1 Kings 9:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} did Solomon {H8010} make {H5414} no bondmen {H5650}: but they were men {H582} of war {H4421}, and his servants {H5650}, and his princes {H8269}, and his captains {H7991}, and rulers {H8269} of his chariots {H7393}, and his horsemen {H6571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Shlomo did not raise any of his forced labor from the people of Isra'el; rather, they were the soldiers, his servants, administrators and commanders, and the officials in charge of his chariots and horsemen.

Berean Standard Bible

But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry.

American Standard Version

But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondservants; but they were the men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots and of his horsemen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 9:22 delineates a crucial aspect of King Solomon's administrative policy, highlighting the distinct treatment of Israelites compared to the non-Israelite peoples within his kingdom. While the preceding verses detail the conscription of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites into forced labor for Solomon's extensive building projects, this verse explicitly states that no Israelite was made a "bondman." Instead, Israelites occupied positions of honor, authority, and skilled service, serving as military personnel, administrative officials, and leaders, thereby underscoring their unique covenantal status and adherence to Mosaic Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a direct counterpoint to 1 Kings 9:20-21, which describes Solomon's conscription of the remaining non-Israelite peoples in the land into forced labor, or "bondmen" (Hebrew: *mas*). The immediate narrative flow concerns Solomon's massive building program, encompassing the Temple, his own palace, the Millo, and various fortifications (as detailed in [1 Kings 9:15](/1_kings/9-15 "1 Kings 9:15 - Solomon's Building Projects")). The distinction drawn in verse 22 is therefore vital, showcasing a deliberate policy of differentiation in labor practices. It follows the completion of the Temple and palace construction, marking a phase of administrative organization within Solomon's flourishing kingdom. This distinction reflects the ongoing tension and interaction between Israel and the Canaanite remnants, while simultaneously asserting Israel's unique identity under the Mosaic covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, corvée labor, or forced conscription for public works, was a common practice among empires and kingdoms. Rulers like the pharaohs of Egypt or the kings of Mesopotamia frequently employed such systems to erect monumental structures and maintain infrastructure. Solomon's use of non-Israelite "bondmen" aligns with this widespread practice. However, the unique aspect highlighted in 1 Kings 9:22 is the exemption of Israelites from this kind of servitude. This policy directly reflects the stipulations of the Mosaic Law, particularly [Leviticus 25:39-43](/leviticus/25-39 "Leviticus 25:39-43 - Laws Concerning Israelite Servitude"), which prohibited Israelites from being made "bondservants" by their brethren, emphasizing their status as God's redeemed people. Solomon's adherence to this law, at least in this regard, demonstrates a recognition of Israel's distinct covenantal identity and divine protection, setting them apart from the surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Kings 9:22 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Distinction and Covenantal Status**, emphasizing Israel's unique relationship with God, which afforded them different treatment compared to other peoples. This aligns with the concept of Israel as God's chosen people, set apart for a special purpose, as articulated in [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Treasured Possession"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Adherence to Mosaic Law**, demonstrating Solomon's (at least partial) obedience to the divine statutes concerning the treatment of fellow Israelites. This adherence, even if limited to specific areas, reflects a period of faithfulness in his reign. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **Dignity in Service and Leadership**, showcasing that Israelites were not subjected to menial, forced labor but rather occupied positions of honor, skill, and authority within the kingdom, including military, administrative, and strategic roles. This contrasts sharply with the subjugation of the non-Israelite populations and reflects the ideal of a just and divinely ordered society.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bondmen (Hebrew, _mas'_ מַס):** This term refers to forced labor, tribute, or conscripted service, often implying a condition of servitude or subjugation involving heavy, unpaid, or involuntary work. In the context of ancient Near Eastern empires, *mas* was a common form of state-imposed labor, distinct from voluntary employment or compensated service. The explicit statement that Solomon made "no bondmen" of the children of Israel underscores a significant policy of exemption for the covenant people.
