New International VersionSolomon conscripted the descendants of all these people remaining in the land—whom the Israelites had not destroyed—to serve as slave labor, as it is to this day.
New Living TranslationThese were descendants of the nations whom the people of Israel had not destroyed. So Solomon conscripted them for his labor force, and they serve as forced laborers to this day.
English Standard Versionfrom their descendants who were left after them in the land, whom the people of Israel had not destroyed—these Solomon drafted as forced labor, and so they are to this day.
Berean Standard Bibletheir descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites had not destroyed—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day.
King James BibleBut of their children, who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel consumed not, them did Solomon make to pay tribute until this day.
New King James Versionthat is, their descendants who were left in the land after them, whom the children of Israel did not destroy—from these Solomon raised forced labor, as it is to this day.
New American Standard Biblethat is, from their descendants who were left after them in the land, whom the sons of Israel had not destroyed, Solomon raised them as forced laborers to this day.
NASB 1995namely, from their descendants who were left after them in the land whom the sons of Israel had not destroyed, them Solomon raised as forced laborers to this day.
NASB 1977namely, from their descendants who were left after them in the land whom the sons of Israel had not destroyed, them Solomon raised as forced laborers to this day.
Legacy Standard Biblenamely, from their sons who were left after them in the land whom the sons of Israel had not consumed, from them Solomon raised up forced laborers to this day.
Amplified Biblebut were descendants of those who were left in the land, whom the Israelites had not destroyed—Solomon brought them up as forced laborers to this day.
Christian Standard Bibletheir descendants who remained in the land after them, those the Israelites had not completely destroyed—Solomon imposed forced labor on them; it is this way today.
Holman Christian Standard Bibletheir descendants who remained in the land after them, those the Israelites had not completely destroyed—Solomon imposed forced labor on them; it is this way today.
American Standard Versionof their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel consumed not, of them did Solomon raise a levy of bondservants unto this day.
English Revised Versionof their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel consumed not, of them did Solomon raise a levy of bondservants, unto this day.
GOD'S WORD® Translationbut they had descendants who were still in the land. Solomon drafted them for slave labor. (They are still [slaves] today.)
International Standard Versionwere descendants of the nations whom the people of Israel had not eliminated. Solomon put them to work as conscripted laborers, which they continue to do to this day.
NET BibleTheir descendants remained in the land (the Israelites were unable to wipe them out). Solomon conscripted them for his work crews and they continue in that role to this very day.
New Heart English Bibleof their descendants who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel did not destroy, of them Solomon conscripted for slave labor to this day.
Webster's Bible TranslationBut of their children, who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel consumed not, them did Solomon make to pay tribute until this day. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibletheir descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites had not destroyed—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day.
World English Bibleof their children who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel didn’t consume—of them Solomon conscripted forced labor to this day. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionof their sons who have been left after them in the land, whom the sons of Israel did not consume—Solomon lifts up a tribute to this day.
Young's Literal Translation of their sons who have been left after them in the land, whom the sons of Israel consumed not -- doth Solomon lift up a tribute unto this day.
Smith's Literal TranslationFrom their sons who were left after them in the land which the sons of Israel consumed them not, and Solomon will bring them up for tribute even to this day. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleOf their children, and of the posterity, whom the children of Israel had not slain, Solomon made to be the tributaries, unto this day.
Catholic Public Domain Versionthose of their sons and their posterity whom the sons of Israel had not put to death, Solomon subjugated as tributaries, even to this day.
New American Biblethose of their descendants who were left in the land and whom the Israelites had not destroyed—Solomon conscripted as forced laborers, as they are to this day.
New Revised Standard Versionfrom their descendants who were still left in the land, whom the people of Israel had not destroyed—these Solomon conscripted for forced labor, as is still the case today. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut of their descendants, who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel could not destroy, these Solomon made servants for himself, and workers and tributaries to this day.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedTheir children that are left over after them in the land whom the sons of Israel were unable to destroy, Solomon made them to be Servants and Laborers and raisers of taxes for him until today. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917of their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel consumed not, of them did Solomon raise a levy of bondservants, unto this day.
Brenton Septuagint Translationbut were of the children of them whom the children Israel destroyed not, that were left after them in the land, even them did Solomon make tributaries to this day.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Solomon's Additional Accomplishments… 7As for all the people who remained of the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)— 8their descendantswhoremainedin the land,those whomthe Israeliteswere unableto destroy—Solomonconscripted these peopleto be forced laborers,as they are tothisday.9But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slave labor, because they were his men of war, his officers and captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry.…
Cross References 1 Kings 9:20-21As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)— / their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day.
Joshua 9:21-27They continued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation.” So the leaders kept their promise. / Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, “Why did you deceive us by telling us you live far away from us, when in fact you live among us? / Now therefore you are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.” ...
Judges 1:21-36The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the Benjamites. / The house of Joseph also attacked Bethel, and the LORD was with them. / They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz), ...
