2 Chronicles 8:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} did Solomon {H8010} make {H5414} no servants {H5650} for his work {H4399}; but they were men {H582} of war {H4421}, and chief {H8269} of his captains {H7991}, and captains {H8269} of his chariots {H7393} and horsemen {H6571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Shlomo did not raise any of his slaves from the people of Isra'el; rather, these were the soldiers, his chief commanders, and the officials in charge of his chariots and horsemen.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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 rulers of his chariots and of his horsemen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 8:9 provides critical insight into King Solomon's labor policies, distinctly separating the native Israelites from the subjugated non-Israelite populations. While foreign peoples were conscripted for forced labor in his extensive building projects, the children of Israel were explicitly exempted from such service, instead occupying esteemed roles as military personnel, high-ranking officers, and leaders within the kingdom's defense and administration, thereby underscoring their unique covenantal status and dignity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the Chronicler's detailed account of Solomon's vast construction endeavors and administrative organization. Immediately preceding it, [2 Chronicles 8:7-8](/2_chronicles/8-7-8 "2 Chronicles 8:7-8 - Solomon's Conscription of Foreigners") explicitly states that Solomon conscripted the remaining non-Israelite peoples—Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—into forced labor, making them "tributary unto this day." Verse 9 then serves as a direct and emphatic contrast, clarifying that the Israelites were entirely excluded from this oppressive service. This juxtaposition completes the picture of Solomon's labor force by highlighting the distinct treatment of the native population versus the conquered peoples, emphasizing the unique status of Israel within their own land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (circa 970-931 BC) marked a golden age of prosperity, peace, and monumental construction in Israel, including the magnificent Temple, his royal palace, and numerous fortified cities. Such ambitious projects necessitated an immense labor force, often acquired through corvée (forced) labor, a common practice among ancient Near Eastern empires. However, the Mosaic Law, particularly as articulated in passages like [Leviticus 25:39-43](/leviticus/25-39-43 "Leviticus 25:39-43 - Laws Concerning Hebrew Servitude"), prohibited Israelites from being subjected to permanent, oppressive servitude by their own brethren. Solomon's policy, as described in this verse, therefore reflects an adherence to this foundational legal tradition, distinguishing Israelite citizens, as God's covenant people, from the remnants of the Canaanite populations who had not been fully dispossessed during the conquest.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Chronicles 8:9](/2_chronicles/8-9 "2 Chronicles 8:9 - Israelite Exemption and Roles") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **privileged status and unique identity of Israel** as God's chosen people, set apart from the nations. Their exemption from forced labor highlights a divinely ordained distinction and protection, reinforcing their dignity. Secondly, the verse demonstrates **Solomon's adherence to certain aspects of the Mosaic Law**, specifically concerning the treatment of Israelites, even amidst his immense royal power and despite his later deviations from God's commands, such as those detailed in [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1-8 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry and Decline"). Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the **roles of leadership and military service** assigned to the Israelites, indicating their integral participation in the kingdom's administration and defense, rather than being mere laborers. This reinforces the theme of Israel's internal strength, organization, and honorable engagement under a divinely appointed king.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **servants (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** From the root עָבַד, this term specifically denotes "a servant," encompassing meanings like "bondage" or "bondman." In the context of Solomon's work, it refers to those subjected to a form of servitude or forced labor. The verse's assertion that Solomon "made no *ʻebed*" of the children of Israel highlights their exemption from this subservient and demanding form of service.
* **work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** Derived from the same root as מֲלְאָךְ (messenger), this word properly signifies "deputyship" or "ministry," but generally refers to "employment" or "work," whether abstractly or concretely. Crucially, the definition notes it is "never servile." When paired with "servants" (ʻebed) in the phrase "servants for his work," it refers to the specific, often arduous, tasks involved in large-scale construction projects, from which the Israelites were exempt.
* **war (Hebrew, _milchâmâh'_):** From the root לָחַם (to fight), this term refers to "a battle" or, more broadly, "warfare." The contrast drawn in the verse is significant: while others were engaged in laborious building "work," the Israelites were positioned as "men of war," indicating their honorable and vital role in the kingdom's defense and military operations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work;":** This initial clause establishes the fundamental distinction in Solomon's labor policies. It emphatically states that no native Israelites were conscripted for the forced, burdensome labor (often referred to as *mas* in other texts, though the specific Strong's numbers here refer to 'servant' and 'work') that characterized his massive building projects. This exemption underscores their unique covenantal status and reflects, at least in this aspect, an adherence to the Mosaic Law, which protected Israelites from such servitude by their own kin.
* **"but they [were] men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen.":** This second clause provides the positive counterpart, detailing the honorable and responsible roles that Israelites *did* fulfill in Solomon's administration. Instead of performing manual labor, they served in positions of military and administrative authority. "Men of war" refers to the general soldiery, while "chief of his captains" and "captains of his chariots and horsemen" denote high-ranking officers and leaders within the military structure. This demonstrates their integral and respected participation in the kingdom's defense and governance, underscoring their status as free, contributing members of society.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [2 Chronicles 8:9](/2_chronicles/8-9 "2 Chronicles 8:9 - Israelite Roles in Solomon's Kingdom") is **Contrast**. The verse sharply juxtaposes the treatment of the Israelites with that of the non-Israelite populations described in the preceding verses ([2 Chronicles 8:7-8](/2_chronicles/8-7-8 "2 Chronicles 8:7-8 - Foreign Laborers")). While the latter were subjected to forced labor, the Israelites were explicitly exempted. This contrast serves to **Emphasize** the privileged status of God's chosen people and highlight Solomon's adherence to Mosaic Law in this regard. Furthermore, there is a clear **Juxtaposition** of roles: non-Israelites performed manual, forced labor, whereas Israelites served in positions of military and administrative leadership, highlighting their dignity and responsibility within the kingdom. This structural and thematic contrast underscores the chronicler's theological point about Israel's unique identity and divine protection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Chronicles 8:9](/2_chronicles/8-9 "2 Chronicles 8:9 - Israelite Exemption and Service") beautifully illustrates the concept of a covenant people's unique standing before God and within their own land. The exemption of Israelites from forced labor was not merely a pragmatic policy but a profound reflection of Mosaic Law, which sought to protect the dignity and freedom of God's chosen nation. This principle underscores that God desires His people to serve Him and His purposes out of willing obedience and love, not to be enslaved by human systems or oppressive labor. Their roles as "men of war" and "captains" signify honorable service, leadership, and protection, reflecting a divine calling to stewardship and responsibility within the kingdom. This distinction foreshadows a deeper spiritual truth: God calls His people to freedom and meaningful service, not bondage.

