Solomon’s Forced Labor

Synopsis     1Kings 9:15-25     4/13/2019 

During his reign, Solomon completed many large building projects. These included the temple and his palace. But also included were projects that bolstered Jerusalem’s defenses, and various cities around the kingdom. Additionally, he formed a large standing army. 

In order to accomplish his construction goals, he required vast amounts of labor. And he obtained this by developing a system of forced labor.  

In this system, he apparently relied on Israelites to man the army and on resident aliens to work construction. He had developed a large system of overseers to ensure the laborers completed their work.  

Solomon’s Forced Labor 

Solomon loved God. He built Him a house. And God accepted this. 

But Solomon used the labor of others – sometimes without compensation. Of course, in the mode of ancient economy, his accomplishments could not have been achieved in another way.   And, along the way, he clearly enhanced the common good as Jerusalem became a center of culture and worship.

Still, the record of forced labor stands like an omen. The writer specifically mentioned the use of forced labor for a reason. 

The Labor of Others 

Here’s an observation: I should not take for granted the effort necessary to create value. 

So, I have a habit. I tend to accept value too glibly. I say, “please” and “thank you” because that’s how I was trained as a child. But this isn’t necessarily because I choose to respect and appreciate the people in my life.

Of course I’m glad for manners. Living in a house with seven children has taught me that even perfunctory manners are better than being rude. But the fact is that, too often, other people create and bring value into my life without my thinking very much about them. 

It’s a dangerous habit.  

Value exchange is the basis for most all human relationship. I create value and share it with others. Likewise, others create value and share it with me. And whether the sharing is the result of a gift or a marketplace, doesn’t really matter.  

Meaningful relationship always relies on the experience of shared value.  

So, when I consume value but forget the person who created the value, I fail. I fail the possibility of relationship. And so, I fail to recognize the meaning of the moments I’m given.  

“Those who oppress the poor revile their Maker, but those who are kind to the needy honor him.” Prov 14:31