Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Kings 12:17-18

"But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the men subject to taskwork; and all Israel stoned him to death with stones. And king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem." — 1 Kings 12:17-18 (ASV)

But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute;

Having made trouble, the king tried to make peace. He selected one of the ancient officers of his father Solomon to be his ambassador, but he selected the very worst he could have found, "Adoram, who was over the tribute." The man who had been a leader in exactions from the people, or who had been thought to be so, was not the one to act as a peacemaker.