* [Leviticus 25:39-43](/leviticus/25-39-43 "Leviticus 25:39-43 - Laws Regarding Hebrew Servants")
* [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14-20 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning Kings")
* [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel as a Priestly Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Chronicles 8:9](/2_chronicles/8-9 "2 Chronicles 8:9 - Dignity in Service") offers a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and honoring the unique dignity and calling of individuals within any community, especially within the body of Christ. Just as ancient Israel was set apart for a distinct purpose and protected from oppressive servitude, believers today are called to a glorious freedom in Christ, not to be enslaved by sin or worldly systems. Our service to God and others should flow from a place of freedom, love, and spiritual gifting, not compulsion or oppression. This verse encourages us to consider the roles of leadership, protection, and responsible stewardship that God calls His people to, recognizing that true service often involves utilizing our unique gifts for the common good and the advancement of God's kingdom, rather than being subjected to demeaning or exploitative labor. It challenges us to uphold justice and dignity in our interactions and to value the diverse contributions of every member, ensuring that all serve in roles that honor their God-given identity and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the distinction between Israelite and non-Israelite labor in Solomon's kingdom reflect God's character and His covenant with His people?**
* **In what ways might believers today be tempted to fall into "forced labor" (spiritual or otherwise) rather than serving from a place of freedom and calling?**
* **What does it mean for us to be "men of war" or "captains" in a spiritual sense, defending and advancing God's kingdom with our unique gifts?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for the Chronicler to highlight this distinction in Solomon's labor force?**

Answer: The Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic audience, meticulously emphasized aspects of Israel's history that would encourage faithfulness to God and highlight the blessings of obedience. By stressing that Solomon did not subject Israelites to forced labor, the Chronicler underscored Solomon's adherence, at least in this regard, to the Mosaic Law, which explicitly protected Israelites from oppressive servitude by their own brethren, as seen in [Leviticus 25:39-43](/leviticus/25-39-43 "Leviticus 25:39-43 - Laws for Hebrew Servants"). This served to reinforce the unique covenantal status of Israel as God's chosen people, set apart and protected by divine decree. It also contrasted Solomon's practices with those of other ancient Near Eastern monarchs who routinely enslaved their own populations, presenting a picture of a king who, in this instance, governed justly according to divine principles and honored the dignity of his covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Chronicles 8:9](/2_chronicles/8-9 "2 Chronicles 8:9 - Solomon's Labor Policies") describes a historical policy under King Solomon, it subtly foreshadows the ultimate freedom and service found in Christ. Solomon, as a type of king, preserved the physical freedom of his people from oppressive labor. Yet, Jesus Christ, the true and greater King, liberates His people from a far deeper and more pervasive bondage: the slavery of sin and death ([John 8:34-36](/john/8-34-36 "John 8:34-36 - Freedom from Sin")). He does not conscript us into forced labor but calls us into a relationship of loving sonship and willing service, transforming us from slaves to heirs ([Galatians 4:7](/galatians/4-7 "Galatians 4:7 - Heirs Through God")). Instead of being "servants for his work" in a burdensome, compulsory sense, believers are made "men of war" in a spiritual sense, equipped to fight against spiritual forces of evil with the full armor of God ([Ephesians 6:10-17](/ephesians/6-10-17 "Ephesians 6:10-17 - The Armor of God")) and to serve as "captains" in the advancement of His kingdom through the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). Our service in the New Covenant is not out of compulsion but out of gratitude, love, and empowerment by the Holy Spirit, reflecting the ultimate dignity and purposeful freedom God has for His redeemed people.

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

Exodus 19:5

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:

Exodus 19:6

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

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.

Galatians 4:26

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

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:

Leviticus 25:46

And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit [them for] a possession; they shall be your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour.