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1 Kings 9:22

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 9:22 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
1 Kings 9:22 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19and all the store-cities that Solomon had, and the cities for his chariots, and the cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build for his pleasure in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.
20As for all the people that were left of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, who were not of the children of Israel;
21their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel were not able utterly to destroy, of them did Solomon raise a levy of bondservants unto this day.
22But 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.
23These were the chief officers that were over Solomon`s work, five hundred and fifty, who bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.
24But Pharaoh`s daughter came up out of the city of David unto her house which [Solomon] had built for her: then did he build Millo.
25And three times a year did Solomon offer burnt-offerings and peace-offerings upon the altar which he built unto Jehovah, burning incense therewith, [upon the altar] that was before Jehovah. So he finished the house.
← 1 Kings 9:211 Kings 9:23 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen, etc.] For that was contrary to the law; they might be hired servants, but not bond servants, (<032539>Leviticus 25:39,40) 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, etc. and his captains; officers in his army: and rulers of his chariots and his horsemen; war chariots and troopers; (see <110919>1 Kings 9:19).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Comparing this with 1 Kings 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. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“of the children: Lev 25:39 but they were men: 1Kings 4:1-27; Sa1 8:11, Sa1 8:12; Ch2 8:9, Ch2 8:10 3 Kings (1 Kings) 9:23”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Kings 9 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification