Topical Bible: Servants: Persons of Low Condition So Called

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the term "servant" often referred to individuals of low social status who were in service to others, whether in households, fields, or other areas of labor. The concept of servanthood is deeply woven into the fabric of biblical narratives, laws, and teachings, reflecting both the socio-economic realities of ancient cultures and the spiritual lessons conveyed through Scripture.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for servant, "ebed," is frequently used to describe individuals in various forms of servitude. Servants could be either voluntary or involuntary, with some entering service due to poverty, debt, or as captives of war. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations concerning the treatment of servants, emphasizing humane and just treatment. For instance, Exodus 21:2-6 outlines the conditions under which Hebrew servants were to be released after six years of service, highlighting a concern for their dignity and freedom: "If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything" .

The role of servants is also evident in the narratives of key biblical figures. Joseph, for example, was sold into slavery by his brothers and served in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian official (Genesis 39:1-6). Despite his lowly status, Joseph's faithfulness and integrity led to his eventual rise to a position of great authority, illustrating the potential for divine providence and elevation even from humble beginnings.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "doulos" is commonly translated as "servant" or "slave." The teachings of Jesus Christ often use the imagery of servanthood to convey spiritual truths. Jesus Himself is described as the ultimate servant, who came "not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). This model of servanthood is central to Christian discipleship, where believers are called to emulate Christ's humility and selflessness.

The Apostle Paul frequently refers to himself as a "servant of Christ Jesus" (Romans 1:1), underscoring the notion that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in serving others. In his epistles, Paul addresses the relationships between masters and servants, urging both parties to act with mutual respect and integrity. Ephesians 6:5-9 instructs servants to obey their earthly masters with sincerity, as they would obey Christ, while masters are reminded to treat their servants with fairness, knowing that they too have a Master in heaven.

Spiritual Implications

The biblical portrayal of servants extends beyond social and economic dimensions, offering profound spiritual insights. Servanthood is presented as a virtue, embodying humility, obedience, and devotion. The life of a servant, as depicted in Scripture, is one of submission to God's will and service to others, reflecting the heart of the Gospel message.

Throughout the Bible, God often chooses those of lowly status to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). The accounts of servants in the Bible serve as reminders of God's sovereignty and His ability to use anyone, regardless of their social standing, for His glory and the advancement of His Kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 10:7
I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking as servants on the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How David Fled to Ahimelech and Afterwards to the Kings of the ...
... Accordingly the king was very angry at his servants that they ... disposition of men,
that while they are private persons, and in a low condition, because it is ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how david fled.htm

Low Beetling Brows, -- a Sensual, Cruel Mouth with a Loosely ...
... of human intellect are selected as servants of our ... for the most part despicable-looking
persons,"only just a ... savage,"the complete savage in low life,"the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/ix low beetling brows .htm

"Therefore, Brethren, we are Debtors, not to the Flesh, to Live ...
... There is no condition so low and abject that layeth any ... these are distinguished
according to the persons of the ... courtesy as to be their servants,"if they owe ...
/.../the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxxii therefore brethren we.htm

On the Death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield
... set Christ as high and man as low as possible ... having an unspeakable tenderness for
their persons, and an ... Elijah?" Let his spirit rest upon these Thy servants! ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 53 on the death.htm

The Indwelling of the Spirit, the Common Privilege of all ...
... through the word, or ministration of his servants, are to ... I speak it, God is my Judge,
persons of the ... prodigal, in the gospel, was reduced to so low a condition ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the indwelling of the spirit.htm

The Angel of the Lord in the Pentateuch, and the Book of Joshua.
... divine Being itself, such a distinction of persons, the divinity ... He puts no trust
in His servants, and His ... But the low condition of Hagar cannot here come into ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the angel of the lord.htm

The Heinous Sin of Drunkenness
... have cried out, with Hazael before-mentioned, "Are thy servants so many dogs ... by way
of conclusion, I cannot but exhort all persons, high and low, rich and ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the heinous sin of drunkenness.htm

Rom. viii. 12, 13
... of daily ration given to domestic servants, and terrors ... They, as hirelings and obstinate
persons, so never left ... to show our high birth and their low condition. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xiv rom viii 12.htm

The Government of India.
... Governors, and not infrequently Governors, have been persons of large ... Our Government
pays its servants of every description, high and low, civil and ...
/.../chapter xxxi the government of.htm

First Evangelistic Efforts
... LORD, behold their threatenings, and grant unto Thy servants that with ... take us, and
what to do with such persons as we ... but he proved to be one of low rank, and ...
/.../taylor/a retrospect/chapter x first evangelistic efforts.htm