1 Kings 4:6

Over the household. Director of the household, or steward. At the time of Hezekiah this office seems to have been one of great importance, above that of scribe, for when Shebna was to be demoted, the implication is that he was reduced from his position “over the house” to that of scribe (Isa. 22:15-25; 2 Kings 18:18).

The tribute. The marginal reading, “levy,” is to be preferred. The reference is to the forced laborers employed by Solomon for his great public works (see ch. 5:13, 14). In the enumeration of David’s officers in the early part of his reign, no such officer is found (2 Sam. 8:16-18); but it occurs in the list from the latter part of his reign (2 Sam. 20:24).

The holder of this unpopular office was stoned to death in the insurrection against Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:18). Excavations at Ezion-geber provide clear evidence of the use of forced labor.