* **Children of Israel (Hebrew, _b'nê Yiśrā'ēl'_ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל):** This phrase specifically identifies the descendants of Jacob, the covenant people of God. Their exemption from *mas* highlights their unique theological and social status within the kingdom, distinguishing them from the non-Israelite populations who were subjected to forced labor. This distinction is rooted in their identity as God's chosen nation, redeemed from slavery in Egypt.
* **Men of War, Servants, Princes, Captains, Rulers of his Chariots, and his Horsemen:** This enumeration describes the diverse and elevated roles held by Israelites within Solomon's administration and military. "Men of war" signifies military service, often implying professional soldiers. "Servants" (Hebrew: *'ăbādâw*) in this context likely refers to high-ranking administrative officials or personal attendants of the king, not menial laborers. "Princes" (Hebrew: *śārāyw*) denotes high-ranking officials or nobles, while "captains" (Hebrew: *śārê šālîšîm*) refers to military commanders. "Rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen" points to specialized and crucial military roles, indicating positions of trust, skill, and significant command within Solomon's formidable armed forces. These roles collectively emphasize dignity, responsibility, and compensated service, standing in stark contrast to the forced labor of the *mas*.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental distinction in Solomon's labor policy. It explicitly states that the Israelites, as God's covenant people, were exempt from the forced, conscripted labor (the *mas*) that was imposed upon the non-Israelite populations. This adherence to the Mosaic Law, particularly [Leviticus 25:39-43](/leviticus/25-39 "Leviticus 25:39-43 - Laws Concerning Israelite Servitude"), which prohibited the enslavement of fellow Israelites, demonstrates a recognition of their unique status and the divine principles governing their society.
* **"but they [were] men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen":** This second clause details the various honorable and authoritative roles that Israelites occupied within Solomon's kingdom. Instead of being subjected to forced labor, they served in the military as professional "men of war," held administrative and personal advisory roles as "servants" to the king, functioned as high-ranking "princes" and "captains" (both civil and military leaders), and commanded the elite units of "chariots" and "horsemen." This comprehensive list underscores that Israelites were integrated into the kingdom's structure at levels of dignity, skill, and trust, reflecting their privileged status as the people of God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Kings 9:22 is **Contrast**. The verse sharply juxtaposes the treatment of the "children of Israel" with the non-Israelite peoples mentioned in the preceding verses. While the latter were subjected to forced labor as "bondmen," the former were explicitly exempt and instead occupied positions of honor and authority. This contrast serves to emphasize the unique covenantal status of Israel and Solomon's (at least partial) adherence to the Mosaic Law. Additionally, the detailed **Enumeration** of the roles held by Israelites ("men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen") functions to underscore the dignity and variety of their service, reinforcing the distinction from forced labor. The use of the strong negative "no bondmen" creates a powerful **Emphasis** on this specific policy, highlighting its significance within Solomon's governance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 9:22 profoundly illustrates the theological principle of divine distinction and the unique covenantal status of Israel. God had set Israel apart as "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests")), and this verse reflects a societal structure that, at least in this instance, honored that distinction. The prohibition against making Israelites bondmen by their own king echoes the broader Mosaic Law, which sought to prevent the re-enslavement of a people whom God had redeemed from Egyptian bondage. This principle underscores God's valuing of human dignity, especially for those in covenant with Him. For believers today, this serves as a powerful reminder of our elevated status in Christ—we are no longer slaves to sin or the law, but adopted sons and daughters, called to willing, dignified service in God's kingdom.

