Bible study online

Ecclesiastes 2:7

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Ecclesiastes 2:7

Verse 7 of 26

Scripture focus

I got [me] servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:

Ecclesiastes 2:7 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:7

Theological / Devotional

Servants and maidens. A large retinue of servants and workmen would be needed to maintain Solomon’s extensive projects. The queen of Sheba was astounded at the number of employees in Solomon’s establishments (1 Kings 10:5). Undoubtedly he kept non-Hebrew slaves (1 Kings 9:21; 2 Chron. 8:8), as well as a large number of Hebrew servants in a milder type of servitude (see on Ex. 21:2, 20; Deut. 15:12, 15).

Servants born in my house. Literally, “children of the house were [born] to me.” These were in addition to those he “got,” or acquired otherwise. Slaves who had been purchased or captured would themselves have children. Concerning the number of Solomon’s servants see 1 Kings 4:21-27 ; 10:25, 26.

Great and small cattle. Or, “herds and flocks” (RSV). The tremendous size of Solomon’s flocks and herds is apparent from the number of sacrifices offered at the dedication of the Temple (1 Kings 8:63). In addition to the sacrifices offered, a large meat supply would be needed for the army of servants and slaves in the king’s employ (see 1 Kings 4:22, 23; 1 Chron. 27:29-31).

By SdaBc