Deuteronomy 20:10-18When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace. / If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you. / But if they refuse to make peace with you and wage war against you, lay siege to that city. ...
Exodus 23:31-33And I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates. For I will deliver the inhabitants into your hand, and you will drive them out before you. / You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods. / They must not remain in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me. For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.”
Leviticus 25:44-46Your menservants and maidservants shall come from the nations around you, from whom you may purchase them. / You may also purchase them from the foreigners residing among you or their clans living among you who are born in your land. These may become your property. / You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother.
Genesis 9:25-27he said, “Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.” / He also declared: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem. / May God expand the territory of Japheth; may he dwell in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his servant.”
Nehemiah 9:24So their descendants went in and possessed the land; You subdued before them the Canaanites dwelling in the land. You delivered into their hands the kings and peoples of the land, to do with them as they wished.
Psalm 106:34-36They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them, / but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. / They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them.
Acts 13:19And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance.
Romans 9:22-24What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, prepared for destruction? / What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory— / including us, whom He has called not only from the Jews, but also from the Gentiles?
Ephesians 2:11-13Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)— / remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. / But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.
Acts 17:26From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.
Treasury of Scripture But of their children, who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel consumed not, them did Solomon make to pay tribute until this day. whom the children Judges 1:21-36 And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day… Psalm 106:34 They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them: to pay 2 Chronicles 2:17,18 And Solomon numbered all the strangers thatwere in the land of Israel, after the numbering wherewith David his father had numbered them; and they were found an hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred… Joshua 16:10 And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute. Joshua 17:13 Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel were waxen strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute; but did not utterly drive them out. Jump to Previous BondservantsChildrenConscriptedConsumeConsumedDescendantsDestroyedEndForceForcedImposeIsraelIsraelitesLaborNamelyPayRaiseRaisedRemainingSlaveSolomonTributeWorkJump to Next BondservantsChildrenConscriptedConsumeConsumedDescendantsDestroyedEndForceForcedImposeIsraelIsraelitesLaborNamelyPayRaiseRaisedRemainingSlaveSolomonTributeWork2 Chronicles 8 1.Solomon's buildings7.The remaining Canaanites, Solomon makes tributaries, but the Israelites rulers11.Pharaoh's daughter removes to her house12.Solomon's yearly solemn sacrifices14.He appoints the priests and Levites to their places17.The navy fetches gold from Ophirtheir descendants who remained in the landThis phrase refers to the descendants of the original inhabitants of Canaan, such as the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. These groups were present in the land before the Israelites entered under Joshua's leadership. Despite God's command to drive out these nations completely ( Deuteronomy 7:1-2), some remained due to incomplete conquests. The presence of these descendants highlights the ongoing influence and integration of Canaanite culture within Israel, which often led to idolatry and disobedience to God. those whom the Israelites had not destroyed
This indicates that the Israelites did not fully obey God's command to destroy the Canaanite nations. The failure to completely remove these peoples led to various problems, including the temptation to adopt pagan practices. This incomplete obedience is a recurring theme in Israel's history, as seen inJudges 1:27-36, where various tribes failed to drive out the inhabitants of the land. This disobedience had long-term consequences for Israel's spiritual and social life. Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers
Solomon's use of forced labor from the remaining Canaanite populations reflects a common practice in the ancient Near East, where conquered peoples were often used for labor. This practice allowed Solomon to undertake massive building projects, including the construction of the Temple and his palace. While this labor system was efficient, it also created social stratification and tension within the kingdom. Solomon's actions can be seen as pragmatic but also as a departure from the ideal of Israel as a distinct and holy nation. as they are to this day
This phrase suggests that the practice of using these descendants as forced laborers continued beyond Solomon's reign. It indicates a lasting social structure that persisted in Israel, reflecting the enduring consequences of Solomon's policies. The phrase also serves as a historical note, emphasizing the continuity of certain practices and the long-term impact of decisions made by Israel's leaders. This continuity can be seen as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and the integration of foreign influences. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. 2. IsraelitesThe descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, who were chosen by God to be His people and were given the Promised Land. 3. CanaanitesThe original inhabitants of the Promised Land, many of whom were not completely driven out by the Israelites as commanded by God. 4. Labor ForceThe group of people conscripted by Solomon for his building projects, which included the descendants of the Canaanites who remained in the land. 5. The LandRefers to the Promised Land, which God gave to the Israelites, encompassing territories that were once inhabited by various Canaanite tribes. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsThe Israelites' failure to fully obey God's command to destroy the Canaanites led to ongoing challenges and compromises. This serves as a reminder of the importance of complete obedience to God's instructions. Consequences of CompromiseSolomon's use of the remaining Canaanites as forced labor highlights the long-term consequences of Israel's incomplete obedience. Compromise with sin can lead to future difficulties and spiritual challenges. God's Sovereignty and Human ResponsibilityWhile God is sovereign and His plans will ultimately prevail, humans are responsible for their actions and the choices they make. Solomon's actions reflect a complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency. The Role of LeadershipSolomon's decision to conscript the Canaanites reflects the significant influence leaders have on the spiritual and social direction of a nation. Godly leadership requires wisdom and adherence to God's principles. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 8:8?
