Old Testament
1 Kings 5:14
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He sent them to Lebanon in shifts of 10,000 each month. They worked one month in Lebanon and spent two months at home. Adoniram was in charge of the labor force.
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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.
What 1 Kings 5:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, King Solomon organized a labor force to gather materials from Lebanon for building the temple. He sent groups of 10,000 workers each month to Lebanon, where they would work for a month. After their month of labor, they returned home for two months of rest. This system ensured a steady supply of resources while allowing workers time with their families. Adoniram was appointed to oversee this workforce, managing the logistics and ensuring everything ran smoothly. This approach highlights the importance of planning and balance in work and rest. Solomon's strategy reflects a thoughtful way to achieve great tasks while caring for the well-being of his people. It shows that even in large projects, the human element is vital, and leaders must consider the needs of their workers. This balance between work and home life is a timeless principle that can be applied in various aspects of life today, whether in our jobs or personal commitments. It reminds us that productivity should not come at the cost of our relationships and personal well-being.
How to apply 1 Kings 5:14 to your life
Consider how you manage your own time between work and personal life. Are you giving yourself enough time to recharge? Like Solomon's workers, we need breaks to maintain our productivity and happiness. Prioritize your well-being to achieve your goals effectively and sustainably. Balance is key to success in any endeavor you pursue.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
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Illustrated scene from Solomon's story: Cedars from Hiram (1 Kings 5:1–18)
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Solomon
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying 1 Kings 5:14
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 5:14 mean?
1 Kings 5:14 describes how King Solomon organized a labor force to gather materials from Lebanon for the temple. He sent groups of 10,000 workers each month to work for a month in Lebanon, followed by two months at home, ensuring a steady supply of resources while allowing time for rest.
What is the significance of Adoniram in 1 Kings 5:14?
Adoniram is mentioned as the overseer of the labor force in 1 Kings 5:14. His role was crucial in managing the logistics of the workers and ensuring that the project ran smoothly, highlighting the importance of effective leadership in large undertakings.
What does the phrase 'ten thousand a month by courses' mean in 1 Kings 5:14?
The phrase 'ten thousand a month by courses' refers to the systematic way Solomon organized the labor force. It means that he sent groups of 10,000 workers to Lebanon each month in shifts, allowing for a structured approach to gathering materials.
What can we learn about work-life balance from 1 Kings 5:14?
1 Kings 5:14 illustrates the importance of work-life balance by showing that Solomon's workers had time to rest at home after a month of labor. This balance between work and personal time is essential for maintaining productivity and well-being.
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