2 Chronicles 8:9
New International Version
But Solomon did not make slaves of the Israelites for his work; they were his fighting men, commanders of his captains, and commanders of his chariots and charioteers.

New Living Translation
But Solomon did not conscript any of the Israelites for his labor force. Instead, he assigned them to serve as fighting men, officers in his army, commanders of his chariots, and charioteers.

English Standard Version
But of the people of Israel Solomon made no slaves for his work; they were soldiers, and his officers, the commanders of his chariots, and his horsemen.

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

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But Solomon did not make the children of Israel servants for his work. Some were men of war, captains of his officers, captains of his chariots, and his cavalry.

New American Standard Bible
But Solomon did not make slaves from the sons of Israel for his work; for they were men of war, his chief captains and commanders of his chariots and his horsemen.

NASB 1995
But Solomon did not make slaves for his work from the sons of Israel; they were men of war, his chief captains and commanders of his chariots and his horsemen.

NASB 1977
But Solomon did not make slaves for his work from the sons of Israel; they were men of war, his chief captains, and commanders of his chariots and his horsemen.

Legacy Standard Bible
But Solomon did not make slaves for his work from the sons of Israel; for they were men of war, his chief captains and his chariot commanders and his horsemen.

Amplified Bible
But Solomon did not make slaves of the Israelites for his work; they were men of war, his chief captains, and commanders of his chariots and his horsemen.

Christian Standard Bible
But Solomon did not consign the Israelites to be slaves for his work; they were soldiers, commanders of his captains, and commanders of his chariots and his cavalry.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Solomon did not consign the Israelites to be slaves for his work; they were soldiers, commanders of his captains, and commanders of his chariots and his 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.

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Solomon didn't make any of the Israelites slaves for his projects. Instead, they were the soldiers, officers, generals, and commanders of his chariot and cavalry units.

Good News Translation
Israelites were not used at forced labor, but served as soldiers, officers, chariot commanders, and cavalry troops.

International Standard Version
However, Solomon never made conscripted laborers from among the Israelis, but they did serve as his army, as his chief captains, and as commanders in charge of his chariots and cavalry.

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

NET Bible
Solomon did not assign Israelites to these work crews; the Israelites served as his soldiers, officers, charioteers, and commanders of his chariot forces.

New Heart English Bible
But of the children of Israel, Solomon made no slaves for his work; but they were men of war, and his commanders, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots and of his horsemen.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
But of the children of Israel, Solomon made no servants for his work, but they were men of war, chief of his captains, and rulers of his chariots and of his horsemen.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Solomon has made none of the sons of Israel servants for his work, but they [are] men of war, and heads of his captains, and heads of his charioteers, and of his horsemen;

Young's Literal Translation
And none of the sons of Israel hath Solomon made servants for his work, but they are men of war, and heads of his captains, and heads of his charioteers, and of his horsemen;

Smith's Literal Translation
And from the sons of Israel which Solomon gave not for servants for his work, for they the men of war and the chiefs of his thirds, and chiefs of his chariots and his horsemen.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But of the children of Israel he set none to serve in the king's works: for they were men of war, and chief captains, and rulers of his chariots and horsemen.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But he did not appoint anyone from the sons of Israel to serve in the works of the king. For they were men of war, and first rulers, and commanders of his chariots and horsemen.

New American Bible
But Solomon made none of the Israelites forced laborers for his works, for they were his fighting force, commanders, adjutants, chariot officers, and cavalry.

New Revised Standard Version
But of the people of Israel Solomon made no slaves for his work; they were soldiers, and his officers, the commanders of his chariotry and cavalry.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But of the children of Israel Solomon made no servants in his kingdom, for they were men of war and the commanders of his chariots and his horsemen.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Solomon did not make Servants of the children of Israel in his kingdom, because they were men who were wagers of war, and Commanders of his chariots and his horsemen.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But Solomon did not make any of the children of Israel servants in his kingdom; for, behold, they were warriors and rulers, and mighty men, and captains of chariots and horsemen.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Additional Accomplishments
8their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to destroy—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. 9But 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. 10They were also the chief officers for King Solomon: 250 supervisors.…

Cross References
1 Kings 9:21-22
their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. / But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry.

Exodus 1:11-14
So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. / But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. / They worked the Israelites ruthlessly ...

Joshua 9:21-27
They continued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation.” So the leaders kept their promise. / Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, “Why did you deceive us by telling us you live far away from us, when in fact you live among us? / Now therefore you are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.” ...

1 Kings 5:13-14
Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of 30,000 men from all Israel. / He sent them to Lebanon in monthly shifts of 10,000 men, so that they would spend one month in Lebanon and two months at home. And Adoniram was in charge of the forced labor.

1 Kings 12:4
“Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”

1 Samuel 8:11-17
He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. ...

Leviticus 25:39-46
If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. ...

