III.  As persons became servants FROM POVERTY, we argue that they were compensated, since they frequently owned property, and sometimes a large amount.  Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, gave David a princely present, “An hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.” 2 Sam. xvi. 1.  The extent of his possessions can be inferred from the fact, that though the father of fifteen sons, he had twenty servants.  In Lev. xxv. 57-59, where a servant, reduced to poverty, sold himself, it is declared that he may be redeemed, either by his kindred, or by HIMSELF.  Having been forced to sell himself from poverty, he must have acquired considerable property after he became a servant.  If it had not been common for servants to acquire property over which they had the control, the servant of Elisha would hardly have ventured to take a large sum of money, (nearly $3000[A]) from Naaman, 2 Kings v. 22, 23.  As it was procured by deceit, he wished to conceal the means used in getting it; but if servants, could “own nothing, nor acquire any thing,” to embark in such an enterprise would have been consummate stupidity.  The fact of having in his possession two talents of silver, would of itself convict him of theft[B].  But since it was common for servants to own property he might have it, and invest or use it, without attracting special attention, and that consideration alone would have been a strong motive to the act.  His master, while rebuking him for using such means to get the money, not only does not take it from him; but seems to expect that he would invest it in real estate, and cattle, and would procure servants with it. 2 Kings v. 26.  We find the servant of Saul having money, and relieving his master in an emergency. 1 Sam. ix. 8.  Arza, the servant of Elah, was the owner of a house.  That it was somewhat magnificent, would be a natural inference from it’s being a resort of the king. 1 Kings xvi. 9.  The case of the Gibeonites, who after becoming servants, still occupied their cities, and remained in many respects, a distinct people for centuries; and that of the 150,000 Canaanites, the servants of Solomon, who worked out their “tribute of bond-service” in levies, periodically relieving each other, are additional illustrations of independence in the acquisition and ownership of property.

[Footnote A:  Though we have not sufficient data to decide upon the relative value of that sum, then and now, yet we have enough to warrant us in saying that two talents of silver, had far more value then than three thousand dollars have now.]