Ben-Hur, Part 5, Chapter 7 summary
Part 5, Chapter 7 of 88 · Book 1 · 9 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 7, Simonides presents Ben-Hur with an estate worth 673 talents, and Ben-Hur offers him the profits on condition that they search for his missing family together. Their discussion exposes Simonides’ permanent servitude, establishes him as steward, and gives Esther permission to remain her father’s caregiver.
What happens
- Ben-Hur enters alone and accepts Simonides’ greeting, seeking a bond like that between father and son rather than master and servant.
- With Ilderim as witness and Esther assisting, Simonides accounts for 120 talents preserved from Ben-Hur’s father and 553 talents earned.
- Ben-Hur offers Simonides the wealth except his father’s original capital, requiring their shared resources to support the search for his mother and sister.
- A supplementary list identifies Simonides and Esther as servants, prompting Ben-Hur to declare them free.
- Simonides explains that his chosen lifelong servitude prevents legal freedom, and Ben-Hur confirms him as steward.
- Esther asks to care for her father, and Ben-Hur grants her request.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Simonides corrects his claim that wealth makes anything possible. Ben-Hur’s generosity cannot remove the legal condition Simonides describes.
Quick check
Why does Simonides say Ben-Hur cannot legally free him?
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