Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 9 - Verse 21

After the Israelites conquered the Promised Land, there were still some remaining inhabitants whom they were unable to completely destroy. Solomon, the wise king of Israel, imposed a tribute of forced labor on these survivors. This practice of using conquered peoples for bondservice was not uncommon in the ancient world, as it allowed the ruling power to exert control and extract resources from the subjugated population. The tribute of bondservice imposed by Solomon continued in his kingdom, even to the time the verse was written. This verse serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by the Israelites as they sought to establish and maintain their control over the land that had been promised to them by God. It also highlights the pragmatic and sometimes harsh realities of ancient warfare and empire-building.

In this verse, Solomon imposes a tribute of bondservice on the descendants of the Canaanites who were not completely destroyed by the children of Israel. This act raises theological questions about the sovereignty of God and the role of humanity in carrying out His will. Some scholars interpret this as a reminder of the consequences of failing to completely obey God's commands, leading to ongoing conflicts and challenges for the Israelites. It also highlights the concept of justice and retribution in the Old Testament, where disobedience can result in long-term consequences for future generations. The word "tribute" here implies a form of forced labor or servitude, which can be seen as a form of divine judgment on those who resisted God's will. Overall, this verse serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of wholeheartedly following God's instructions and the ramifications of incomplete obedience.