Old Testament

2 Samuel 20:24

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Adoram was in charge of the tribute, and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

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

What 2 Samuel 20:24 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we learn about two important officials in King David's administration. Adoram was responsible for managing the tribute, which refers to the taxes or offerings collected from the people. This role was crucial for maintaining the kingdom's finances and ensuring that resources were available for governance and public needs. Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, served as the recorder, a position that involved keeping detailed records of events, decisions, and possibly financial transactions. This role was vital for accountability and transparency in the kingdom. Both men played significant roles in supporting King David's leadership and the functioning of the government. Their responsibilities highlight the importance of organization and record-keeping in effective governance. By understanding these roles, we can appreciate how leadership relies on dedicated individuals who manage essential tasks behind the scenes, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Their contributions remind us that every role, no matter how small, is important in achieving a larger goal.

How to apply 2 Samuel 20:24 to your life

Consider how you can support your community or workplace by taking on responsibilities that help things run smoothly. Whether it's managing finances, keeping records, or simply being reliable, your contributions matter. Every role is essential in achieving collective goals and fostering a positive environment. Embrace your part in the bigger picture and make a difference today.

Curated for this public verse page. 2 Samuel Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Naomi weeping between her daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah outside a house in Moab

Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Ruth

Panoramic view across Tel Beer Sheva archaeological site and surrounding landscape.

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Beersheba

Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about 2 Samuel 20:24

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying 2 Samuel 20:24

At a Glance — the Book of 2 Samuel

Author
Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
Written
Around 930 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The Israelites of the early monarchy

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

Who was Adoram in 2 Samuel 20:24?

Adoram was an official in King David's administration, responsible for managing the tribute, which refers to the taxes or offerings collected from the people. His role was crucial for the kingdom's finances, ensuring that resources were available for governance and public needs.

What does the term 'recorder' mean in this context?

In 2 Samuel 20:24, Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, served as the recorder. This position involved keeping detailed records of events, decisions, and possibly financial transactions within the kingdom. The role was vital for maintaining accountability and transparency in governance.

What can we learn about leadership from this verse?

This verse highlights the importance of having dedicated individuals in key roles within a leadership structure. Both Adoram and Jehoshaphat supported King David's leadership by managing essential tasks. It reminds us that effective governance relies on organization, accountability, and the contributions of various officials.

How does this verse relate to the importance of organization?

2 Samuel 20:24 emphasizes the significance of organization in governance. Adoram's management of tribute and Jehoshaphat's record-keeping illustrate how structured roles contribute to the smooth functioning of a kingdom. This principle can be applied in various settings, including workplaces and communities.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.