1. Vanity of Dominion Ecclesiastes 2:7

2. Vanity – emptiness, vapor Vanity of laughter and mirth (2:1-2)
All is vanity
Vanity – emptiness, vapor
Vanity of laughter and mirth (2:1-2)
Vanity of Wine and substances (2:3)
Vanity of luxury and recreation (2:4-6)

3. To exercise authority over, to rule over
Dominion
To exercise authority over, to rule over
Genesis 1:26-28 – man given dominion over God’s creation
Genesis 2:15, Luke 12:48 But with dominion, comes responsibilities
Many today are consumed with dominion over others

4. Male and female servants
Solomon acquired male and female servants
Either this was slavery or hire servants or both. How Solomon treated these is not specified.
He acquired servants to tend his house, as well as to entertain (2:7-8)

5. Male and female servants
What about slavery in the Bible?
This is an unpleasant and difficult subject, yet it is one that needs to be addressed (it is used both by critics of God and the Bible (evidences) and to justify sinful behaviors (e.g. saying that we are living in different times)

6. Male and female servants
What about slavery in the Bible?
Slavery was a part ancient cultures. And slaves were treated as mere property to be used and abused at will (including Israel in Egypt).

7. Male and female servants
What about slavery in the Bible?
Under the Law of Moses (LOM), it was regulated and slaves were to be treated more humanely than other cultures permitted
Most slavery was the result of conquest, or indentured servants or debt.

8. Male and female servants
What about slavery in the Bible?
Slavery was OFTEN a part of punishment from God.
Was it a part of the curse of man? (Genesis 3:17, cf. Romans 8:20-22)
Thus we need to be careful before we question the character of God without all the details
In the NT, it is clear that such is not the desire of God

9. Male and female servants
What about slavery under the LOM?
Brethren were not to be ruled with rigor (Leviticus 25:43)
Escaped slaves were not to be returned to their master (Deuteronomy 23:15-16)
Not ritual harlots (Deut. 23:17)

10. Male and female servants
What about slavery under the LOM?
Kidnapping meant death penalty (Exodus 21:16) NOTE: Consider this with our sad history
Punishment for beating a slave to death (Exodus 21:20-21)
If beating results in deformity, he is to be set free (Exodus 21:26-27)
Rest on Sabbath (Exodus 20:10)

11. Male and female servants
What about slavery in the NT?
Again, regulated, because slavery was a large part of the Roman Empire.
It is clear from NT, that it was NOT the preferred conduct.

12. Male and female servants
What about slavery in the NT?
Philemon – Paul intercedes for Onesimus who had escaped. Urges Philemon to now treat him as a brother.
1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:27-28 – in God’s eyes, we are ALL equal and united, “whether slave or free”

13. Male and female servants
What about slavery in the NT?
1 Corinthians 7:20-24 – make the best of your situation. IF you can be made free, use it!
Ephesians 6:5-9 – regulations for both slaves and masters. Humane treatment expected, and accountability to God
Colossians 4:1 - masters

14. Male and female servants
What about slavery in the NT?
Romans 6:6, – references to slavery to sin OR to God
NOTE: Slavery to God relates to serving Him as your Master. Other passages reference that we are His children (Romans 8:15)
WHAT does this say about how God views slavery?

15. Male and female servants
Even without slavery, does man at times hire or act with the intent to rule over and show his dominion?
At times there is a need to hire or even help with personal needs. This can be good and beneficial for ALL parties.
The Bible often speaks of rulers and even commands us to submit (Romans 13:1)

16. Male and female servants
Even without slavery, does man at times hire or act with the intent to rule over and show his dominion?
But sometimes men want to show their ability to control and rule others (“power trip”). Often abusive in their treatment of others
Both elders and husbands are warned about this – 1 Peter 5:2-3, 3:7, Colossians 3:9

17. Male and female servants
Ruling over others
Can lead to pride - Romans 12:3, Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 4:1 – reminders to masters
Racism and class warfare often promote this ungodliness – Matthew 7:1-5, James 2:1-9

18. Male and female servants
Ruling over others
The wicked oppresses the poor – Psalm 10:2-11, 73:5-8
Proverbs 14:31, He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy
Ecclesiastes 5:8

19. Male and female servants
Ruling over others
Lack of compassion – James 1:27, cf. Matthew 25:31-46
Isaiah 3:14-15, a source of condemnation against Israel and Judah

20. Male and female servants
The wealthy are to care and have godly attitudes
1 Timothy 6:17-19, not to be haughty or trust in their riches…do good, be willing to give and share

21. Male and female servants
The exact motives and actions of Solomon concerning his “servants” are not clear. He MAY not have looked upon them as inferior. But he had at his disposal whatever resources he wanted and used them.
Like everything else, this too is vanity!

22. How do we view others as seek meaning?