Servant of the Lord
The Hebrew verb “abad,” which means to work, process, perform, labor, and serve (as a servant or slave), was the subject of our previous article. As we’ve seen, “abad” also has a specific theological meaning and application: to honor, serve, and adore the Lord God.
The word “ébed,” which is derived from “abad,” has the same meanings as well as a unique usage (pronunciation: “éved,” Hebrew: עבד)[1]. “Ébed” means “slave,” “assistant,” and “servant.” Beyond these fundamental definitions, the word “ébed” can also signify official, officer, ambassador, or subject.
The Hebrew Bible has 800 instances of the term “ébed,” which means “servant.” The context, word choice, and intent of a given Bible book all influence the word’s precise meaning in addition to its basic meaning (slave/servant).
The term “ébed”
The definition of this word is “someone who is subject to another person.” There are several ways to express and embody that subordination: as a slave, helper, servant, or confidante. This frequently includes a particular master-“ébed” connection as well. The position that the “ébed” has or the degree of trust between the parties determines the meaning and content of the term “ébed”/servant. When submission is the only thing present, it is very different from submission combined with a particular master-“ébed” connection.
General use of “ébed”
This term could refer to a master’s slave (Deuteronomy 15:17). According to Deuteronomy 5:15, 6:21, 13:5, and Exodus 1:13, 5:18, and 6:5, Israel was a “ébed” or slave in Egypt.[2] The word “ébed,” which means “subject,” appears in the plural in the events involving Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech (Genesis 20:8). In addition, a king may dispatch his “ébed,” slave, or servant to work somewhere else (1 Kings 9:27; 2 Chronicles 8:18; 9:10).
A king’s “ébed,” or servant, would hold a certain position and be dispatched as such, acting as an ambassador or representative (2 Samuel 10:2; 1 Kings 5:1).[3]
Position and task of “ébed”
The Lord claims that Israel was His “ébed” people, saying that “the people of Israel are servants to Me.” According to Leviticus 25:55, “They are My servants… I am the Lord your God.”
Another term for prophets is “ébed,” or God’s servant. Through the ministry of “My ‘ébed’/servants the prophets,” the Lord continually urged His people to turn back to Him and the Torah (2 Kings 17:13). This is likewise mentioned in Jeremiah 7:25, 26:5, and Ezekiel 38:17. The Most High “ébed” them, yet they were rejected instead than heard.
Regretfully, that has been the situation up until now. Many people reject God’s Word and call to repentance and do not listen to it. However, a follower of the Lord ought to stick to the teachings of the Master! Joshua, the “ébed” of the Lord, did likewise (Joshua 24:29). In the life of his (earthly) master Moses, who was also a “ébed” of God, he had witnessed it in that manner (Exodus 14:31).
“Ébed” in Psalm 119
It is noteworthy that the word “ébed” appears 14 times in this Psalm. This pertains to a person who serves the Lord, has a trusting connection with Him, and looks to Him for everything. This “ébed” accepts God’s Word in all situations and looks to it for bravery, strength, and direction. To learn this from this “ébed” is educational!
He prays to God (Psalm 119:49) and identifies as God’s “ébed” (Psalm 119:17) for those who desire to abide by his Word. He upholds God’s Word even in trying situations (Psalm 119:23). He acknowledges that, in accordance with his Word (Psalm 119:65), God delivered his “ébed.”
It is possible for us to live as the Lord’s “ébed” in this relationship with His Word!
The believer as “ébed”/servant of the Lord God
As the “ébed of God,” we ought to honor, revere, and serve Him. We are, after all, His property! Furthermore, when we submit to Him in that way, we can have a trusting relationship with Him as our Master while we are concealed in the Almighty’s shadow (see Psalms 91 and 96).
That lofty standing comes with a lot of responsibilities. He anticipates a life lived for His glory and an attitude of devoted commitment to His service from his “ébed,” or servant. We are not just God’s “ébed” or servants, but also the King of kings’ envoys. An elevated standing in Him that establishes our enormous duty as God’s “ébed.” For all of us little people, that is a lot. However, He gives us the ability!
Notes:
[1]This verb’s first letter is “áyin,” which is not shown in this transcription of the Hebrew.
Exodus uses the verb “Abad” (to serve) and its conjugated variants rather than the verb “ébed” (slave).
[3]In the Hebrew Bible 1 Kings 5:15.
