The man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor; and Solomon saw that the young man was industrious, and he put him in charge of all the labor of the house of Joseph.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 28. Joseph, Ephraim and Manasses. Menochius.—He was of the former tribe. Salien.—At first Solomon employed none of the Israelites to work. Calmet. 9:22. But he afterwards oppressed them grievously. The king’s right was to make his subjects cultivate his lands, &chapter 1 Kennicott. 7:11. They did not pay money, (Matthew 17:24,) but wrought for the king. Hebrew “he made him ruler over all the charge,” (or levy.) Bible.—The Vulg. often uses the word tribute ( Calmet.) for sebel. Josephus believes that Jeroboam had the command over the forces of the house of Joseph: but he had rather the superintendency over the workmen. Bible.