1 Kings 9:22

22 However, Solomon didn't force the Israelites to work as slaves; instead, they became warriors, his servants, his leaders, his officers, and those in charge of his chariots and cavalry.

1 Kings 9:22 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 9:22

But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen,
&c.] For that was contrary to the law; they might be hired servants, but not bond servants, ( Leviticus 25:39 Leviticus 25:40 )

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, &c.

and his captains;
officers in his army:

and rulers of his chariots and his horsemen;
war chariots and troopers; see ( 1 Kings 9:19 ) .

1 Kings 9:22 In-Context

20 Any non-Israelite people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—

21 that is, the descendants of such people who were still in the land because the Israelites weren't able to wipe them out—Solomon forced into the labor gangs that are still in existence today.

22 However, Solomon didn't force the Israelites to work as slaves; instead, they became warriors, his servants, his leaders, his officers, and those in charge of his chariots and cavalry.

23 These were the chief officers over Solomon's work: five hundred fifty had charge of the people who did the work.

24 When Pharaoh's daughter went up from David's City to the palace he had built for her, Solomon built the stepped structure.