Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 5 - Verse 14

During the time of King Solomon, he sent a designated number of men to Lebanon every month to assist in the building of the Temple. This verse describes the organization of the workforce, with ten thousand men being sent each month in shifts. They spent one month working in Lebanon cutting down the cedar trees and preparing the materials, before returning home for two months. Adoniram was appointed to oversee the levy, or the forced labor, indicating that this work was mandatory for the men who were sent. This system ensured a continuous flow of manpower to carry out the construction project efficiently. The use of courses and rotation allowed for a steady supply of workers without exhausting them or neglecting their responsibilities at home, demonstrating Solomon's careful planning and management of resources for the monumental task of building God's temple.

In this verse, we see a glimpse of the organizational structure of King Solomon's reign as he sends men to Lebanon in shifts to work on the construction of the temple. The mention of "ten thousand a month by courses" suggests a systematic approach to managing the workforce, ensuring a steady flow of labor for the project. The use of the word "courses" indicates that the laborers were divided into groups or rotations, likely to prevent overworking any one group and to maintain efficiency in the construction process.

The mention of Adoniram being "over the levy" indicates that he was in charge of overseeing the labor force and managing the recruitment of workers for the project. This position of authority demonstrates the importance of effective leadership in carrying out such large-scale projects. Additionally, the rotation of workers, spending one month in Lebanon and two months at home, allowed for rest and rejuvenation, ensuring the well-being of the labor force and increasing productivity in the long run.

Overall, this verse provides insight into the strategic planning and organization required for the construction of the temple, emphasizing the importance of proper management and leadership in carrying out God's work.