Topical Bible: Servants: Slaves or Bond: Persons of Distinction had Many

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In the biblical context, the term "servants" often refers to individuals who were in a position of servitude, either as slaves or bondservants. This practice was prevalent in ancient societies, including those depicted in the Bible. Persons of distinction, such as patriarchs, kings, and wealthy individuals, often had numerous servants who played various roles within their households and estates.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, servitude was a common institution. The Hebrew word "ebed" is frequently translated as "servant" or "slave." Servants could be acquired through various means, including purchase, war, or as a result of debt. For instance, Abraham, a man of great wealth and distinction, had many servants. Genesis 14:14 notes, "And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household and pursued them as far as Dan."

The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the treatment of servants. Exodus 21:2 states, "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." This indicates a system that allowed for eventual freedom, reflecting a degree of protection for Hebrew servants.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "doulos" is often used to describe servants or slaves. The Roman Empire, under which much of the New Testament narrative unfolds, was a society where slavery was a widespread institution. Persons of distinction, such as Roman centurions and wealthy landowners, typically had numerous slaves.

Jesus Christ's teachings often used the imagery of servants to convey spiritual truths. In Matthew 25:21 , the parable of the talents illustrates the relationship between a master and his servants: "His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’"

The Apostle Paul also addressed the issue of servitude in his epistles. In Ephesians 6:5-8 , he instructs, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free."

Persons of Distinction and Their Servants

Throughout the Bible, individuals of high status often had numerous servants. King Solomon, renowned for his wealth and wisdom, had a vast retinue of servants. 1 Kings 10:5 describes the Queen of Sheba's reaction to Solomon's court: "the food of his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away."

Similarly, Job, a man of great wealth and integrity, had many servants. Job 1:3 states, "He owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and a very large number of servants. Job was the greatest man of all the people of the East."

The presence of servants in the households of distinguished individuals was not only a sign of wealth but also a reflection of the social and economic structures of the time. These servants played crucial roles in the daily operations and prosperity of their masters' estates.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 14:14
And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them to Dan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 2:7
I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Servants and the Pounds.
... These men were his servants or slaves. ... different countries, and at different times,
the bond of servitude ... prince was absent:"these are his servants and his ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxx the servants and the.htm

Philemon i. 3-Jan
... "For in Christ Jesus there is neither bond nor free ... who was unmerciful to his
fellow-servants, until he ... Many have thus compelled their domestics and slaves. ...
/.../homily i philemon i 3-jan.htm

Ephesians vi. 8-May
... receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free ... one day accuse you for your negligence
toward your slaves. ... the wife over the servants, the servants again over ...
/.../homily xxii ephesians vi 8-may.htm

John xvii. 1
... seems to be master, dares not, if his slaves be not ... curtail many of the things actually
needed, (servants, I mean ... Is not the bond of nature enough for thee, and ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxx john xvii 1.htm

The Number of those who Fought for Religion in Gaul under Verus ...
... which he belonged, or whether he was bond or free ... and the other outrages which his
servants are accustomed ... a violation of the ancient law that slaves could not ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter i the number of those.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... to us wisdom and righteousness, [247]24; the bond of union ... 709]ib.; those who enjoy
it slaves, [710]ib ... or anger, [1062]389; hath overcome great persons, [1063]389 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

After Eutropius Having Been Found Outside the Church had Been ...
... how long the flatteries of slaves? ... maid is not the bride: the queen is not the
bond-maid: yet ... wait in order that thy fellow-servants also may be saved; wait I ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii after eutropius having.htm

False Brethren and False Principles in the Church: Spirit and ...
... did not at all affect his ecclesiastical standing; for bond and free ... 3] They were
most careful to teach converted slaves that they ... "Let as many servants as are ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii false brethren and.htm

The Heretical Objection, that the Son Cannot be Equal to the ...
... whilst stronger men have not; that slaves have children ... of compulsion, but free,
not under bond of authority ... have not children, that their very servants are to ...
/.../works and letters of st ambrose/chapter viii the heretical objection.htm

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ...
... Yet this unity also, and the common bond of the ... But what the influence of the slaves
must have been on ... were of this world, then would My servants fight.' [1326 ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi in the fifteenth.htm