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.
Here is, I. The performance of the agreement between Solomon and Hiram. Each of the parties made good his engagement. 1. Hiram delivered Solomon the timber, according to his bargain, Kg1 5:10. The trees were Solomon's, but perhaps - Materiam superabat opus - The workmanship was of more value than the article. Hiram is therefore said to deliver the trees. 2.
Commenting on 1 Kings 5:10-18
And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses,.... In their turns; these are the servants of his he proposed to be with Hiram's servants, assisting in cutting down the trees, and squaring the timber in Lebanon, Kg1 5:6; a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home; that they might not be overworked; for they wrought but four months...
1Ki 5:13-14 The tributary labourers out of Israel. - 1Ki 5:13, 1Ki 5:14. Solomon raised a tribute (מס, tribute-labourers, as in 1Ki 4:6) out of all Israel, i.e., out of the whole nation (not “out of the whole territory of Israel,” as Ewald supposes), 30,000 men, and sent them up to Lebanon, 10,000 a month in rotation; one month they were on Lebanon (doing tribute...
Commenting on 1 Kings 5:13-14