Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 5:14. It’s a fascinating detail about how King David managed his royal treasury! Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very unusual and incredibly wealthy system of managing money that David implemented in Lebanon. Let's unpack it: “And he sent them to Lebanon…” : David was sending people to Lebanon, likely for a specific purpose – probably to manage his wealth or resources. “…ten thousand a month by courses:” This is the key part! David decided to pay ten thousand people a month with a system of “courses.” He wasn’t just giving them money; he was assigning them specific tasks and responsibilities, like "managing" a certain amount each month. “A month they were in Lebanon…” : This establishes the location – Lebanon. It suggests this was a significant operation or area of focus. “…and two months at home:” This is where it gets really interesting. David tasked these ten thousand people with two months working at their homes . So, essentially, David was paying his workers to live and work in Lebanon for two months each year – a significant amount of time. What does this tell us about David? This practice is often interpreted as a way for him to: Control his resources: He was effectively using his wealth to control the lives of people, ensuring they were working and earning. Build a strong workforce: It suggests he valued the loyalty and productivity of his workers. Maintain a large estate: Lebanon was a wealthy area, so this system demonstrates David’s ability to manage a significant amount of property and people. Important Note: The exact purpose of this arrangement isn't explicitly stated in the Bible. It's more about highlighting David’s wealth and his control over his kingdom through his financial management. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse further? (e.g., its historical context?) Give you a simplified summary in more detail?