How can understanding Exodus 21:2 enhance our perspective on freedom and responsibility today? Exodus 21:2 in Context “ ‘If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve for six years, and in the seventh he shall go out free without paying anything.’ ” – Follows the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) as part of God’s just social order. – Shows the Lord’s concern for both employer and servant, placing limits on power. – Frames servitude as temporary, never permanent for God’s covenant people. The Pattern of Six and One – Mirrors creation: six days of work, one day of rest (Genesis 2:2–3). – Echoes the land Sabbath: sow six years, let it rest the seventh (Leviticus 25:3–4). – Reinforces that time, labor, and ownership ultimately belong to the Lord; humans are stewards, not absolute masters. Freedom Rooted in Covenant Faithfulness – Liberation isn’t random; it is scheduled and guaranteed by God’s decree. – Protects dignity: a brother or sister may fall into debt, yet their liberty must be restored (Deuteronomy 15:12–15). – Reminds Israel of their own rescue from Egypt: “You shall remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you” (Deuteronomy 15:15). Responsibility That Comes With Freedom For the master • Treat the servant as a fellow covenant member, knowing release day is coming. • Provide for departure generously (Deuteronomy 15:13–14). For the servant • Work diligently during the six years, honoring agreements (Colossians 3:22–24). • Leave ready to build a life that glorifies God, not to slide back into debt. Christ, Our Ultimate Liberation – Jesus reads Isaiah 61 and announces, “He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18). – At the cross, He pays the debt none of us could clear (Colossians 2:13–14). – In Him we experience the greater seventh year—freedom from sin’s mastery (Romans 6:17–18). Practical Takeaways for Today • Value time: work hard, yet honor rhythms of rest because God set them. • Practice financial mercy: help others regain footing instead of trapping them in endless obligation. • Hold authority lightly: leadership is stewardship; God limits earthly power. • Celebrate gospel freedom: use liberty to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). • Look forward: the final Jubilee arrives when Christ returns and all creation is set free (Romans 8:21). |
    |