2.How does 2 Chronicles 8:8 illustrate Solomon's approach to non-Israelite inhabitants?
3.What lessons can we learn from Solomon's treatment of the remaining Canaanites?
4.How does Solomon's action in 2 Chronicles 8:8 align with Deuteronomy 20:16-18?
5.In what ways can we apply Solomon's leadership decisions to modern Christian life?
6.How does Solomon's handling of laborers reflect God's justice and mercy principles?
7.Why did Solomon not destroy the descendants of the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites?
8.How does 2 Chronicles 8:8 align with God's command to drive out Canaanite nations?
9.What does 2 Chronicles 8:8 reveal about Solomon's leadership and priorities?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 8?
11.2 Chronicles 8:4 says Solomon built Tadmor (Palmyra) in the wilderness--what historical or archaeological proof exists for such an extensive project at that location?
12.2 Chronicles 3:8 - How did Solomon acquire and transport enough gold to overlay the inner sanctuary entirely?
13.How does the forced labor mentioned in 2 Chronicles 8:7-8 reconcile with biblical portrayals of Solomon's wisdom and godly leadership?
14.How long did Jehoiachin reign? (2 Kings 24:8 vs. 2 Chronicles 36:9)What Does 2 Chronicles 8:8 Mean Their descendants who remained in the land2 Chronicles 8:7 names the survivors around Israel—“Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites” (cf.Joshua 9:1–7;1 Kings 9:20). They are the offspring of the Canaanite peoples God originally marked for removal (Deuteronomy 7:1–2). • Their continued presence highlights Israel’s incomplete conquest (Joshua 13:1–6). • God’s patience allowed centuries for repentance (Genesis 15:16), even as their culture remained a potential snare (Judges 3:5–6). • Listing them underscores the reality that Israel has always lived among outsiders, and God can still use that fact for His purposes (2 Chronicles 2:17-18).
those whom the Israelites had not destroyedThis phrase exposes Israel’s failure to finish what God commanded (Numbers 33:55–56;Judges 1:27-36). •Judges 2:1-3 records the LORD’s rebuke for Israel’s treaties with these nations. • Partial obedience carried long-term consequences, becoming both a labor supply and a source of spiritual compromise. • The statement serves as a sober reminder that God expects full obedience, not selective compliance (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborersSolomon harnessed this remnant for his expansive building agenda (1 Kings 9:21). •2 Chronicles 2:17-18 records 153,600 resident aliens drafted as stone-cutters and carriers. • Israelite citizens held military and administrative posts instead (1 Kings 9:22). • This aligns with the promise that foreigners would serve Israel when Israel followed God (Isaiah 14:1-2), yet the heavy yoke later provoked the northern tribes’ complaint to Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 10:4).
as they are to this dayThe Chronicler testifies that this labor force still existed at the time of writing, likely in the post-exilic era (cf.Ezra 2:55;Nehemiah 11:3). • The ongoing status verifies the historical record. • It shows how choices under Solomon shaped generations to come. • The phrase affirms God’s sovereign supervision: circumstances endure until He fulfills His purposes (Psalm 115:3).
summary2 Chronicles 8:8 reveals that the surviving Canaanite descendants—left because Israel never fully obeyed the command to expel them—were pressed by Solomon into permanent forced labor, a condition that persisted for centuries. The verse illustrates the cost of partial obedience, the distinction God made between His covenant people and the nations, and His ability to weave even human shortcomings into His redemptive plan.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew their descendantsבְּנֵיהֶ֗ם(bə·nê·hem)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1121:A sonwhoאֲשֶׁ֨ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatremainedנוֹתְר֤וּ(nō·wṯ·rū)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3498:To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preservein the land,בָּאָ֔רֶץ(bā·’ā·reṣ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landthose whomאֲשֶׁ֥ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatthe Israelitesבְּנֵ֣י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonwere unableלֹֽא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noto destroy completely—כִלּ֖וּם(ḵil·lūm)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3615:To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spentSolomonשְׁלֹמֹה֙(šə·lō·mōh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010:Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throneconscripted these peopleוַיַּעֲלֵ֤ם(way·ya·‘ă·lêm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelyto be forced laborers,לְמַ֔ס(lə·mas)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4522:Body of forced laborers, forced service, taskworkers, taskwork, serfdomas they are toעַ֖ד(‘aḏ)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilethisהַיּ֥וֹם(hay·yō·wm)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayday.הַזֶּֽה׃(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, that
Links 2 Chronicles 8:8 NIV2 Chronicles 8:8 NLT2 Chronicles 8:8 ESV2 Chronicles 8:8 NASB2 Chronicles 8:8 KJV
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OT History: 2 Chronicles 8:8 Of their children who were left after (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
