In the biblical context, "attendants" often refer to individuals who serve or assist others, particularly those in positions of authority or prominence. The role of attendants is seen throughout both the Old and New Testaments, where they serve kings, prophets, and other leaders, providing support and carrying out specific duties.

Old Testament References

1. Royal Attendants: In the courts of Israel and Judah, attendants played crucial roles in the administration and daily operations of the kingdom. For instance, in the account of King Solomon, we see the mention of attendants in the description of his court's splendor: "All King Solomon’s goblets were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, for it was considered worthless in the days of Solomon" (1 Kings 10:21). The attendants would have been responsible for maintaining such opulence.

2. Prophetic Attendants: Prophets often had attendants who assisted them in their ministry. Elisha, the prophet, had Gehazi as his attendant. Gehazi's role is highlighted in several narratives, such as when he attempted to take gifts from Naaman, the Aramean commander, against Elisha's wishes (2 Kings 5:20-27).

3. Priestly Attendants: The Levites served as attendants in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. They assisted the priests in their duties, ensuring that the rituals and sacrifices were conducted according to the Law. Numbers 3:6-9 outlines the duties of the Levites, emphasizing their role as attendants to Aaron and his sons.

New Testament References

1. Attendants in Parables: Jesus often used the concept of attendants in His parables to illustrate spiritual truths. In the Parable of the Wedding Banquet, the king sends his attendants to invite guests to the feast, symbolizing God's invitation to His kingdom (Matthew 22:3-14).

2. Attendants of Jesus: The disciples can be seen as attendants to Jesus, serving Him and learning from His teachings. They were tasked with preparing for the Passover meal, as seen in Luke 22:8 : "Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, 'Go and prepare for us to eat the Passover.'"

3. Attendants in the Early Church: In the early Christian community, attendants played roles in the administration and service of the church. The appointment of the seven deacons in Acts 6:1-6 reflects the need for attendants to manage the distribution of food and resources, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the word.

Symbolic and Theological Significance

Attendants in the Bible often symbolize service, humility, and obedience. Their roles, while sometimes behind the scenes, are crucial to the functioning of larger operations, whether in a royal court, a prophetic ministry, or the early church. The concept of servanthood is central to Christian theology, as Jesus Himself exemplified the ultimate servant-leader, stating, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).

In summary, attendants in the Bible serve as vital contributors to the narrative of God's interaction with His people, embodying the principles of service and dedication that are foundational to the Christian faith.