsible for overseeing forced labor. His role was significant during Solomon's reign, as forced labor was a major part of the king's building projects. The sending of Adoram by Rehoboam indicates a continuation of his father's policies, which were unpopular among the people. This decision reflects a lack of sensitivity to the grievances of the Israelites, showcasing the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of those one leads.

who was in charge of the forced labor
The phrase "forced labor" refers to the conscripted work that Solomon imposed on the Israelites for his grand building projects, including the Temple and his palace. This labor was a source of discontent among the people, as it placed a heavy burden on them. The historical context reveals that forced labor was common in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, but it was particularly resented in Israel, where freedom and autonomy were highly valued. This resentment set the stage for the rebellion against Rehoboam.

but all Israel stoned him to death
The stoning of Adoram by "all Israel" signifies a collective act of rebellion against Rehoboam's authority. Stoning was a method of execution prescribed in the Mosaic Law for certain offenses, symbolizing communal judgment and rejection. This act of violence underscores the deep-seated anger and frustration of the Israelites, who felt oppressed by the king's policies. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring the will and welfare of the people.

And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste
Rehoboam's hasty retreat in his chariot illustrates his fear and the urgency of the situation. The chariot, a symbol of royal power and prestige, becomes a vehicle of escape rather than authority. This moment captures the dramatic shift in Rehoboam's fortunes, as he realizes the gravity of his misjudgment. It highlights the vulnerability of human power when it is not aligned with divine wisdom and justice.

and fled to Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, was the political and spiritual center of Israel. Rehoboam's flight to Jerusalem signifies a retreat to a place of safety and stronghold. However, it also marks the beginning of his reign over a divided kingdom, as the ten northern tribes reject his rule. This division fulfills the prophecy given to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah, demonstrating God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His word. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of failing to heed His guidance.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(18) Adoram, who was over the tribute (or levy).--In 2Samuel 20:24, 1Kings 4:6; 1Kings 5:14, we find Adoram (or Adoniram, which is a longer form of the same name) described as holding this office in the later days of David and the reign of Solomon. The Adoram here mentioned must be identical with the officer of Solomon; but, though it is possible, it is not likely that he could have held office in David's time. Probably the name and office were hereditary. The mission of Adoram shows that, too late, Renoboam desired to deal through him with the grievance of forced labour. But the sight of the man, who had been the taskmaster of their oppression, naturally stirred the multitude to a fresh burst of fury, venting itself in his murder, and perhaps threatening his master also, had he not fled hastily at once to Jerusalem.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 18. - Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute [Probably the same officer as the Adoniram of ch. 1 Kings 4:6. For "Adoram," the LXX. and other versions read "Adoniram" here. It is curious that a person of the same name, Adoram (LXX. Adoniram), was over David's levy (2 Samuel 20:24). That there was a relationship, and that the office had descended from father to son, can hardly be doubted, but whether two persons or three are indicated it is impossible to say. It is of course just possible, though hardly likely that one and the same person (Ewald) can have been superintendent of servile work under David, Solomon, and Rehoboam. It is generally assumed that the young king sent this officer "to treat with the rebels and to appease them, as Josephus expressly says" (Bahr). It seems quite as likely that he was sent to coerce them, or to collect the taxes, as a summary way of showing that the king meant to enforce his rights and was not moved by their words. For it is hardly probable that such a proud and headstrong prince as Rehoboam would stoop, especially after the confident threats which he had just uttered, to parley with rebels. Such a man, guided by such counsellors, and inflated with a sense of his own power and importance, would naturally think of force rather than of conciliation or concessions. He would be for trying his whips of scorpions. And if conciliation had been his object, it is hardly likely that he would have employed Adoram, the superintendent of the levy, a man who would naturally be obnoxious to the people, to effect it. Moreover the sequel - Adoram's tragical end - also favours the supposition that he was sent, not "to arrange some alleviation of their burdens" (Rawlinson), but to carry out the high-handed policy Of the king]; and all Israel stoned him with stones ["With one exception, this was a bloodless revolution" (Stanley). It has been remarked that the practice of stoning is first heard of in the stony desert (Arabia Petraea). But in reality it is older than the date of the Exodus, as Exodus 8:26 shows. And it is an obvious and ready and summary way of despatching obnoxious persons (cf. Exodus 17:4; 1 Samuel 30:6; 1 Kings 21:10). It is to this day a favourite method of the East for testifying hatred and intolerance], that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed [So the LXX., ἔφθασεν. The Hebrew literally means, as margin, "strengthened himeself." But the A.V. gives the practical force of the word. He bestirred himself; he lost no time; the death of Adoram showed him the danger of a moment's delay. "He saw those stones were thrown at him in his Adoram" (Hall).] to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then King
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Rehoboam
רְחַבְעָ֗ם (rə·ḥaḇ·‘ām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7346: Rehoboam -- 'a people are enlarged', a king of Judah

sent out
וַיִּשְׁלַ֞ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

Adoram,
אֲדֹרָם֙ (’ă·ḏō·rām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 151: Adoram -- an Israelite leader

who
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

was in charge
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

of the labor force,
הַמַּ֔ס (ham·mas)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4522: Body of forced laborers, forced service, taskworkers, taskwork, serfdom

but all
כָל־ (ḵāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

stoned
וַיִּרְגְּמ֨וּ (way·yir·gə·mū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7275: To cast together, to lapidate

him to death.
וַיָּמֹ֑ת (way·yā·mōṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

And King
וְהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (wə·ham·me·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Rehoboam
רְחַבְעָ֗ם (rə·ḥaḇ·‘ām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7346: Rehoboam -- 'a people are enlarged', a king of Judah

mounted
לַעֲל֣וֹת (la·‘ă·lō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

his chariot
בַּמֶּרְכָּבָ֔ה (bam·mer·kā·ḇāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4818: A chariot

in haste
הִתְאַמֵּץ֙ (hiṯ·’am·mêṣ)
Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 553: To be stout, strong, bold, alert

and escaped
לָנ֖וּס (lā·nūs)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away

to Jerusalem.
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

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OT History: 1 Kings 12:18 Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram who was (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)