Verse 7
7. Solomon had need of a vast amount of labour.
Got me servants Hebrew, bought. He who studies the laws of Moses will see that such provision was made for servants that their condition was not one of slavery in its more objectionable sense. In fact, there is no Hebrew word for slave. The Hebrew bondman lost no right but that of the recompense of his own labour. If he was maimed by his master he became free. If he was killed by him, his master was slain by the sword. Greek, Roman, and American slavery was very different from this. The slave was, also, taught in the law; could not be delivered up if he ran away; could marry a daughter of his master; and a maidservant could be the lawful wife of her master or her master’s son. Servants, then, either purchased or born on the place, were not what we call slaves.
Great and small cattle Hebrew, oxen and sheep. See the sacrifices at the dedication of the temple. 1 Kings 8:63. Above all that were… before me See remarks on Ecclesiastes 1:16.
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