Solomonhad twelvedeputiesoverallIsrael,who providedfor the kingand his household;eachman hadto providefor a monthin the year.
"Your fathermadeour yokehard;nowtherefore lightenthe hardserviceof your fatherand his heavyyokewhichhe puton us, and we will serveyou."
and Azariahthe sonof Nathan[was] overthe deputies;and Zabudthe sonof Nathan,a priest,[was] the king'sfriend;
and Ahisharwas overthe household;and Adoniramthe sonof Abda[was] overthe mensubject to forcedlabor.
Theseare their names:Ben-hur,in the hillcountryof Ephraim;
When Hiramheardthe wordsof Solomon,he rejoicedgreatlyand said,"Blessedbe the LORDtoday,whohas givento Davida wisesonoverthisgreatpeople."
