Topical Bible: Servants: The Subjects of a Prince or King So Called

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the term "servants" often referred to the subjects of a prince or king, encompassing a broad range of individuals who were under the authority and governance of a sovereign ruler. This usage is prevalent throughout the Old and New Testaments, reflecting the hierarchical structures and societal norms of ancient Near Eastern cultures.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "ebed" is frequently translated as "servant," but it can also mean "slave" or "subject," depending on the context. The term is used to describe individuals who serve a king or ruler, not only in a literal sense but also in a broader societal context. For instance, in 1 Samuel 8:17, the prophet Samuel warns the Israelites about the implications of having a king: "He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his servants." Here, "servants" refers to the people who would be subject to the king's authority and demands.

The relationship between a king and his subjects is further illustrated in the account of Solomon. In 1 Kings 12:7, the elders advise Rehoboam, Solomon's son, saying, "If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them, and if you will give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants." This passage highlights the reciprocal nature of servitude and leadership, where a king's willingness to serve his people can ensure their loyalty and service in return.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "doulos" is often used to denote a servant or slave, but it also carries the connotation of being a subject or follower. This is evident in the parables of Jesus, where the term is used to describe those who serve a master or king. For example, in Matthew 18:23-35, the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, the kingdom of heaven is likened to a king who wishes to settle accounts with his servants. The servants in this parable represent those who are under the king's authority and are accountable to him.

The concept of servitude is also central to the teachings of Jesus, who redefines greatness in terms of service. In Mark 10:43-44, Jesus instructs His disciples, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all." This teaching underscores the idea that true leadership in the kingdom of God is characterized by humility and service to others, reflecting the servant-leadership model exemplified by Christ Himself.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the notion of being a servant or subject to a king is deeply intertwined with the biblical understanding of authority and submission. In Romans 13:1, the Apostle Paul writes, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God." This passage emphasizes the divine ordination of authority and the believer's responsibility to submit to earthly rulers as an expression of obedience to God.

Furthermore, the concept of servitude extends to the believer's relationship with God. Christians are often described as "servants of Christ," highlighting their role as subjects of the divine King. In Ephesians 6:6, Paul exhorts believers to serve "not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart." This servitude is not burdensome but is characterized by willing obedience and devotion to God's will.

In summary, the biblical concept of servants as subjects of a prince or king encompasses a rich tapestry of meanings, reflecting the cultural, social, and theological dimensions of servitude. Whether in the context of earthly kingdoms or the divine kingdom of God, the role of a servant is integral to understanding the dynamics of authority, leadership, and discipleship in the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 9:20
He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 11:8
And all these your servants shall come down to me, and bow down themselves to me, saying, Get you out, and all the people that follow you: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Appendix iii in the Hampton Court Conference.
... but, as the faithful servants of Christ and loyal ... the Bishops and Deans on these
subjects, Confirmation, Absolution ... Prayer for the Queen, the Prince, and other ...
/.../luckock/studies in the book of common prayer/appendix iii in the hampton.htm

Christ's Kingly Office
... had conquered five kings, he caused his servants to set ... their will; they are his
slaves, not his subjects. ... Christ their saviour, but not their prince; such as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 christs kingly office.htm

The Life of Mr. Andrew Melvil.
... to do, which no Christian king nor prince should controul ... otherwise they are not
faithful subjects to Christ ... Will you now challenge Christ's servants, your best ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr andrew.htm

The Servants and the Pounds.
... were not willing to become his subjects, and therefore ... supreme authority was to call
his servants into his ... remained in the country while the prince was absent ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxx the servants and the.htm

"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ...
... all nobles, all princes, all people, rich and poor, high and low, are once subjects
of this prince, ruled by ... O know your condition, whose servants ye are! ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vii for the law.htm

Third Sunday after Easter
... Every Christian, be he lord or servant, prince or subject, should ... 10. Let not the
occupants of the humbler stations"servants and subjects"grumble: "Why ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday after easter.htm

Art Thou a King?
... It forbids Christ's 'servants' to assimilate His kingdom to ... referred to, bases His
being 'Prince of the ... to pay for popularity with his troublesome subjects. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/art thou a king.htm

The Season of Epiphany.
... midst of His court, with His servants around Him ... character, as befit the supplications
of subjects coming before ... Solomon, the great type of the Prince of Peace ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon vi the season of.htm

On Mutual Subjection {1} --(First Printed in 1744)
... chosen; they are bound to protect their subjects in liberty ... For the greatest prince
and the meanest slave are ... of them greater and more painful servants to their ...
/.../swift/three sermons three prayers/on mutual subjection 1first printed.htm

The Life of Mr. John Craig.
... Nay," said Mr. Craig, "Mock the servants of God ... shirts presented to him by his subjects
craving justice ... to place John Duncanson with the prince, therefore his ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 2.htm