II Samuel 20:24

Common misinterpretations treat the 'tribute' under Adoram as an endorsement of exploitative slavery or unjust taxation unique to Israel, overlooking its standard practice in ancient monarchies for public works like Solomon's temple; others falsely project Adoram's later stoning during Rehoboam's reign back onto David's era to depict his administration as tyrannical from the start, or misconstrue the recorder Jehoshaphat as a propagandist rather than a neutral keeper of historical records.

This verse details key administrative officials in King David's government, with Adoram overseeing the tribute—referring to forced labor or taxes essential for national projects—and Jehoshaphat serving as recorder, maintaining official chronicles. It illustrates the structured bureaucracy that sustained David's monarchy, emphasizing competent leadership and organizational efficiency during a time of internal strife and consolidation of power.