1 Kings 9:22

22 But Solomon did not consign the Israelites to slavery; they were soldiers, his servants, his commanders, his captains, and commanders of his chariots and his 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 As for all the peoples who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not Israelites-

21 their descendants who remained in the land after them, those whom the Israelites were unable to annihilate-Solomon imposed forced labor on them; [it is this way] until today.

22 But Solomon did not consign the Israelites to slavery; they were soldiers, his servants, his commanders, his captains, and commanders of his chariots and his cavalry.

23 These were the deputies who were over Solomon's work: 550 who ruled over the people doing the work.

24 Pharaoh's daughter moved from the city of David to the house that Solomon had built for her; he then built the terraces.