Topical Bible: Servants: when Good: Often Exalted

◄ Servants: when Good: Often Exalted ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the role of a servant is frequently highlighted as one of humility, obedience, and faithfulness. When these qualities are exemplified, servants are often exalted by God and man, demonstrating a divine principle that exalts the humble.

Joseph
One of the most prominent examples of a servant being exalted is Joseph, the son of Jacob. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph served in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his circumstances, Joseph remained faithful and diligent. Genesis 39:2-4 states, "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant." Joseph's integrity and wisdom eventually led to his exaltation as the second most powerful man in Egypt, as described in Genesis 41:41-44.

Daniel
Daniel, a captive in Babylon, serves as another example. Despite being in a foreign land, Daniel remained steadfast in his faith and service to God. His commitment to prayer and righteousness led to his exaltation. Daniel 6:3 notes, "Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom." Daniel's faithfulness not only earned him a high position but also influenced the king to acknowledge the power of Daniel's God.

Ruth
Ruth, a Moabite woman, exemplifies the exaltation of a humble servant through her loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Her willingness to leave her homeland and serve Naomi led to her being noticed by Boaz, a man of standing in Bethlehem. Ruth 2:11-12 records Boaz's recognition of her actions: "Boaz replied, 'I have been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge.'" Ruth's faithfulness ultimately led to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David.

Jesus Christ
The ultimate example of a servant being exalted is found in Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:7-9 describes how Jesus "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names." Jesus' life and sacrificial death exemplify the principle that true greatness is found in servanthood.

Principle of Exaltation
The biblical principle that God exalts the humble is reiterated throughout Scripture. Proverbs 22:4 states, "The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life." Similarly, James 4:10 encourages believers, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." These passages underscore the consistent biblical theme that those who serve faithfully and humbly are often lifted to positions of honor and influence, both in this life and in the life to come.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 41:40
You shall be over my house, and according to your word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 17:2
A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causes shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brothers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm CXXV.
... Such mountains, we have already told you often, signify certain mighty, but evil ...
he hath not made men free from being servants, but good servants from bad ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxv.htm

A Servant of Servants
... The DESIRE of AGES Chapter 71 A Servant of Servants. ... the hands of his Lord and Master;
but how often we bring ... to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 71 a servant of.htm

1 Timothy v. 21-23
... to disease, which is implied by that expression, "Thy often infirmities," as ... Likewise
also the good works of ... ver.1. "Let as many servants as are under the yoke ...
/.../homily xvi 1 timothy v.htm

Christ Exalted
... to make "all things work together for good." He is ... What are wicked men, but the servants
of God's ... gibbeted, crucified man, whom thou hast often despised, will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ exalted.htm

So Likewise Ye, when Ye Shall have done all those Things
... For "unprofitable servants" means "insufficient," because no one fears God as much ...
And just as Scripture, in the mention of good works, often embraces faith ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 10 so likewise ye.htm

That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good ...
... rejoice not to be over men, but to do them good. ... coming, and shall begin to smite
his fellow-servants, and to ... But often a fracture is made worse, when it is ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter vi that the ruler.htm

Good Earnests of Great Success
... much more at our ease; our horses would not so often be covered ... Can do helpless sinners
good.". ... is to God." When we have done all, we are unprofitable servants. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/good earnests of great success.htm

On the Feast of a Holy Bishop
... He is the faithful Helper of His true servants. ... state, that no instruction for their
good can turn ... praise them, hateful; and they are often discontented and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxii on the feast.htm

The Nobleman's Son.
... up in the humble carpenter's family, whom it had seen so often playing on its ... It
was on the next morning that his servants met him with the good news that ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the noblemans son.htm

The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety.
... How often, though she were sick, did she come down ... children, and my children were
as their servants; their life ... there, and will bless you with good things for ...
/.../xi the testament of joseph concerning.htm