Was Rehoboam a real person?
English: Ahias-silonites was a prophet of Shiloh (1 Kings 11:29; 14:2) in the days of Rehoboam. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
In a final effort to resolve the crisis, Rehoboam dispatched Adoniram, the official in charge of forced labor, to broker a settlement. Adoniram was experienced in these matters, having served as national overseer of forced labor under both David (see 2 Samuel 20:24) and Solomon (see 1 Kings 5:14). Tragically, Adoniram was stoned to death, and Rehoboam himself had to flee in his chariot to avoid a similar fate (see 1 Kings 12:18).
The seal of a later overseer of forced labor has appeared on the antiquities market. One side was for personal use, while the other designated his official title. Side A reads "(Belonging) to Pelayahu (son of) Mattityahu," while Side B specifies "(Belonging) to Pelayahu over(seer of) the forced labor."
Pelayahu ("Yahweh [the LORD] is wondrous") is not mentioned in the Bible. His function as an administrator "over the forced labor," however, uses exactly the same terminology found in the Old Testament with regard to Adoniram and Jeroboam. The seal therefore serves as external verification for the administrative policies of the early monarchy as described in the Bible.