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1 Kings 12:18

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was in charge of collecting taxes and forced labor. But all Israel threw stones at him until he died. When this happened, King Rehoboam quickly jumped into his chariot and fled to Jerusalem.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The writer is showing how King Rehoboam's harsh policies caused such anger that the people killed his tax collector, forcing the king to flee for his life.

📚 Historical Context

This event occurred around 930 BC when the united kingdom of Israel was splitting in two after Solomon's death. Rehoboam had just rejected the people's plea for lighter taxes and less forced labor, choosing instead to threaten even harsher treatment. Adoram (also called Adoniram) had served as the supervisor of forced labor under both David and Solomon, making him a symbol of the oppressive policies the people desperately wanted to end.

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