Deuteronomy 20:11
If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you.

Judges 1:28-35
When Israel became stronger, they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor, but they never drove them out completely. / Ephraim also failed to drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer; so the Canaanites continued to dwell among them in Gezer. / Zebulun failed to drive out the inhabitants of Kitron and Nahalol; so the Canaanites lived among them and served as forced laborers. ...

1 Kings 4:6
Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor.

1 Kings 4:21
And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

1 Kings 9:20
As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)—

1 Kings 9:15-19
This is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon imposed to build the house of the LORD, his own palace, the supporting terraces, and the wall of Jerusalem, as well as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer. / Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire, killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and given it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon’s wife. / So Solomon rebuilt Gezer, Lower Beth-horon, ...

2 Samuel 20:24
Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;

1 Kings 12:18
Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

But of the

Exodus 19:5,6
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: …

Leviticus 25:39-46
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: …

Galatians 4:26,31
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all…

they were men

1 Samuel 8:11,12
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…

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Captains Chariots Chief Chiefs Children Commanders Fighting Heads Horsemen Israel Israelites Officers Rulers Servants Slaves Soldiers Solomon Use War War-Carriages Work
2 Chronicles 8
1. Solomon's buildings
7. The remaining Canaanites, Solomon makes tributaries, but the Israelites rulers
11. Pharaoh's daughter removes to her house
12. Solomon's yearly solemn sacrifices
14. He appoints the priests and Levites to their places
17. The navy fetches gold from Ophir














But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery
This phrase highlights Solomon's discernment and respect for the covenant people of Israel. The Hebrew root for "consign" (נתן, natan) implies giving or appointing, and here it is used to indicate that Solomon did not subject the Israelites to forced labor. Historically, this reflects the unique status of the Israelites as God's chosen people, set apart from other nations. Solomon's decision aligns with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes the dignity and freedom of God's people, echoing the liberation from Egyptian bondage.

for his work
The "work" refers to the extensive building projects initiated by Solomon, including the construction of the Temple and his palace. The Hebrew word for "work" (מלאכה, melakah) encompasses labor, craftsmanship, and service. This term underscores the magnitude and significance of Solomon's projects, which required a vast workforce. The distinction made here between the Israelites and others in labor roles reflects a societal structure where the covenant community was preserved for roles of leadership and military service.

because they were men of war
This phrase identifies the Israelites as warriors, emphasizing their role in the defense and security of the nation. The Hebrew term for "men of war" (אנשי מלחמה, anshei milchamah) denotes trained soldiers, highlighting their valor and strategic importance. This designation underscores the Israelites' primary responsibility to protect and uphold the kingdom, a role that was both honorable and essential for maintaining the nation's sovereignty and peace.

his commanders, and his captains
The mention of "commanders" (שרי, sarei) and "captains" (שלישים, shalishim) indicates a structured military hierarchy. These terms reflect positions of authority and responsibility within the army. Historically, this organization was crucial for effective military operations and governance. The roles of commanders and captains were not only military but also involved leadership and administrative duties, reflecting the multifaceted nature of governance in ancient Israel.

and commanders of his chariots and cavalry
This phrase highlights the advanced military capabilities of Solomon's reign. The "chariots" (רכב, rekhev) and "cavalry" (פרשים, parashim) were elite units, signifying technological and tactical advancements. In the ancient Near East, chariots were symbols of power and military prowess. The inclusion of these units in Solomon's forces indicates a well-equipped and formidable army, essential for maintaining peace and expanding influence. This military strength is a testament to Solomon's wisdom in governance and his ability to secure the nation against external threats.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But
וּמִן־ (ū·min-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

Solomon
שְׁלֹמֹ֛ה (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

did not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

consign
נָתַ֧ן (nā·ṯan)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

any of the Israelites
בְּנֵי֙ (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

to slave
לַעֲבָדִ֖ים (la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

labor,
לִמְלַאכְתּ֑וֹ (lim·laḵ·tōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4399: Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property

because
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they [were]
הֵ֜מָּה (hêm·māh)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

his men
אַנְשֵׁ֤י (’an·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 582: Man, mankind

of war,
מִלְחָמָה֙ (mil·ḥā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

his officers
וְשָׂרֵ֣י (wə·śā·rê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

and captains,
שָׁלִישָׁ֔יו (šā·lî·šāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7991: A triple, a triangle, a three-fold measure, a general of the third rank

and the commanders
וְשָׂרֵ֥י (wə·śā·rê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of his chariots
רִכְבּ֖וֹ (riḵ·bōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone

and cavalry.
וּפָרָשָֽׁיו׃ (ū·p̄ā·rā·šāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6571: A steed, a driver, cavalry


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 8:9 But of the children of Israel did (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 8:8
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