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 Role The 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 Implications Solomon'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 Context Solomon'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 One Worker Preparing for Another Touching the First Subject of all the Forementioned Power of the ... 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.org Why didn't Solomon follow his own advice on women? | GotQuestions.org Solomon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Solomon is Visited by the Queen of Sheba Solomon: An Ancestor of Joseph Solomon: Anointed King a Second Time Solomon: Builds Another House for Pharaoh's Daughter Solomon: Builds his House, the Forest of Lebanon Solomon: Builds Idolatrous Temples Solomon: Cedes some Inferior Cities to Hiram Solomon: Covenant Renewed in a Vision After the Dedication of the Temple Solomon: Divides his Kingdom Into Subsistence Departments Solomon: Drinking Vessels of his Houses Solomon: Extent of his Dominions Solomon: Has Seven-Hundred Wives and Three-Hundred Concubines Solomon: His Prayer for Wisdom, and his Vision Solomon: Imports Apes and Peacocks Solomon: Justice of, Illustrated in his Judgment of the Two Prostitutes Solomon: Marries One of Pharaoh's Daughters Solomon: Military Equipment of Solomon: Musicians and Musical Instruments of his Court Solomon: Named Jedidiah, by Nathan the Prophet Solomon: Plants Vineyards and Orchards of all Kinds of Fruit Trees; Makes Pools Solomon: Prophecies Concerning Solomon: Receives Tribute (Taxes) Solomon: Reigns for Forty Years Solomon: Renews the Courses of the Priests and Levites Solomon: Son of David by Bath-Sheba Solomon: Succeeds David to the Throne of Israel Solomon: The Splendor of his Court Solomon: Their Influence Over Him Related Terms |
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