* [Leviticus 25:39-43](/leviticus/25-39 "Leviticus 25:39-43 - Laws Concerning Israelite Servitude")
* [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws for the King")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 9:22 offers profound insights into ethical leadership, the value of human dignity, and the nature of service within a divinely ordered community. Solomon's policy of exempting Israelites from forced labor, while utilizing non-Israelite populations for such tasks, reflects a recognition of the covenantal principles that ought to govern a nation dedicated to God. For contemporary leaders, whether in government, business, or the church, this verse challenges us to consider how we treat those under our authority, emphasizing justice, respect, and the recognition of inherent worth. It calls us to foster environments where individuals can serve with dignity, purpose, and proper compensation, rather than being exploited. For believers, our identity in Christ elevates us from spiritual bondage to a place of honorable service as children of God. We are called to serve not out of compulsion or fear, but out of love and gratitude, recognizing that all righteous work, whether in the church or the world, can be a form of dignified contribution to God's purposes. This verse encourages us to value the diverse gifts and roles within the body of Christ, ensuring that all are treated with the respect due to those redeemed by God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's policy in 1 Kings 9:22 challenge or affirm our modern understanding of labor practices and human rights?**
* **In what ways does our identity as "children of God" in Christ elevate us from spiritual "bondage" to "honorable service" in the Kingdom?**
* **How can we, in our own spheres of influence, uphold the dignity of others and ensure that service is characterized by respect and justice, reflecting God's character?**

### FAQ
**Did Solomon fully adhere to the Law of Moses throughout his reign?**

Answer: While 1 Kings 9:22 demonstrates Solomon's adherence to a specific aspect of the Mosaic Law concerning the treatment of Israelites, his reign was not characterized by complete faithfulness. Later in his life, Solomon significantly deviated from God's commands, particularly through his accumulation of many foreign wives and the subsequent introduction and worship of their gods ([1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry")). These actions directly violated specific prohibitions given to kings in [Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Deuteronomy 17:17 - Prohibition of Many Wives for the King"), leading to God's judgment and the eventual division of the kingdom. So, while this verse highlights a positive aspect of his early rule, it does not represent his overall trajectory.

**What was the purpose of the non-Israelite bondmen mentioned in the preceding verses?**

Answer: The non-Israelite bondmen, specifically the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites who remained in the land, were conscripted by Solomon to provide the immense labor force required for his vast building projects. These projects included the construction of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, his own royal palace, the fortification of Jerusalem (including the Millo), and the building and strengthening of various cities like Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer ([1 Kings 9:15](/1_kings/9-15 "1 Kings 9:15 - Solomon's Building Projects")). This forced labor was essential for Solomon's ambitious infrastructure development, which marked his reign with unparalleled architectural achievements.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 9:22, with its emphasis on the freedom of Israelites from physical bondage and their elevation to honorable service, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Just as the Israelites were set apart by God and freed from the yoke of forced labor, believers in Christ are liberated from the ultimate bondage—the slavery to sin and the condemnation of the Law ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Freed from Sin")). Jesus, the true and greater Solomon, does not make His people "bondmen" to a harsh taskmaster; instead, He declares that "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - True Freedom")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ has purchased our freedom, adopting us as sons and daughters into God's family ([Galatians 4:7](/galatians/4-7 "Galatians 4:7 - Sons and Heirs")), elevating us to a status far beyond mere servants. Our service to Him is not forced labor but a joyful, willing response of love and gratitude, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are called to be a "royal priesthood, a holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), fulfilling in a spiritual and universal sense the unique covenantal identity foreshadowed by Israel's privileged position in Solomon's kingdom. Our roles in Christ's kingdom, whether in leadership, teaching, or humble service, are all positions of dignity and purpose, reflecting the liberating grace of our Lord.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 25:39

¶ And if thy brother [that dwelleth] by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:

1 Samuel 8:11

And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint [them] for himself, for his chariots, and [to be] his horsemen; and [some] shall run before his chariots.

1 Samuel 8:12

And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and [will set them] to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.

1 Kings 4:1

¶ So king Solomon was king over all Israel.

1 Kings 4:27

And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing.

2 Chronicles 8:9

But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but they [were] men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen.

2 Chronicles 8:10

And these [were] the chief of king Solomon's officers, [even] two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.