Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Kings 9:22
But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they [were] men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.
22. But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondman ] This must be read in the light of chap. 1Ki 5:13. There we are told of Solomon’s levy upon all Israel. But the 30,000 men there spoken of had duty forced on them only for a month at a time. Ten thousand served for one month, and were two months at home before their turn for service came round again. Moreover, when the work for which they were enrolled came to an end they were free. It may also be that in the course of 20 years Solomon changed his system, especially if he saw that his people were beginning to find his yoke heavy. But the Canaanite levy was continuous ‘unto this day.’
his servants ] i.e. His officers. The position of the word between ‘men of war’ and ‘princes’ shews that the service here spoken of was a service of dignity. They were such ‘servants’ as are spoken of in 2Sa 8:7 “And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer.’
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Comparing this with 1Ki 5:13-14, it would seem that a modified service of forced labor for one-third of each year was not regarded as reducing those who were subject to it to the condition of bondmen.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen,…. For that was contrary to the law; they might be hired servants, but not bond servants, Le 25:39
but they were men of war; which he kept in pay, a standing army, maintained even in time of peace, in case of necessity, should an enemy attempt to invade or surprise them:
and his servants; in his family and court, who had offices and employments there:
and his princes; ministers of state, counsellors, governors of cities, c.
and his captains officers in his army:
and rulers of his chariots and his horsemen; war chariots and troopers; see 1Ki 9:19.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(22) No bondmen.This exemption, however it may have continued in theory, must virtually have been set aside in the later days of Solomon. (See 1Ki. 12:4.) They are here described as occupying the position of a dominant raceas warriors, servants about the person of the king, princes, and officers in the arraylike the free vassals under a feudal monarchy. But as the absolute power of the king increased, and with it, perhaps, the wealth and arrogance of his favourites and greater officers, the condition of the Israelites at large might be removed from serfship more in name than in reality. Even the subject races might be played of against them, as against the Macedonians in the later years of Alexander the Great, when his royalty passed into something like a true Oriental despotism. Certainly, in later times we find, both from the history and the prophetical books, that there was such a thing as serf ship of the poor to the princes. (Jer. 34:8-11; Neh. 5:11.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
22. His servants Holding positions of honourable trust in the court or in the royal service, and so distinguished from bondslaves.
Captains Shalishim. See note on 2Sa 23:8.
Rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen The word horsemen here, as in 1Ki 9:19, should be rendered steeds, or cavalry, and the rulers of the chariots and cavalry were the chief officers in these departments of the army.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
1Ki 9:22 But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they [were] men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.
Ver. 22. Did Solomon make no bondmen. ] Yet were they discontented at his government: and ten whole tribes at once cast off his son and successor, choosing Jeroboam for their king.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
make no bondmen. According to Lev 25:39. The levy, of 1Ki 5:13; 1Ki 11:28, was a levy for free service. This was for bondservice (1Ki 9:21).
and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton (App-6) in this verse.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
of the children: Lev 25:39
but they were men: 1Ki 4:1-27, 1Sa 8:11, 1Sa 8:12, 2Ch 8:9, 2Ch 8:10
Reciprocal: Deu 20:11 – tributaries 1Ki 11:26 – Solomon’s servant 1Ki 12:4 – our yoke 1Ch 12:18 – captains of the band 2Ch 10:4 – grievous Son 3:7 – threescore Jer 34:14 – At the
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Ki 9:22-23. Of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bond-men He spared them, and did not employ them in any servile labours about his public works, but put them into nobler offices, as it here follows. They were men of war Which was accounted an honourable employment. And his servants Officers in his court. And his princes Governors of provinces. And his captains, &c. Commanders of his guards. Five hundred and fifty In 2Ch 8:10, they are said to be but two hundred and fifty. But perhaps the meaning there is, that there were two hundred and fifty set over those that wrought in the temple; the rest probably being employed in overseeing his public works in other places. And it must be observed also, that there were far greater numbers employed when the temple work was carried on with great speed.