Topical Bible: Servants: Early Mention of

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The concept of servitude is introduced early in the biblical narrative, reflecting the social and economic structures of ancient times. Servants, often referred to as "servants" or "bondservants" in various translations, played a significant role in the households and communities of biblical figures.

Genesis and the Patriarchs

The earliest mention of servants is found in the Book of Genesis, where they are integral to the lives of the patriarchs. In Genesis 12:16, Pharaoh bestows upon Abram (later Abraham) "sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels" as part of a dowry for Sarai. This passage highlights the presence of servants as part of the wealth and household structure of the time.

In Genesis 14:14, Abram is described as having "318 trained men born in his household," indicating that servants were not only domestic workers but also could be trained for specific tasks, including military endeavors. This suggests a level of trust and responsibility placed upon them.

Hagar: A Notable Servant

One of the most notable early mentions of a servant is Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarai (Genesis 16:1). Hagar's account is significant as it illustrates the complex relationships between masters and servants. Sarai gives Hagar to Abram to bear a child, resulting in the birth of Ishmael. This narrative underscores the multifaceted roles servants could play, extending beyond mere labor to being part of God's unfolding plan.

Servants in the Household of Isaac and Jacob

The role of servants continues with Isaac and Jacob. In Genesis 24, Abraham sends his chief servant to find a wife for Isaac, demonstrating the trust and authority given to servants in critical family matters. The servant's successful mission to bring Rebekah back to Isaac is a testament to the loyalty and capability expected of servants.

Jacob's household also included numerous servants, as seen in Genesis 30:43, where his wealth is described as including "large flocks, female and male servants, and camels and donkeys." This indicates that servants were a sign of prosperity and were essential to the functioning of a large household.

Legal and Social Context

The early mentions of servants in the Bible also reflect the legal and social context of the time. Servitude was a common practice, and the Mosaic Law later provided regulations for the treatment of servants, emphasizing humane treatment and the possibility of freedom (Exodus 21:2-11). These laws highlight the importance of justice and compassion within the servant-master relationship.

Conclusion

The early mentions of servants in the Bible provide insight into the social and economic fabric of ancient societies. Servants were integral to the households of the patriarchs, serving in various capacities and often playing crucial roles in biblical narratives. The biblical text presents a nuanced view of servitude, acknowledging both the responsibilities and the rights of servants within the covenant community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 9:25,26
And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Excursus on the Minor Orders of the Early Church.
... below the diaconate; and for the first mention of door ... West, and probably in the
East, as early as the ... were also supplied with a body of servants""the under ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the minor orders.htm

The Early Life of St. Joseph
... V. THE EARLY LIFE OF ST ... saw Joseph's brothers sometimes talking to these maid-servants
or helping ... an opportunity occurs here unsought, we will mention an elder ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/v the early life of.htm

Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety
... No mention is made of anybody in connection with this man's ... would thrive with God
must be with God early in his ... men who will take care of God's servants and be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/obadiah or early piety eminent.htm

Continued.
... which may be used as illustrating the early life of ... Some critics, indeed, think that
the mention in the last ... of God as the Host who feasts His servants at His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iii early dayscontinued.htm

Early Mentions of Christianity in Britain. --King Lucius. --Origin ...
... To the others he said that such worthy servants of their ... In the early times of which
we are now ... from all such considerations, which I mention historically and ...
/.../lecture ii early mentions of.htm

Those in the Palace.
... to dig up the bodies of the imperial servants, who had ... mistaken in putting his death
at this early date, in ... great weight to be placed upon his mention of the ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vi those in the palace.htm

Proposed Action on Clerical Celibacy.
... because the latter were at a very early period reckoned among the higher servants
of the ... of the Constitutions; for in those documents mention is made ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/proposed action on clerical celibacy.htm

Of the Harmony Characterizing the Accounts which These Evangelists ...
... palace, and went in and sat with the servants to see ... in different terms, only he
omits to mention the fact ... to have passed through on to the early morning in ...
/.../the harmony of the gospels/chapter vi of the harmony characterizing.htm

The Laodicean State of Christendom.
... Even so was it at the early date contemplated by the ... Here, too, mention is again
made of the Nicolaitanes, but ... to teach and to seduce My servants to commit ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 the laodicean state of.htm

The Heinous Sin of Drunkenness
... And many of God's servants have toiled all their life ... long at the wine, he that rises
early to seek ... an aggravation of their guilt: for (not to mention that the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the heinous sin of drunkenness.htm