Topical Encyclopedia
Solomon's Servants, often referred to in the context of the Old Testament, were a distinct group of individuals who played a significant role in the administration and daily operations of King Solomon's kingdom. Their mention in the biblical narrative provides insight into the social and political structure of ancient Israel during Solomon's reign.
Biblical References and RoleThe term "Solomon's Servants" is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Ezra. These servants were part of the labor force that supported Solomon's extensive building projects, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, his royal palace, and various other infrastructure projects throughout the kingdom.
1.
1 Kings 9:20-21 : "As for all the people who were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not of the Israelites—these Solomon conscripted for his labor force, as it is to this day." This passage highlights that Solomon's Servants included non-Israelite peoples who were subjected to forced labor. These groups were remnants of the original inhabitants of the land whom the Israelites had not completely driven out.
2.
2 Chronicles 8:7-8 : "All the people who were left from the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (who were not of Israel)—their descendants who remained in the land, whom the Israelites had not destroyed—Solomon conscripted these people for his labor force, as it is to this day." This reiterates the composition of Solomon's Servants and their role in the labor force.
3.
Ezra 2:55-58 : "The descendants of Solomon’s servants: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Hassophereth, the descendants of Peruda... All the Nethinim and the descendants of Solomon’s servants numbered 392." This passage from the post-exilic period lists the descendants of Solomon's Servants who returned to Jerusalem, indicating their continued identity as a distinct group even after the Babylonian exile.
Social and Religious ImplicationsSolomon's Servants were integral to the functioning of the kingdom, yet their status was distinct from that of the Israelites. They were often associated with the Nethinim, a group of temple servants, suggesting a role that extended beyond mere labor to include religious duties. The presence of these servants underscores the complex social hierarchy within Israel and the integration of non-Israelite peoples into the nation's workforce.
The use of forced labor, as seen with Solomon's Servants, reflects the broader ancient Near Eastern practices of subjugating conquered peoples. However, it also raises questions about the ethical and theological implications of such practices within the context of Israel's covenantal relationship with God.
Historical ContextSolomon's reign is characterized by unprecedented wealth, wisdom, and expansion. The construction projects attributed to him required a substantial labor force, which was partly fulfilled by Solomon's Servants. This labor system facilitated the transformation of Jerusalem into a significant political and religious center, aligning with God's promise to David regarding the establishment of his son's kingdom (
2 Samuel 7:12-13).
In summary, Solomon's Servants were a vital component of the administrative and religious framework of Solomon's kingdom. Their existence and function provide valuable insights into the socio-political dynamics of ancient Israel and the fulfillment of Solomon's ambitious building endeavors.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Solomons Servants(CHILDREN OF). (Ezra 2:55,58;Nehemiah 7:57,60) The persons thus named appear in the lists of the exiles who returned from the captivity. They were the descendants of the Canaanites who were reduced by Solomon to the helot state, and compelled to labor in the king's stone-quarries and in building his palaces and cities. (1 Kings 5:13,14;9:20,21;2 Chronicles 8:7,8) They appear to have formed a distinct order, inheriting probably the same functions and the same skill as their ancestors.
Library
The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot
... his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness
of his heart.""Solomons Song 3... High lift your lamps, yeservants of our Lord...
One Worker Preparing for Another
... we have here many ministers of God and students, Davids andSolomons; but I... There
are manyservants of God whose names are little known, who, nevertheless, are...
Touching the First Subject of all the Forementioned Power of the...
... the pattern of it, as God gave to David the pattern ofSolomons Temple, 1... of Christ,
the Lambs wife, and ought not the wife to rule theservants and stewards...
Resources
Is Song of Solomon an allegory of God's love for Israel and/or Christ's love for the Church? | GotQuestions.orgHow did God respond when Solomon asked for wisdom? | GotQuestions.orgWhy didn't Solomon follow his own advice on women? | GotQuestions.orgSolomon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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