What protections does Exodus 21:7 offer for a daughter sold as a servant? Framing the Law in Exodus 21:7 “And if a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the male servants do.” (Exodus 21:7) Unlike male debt-servants who were released after six years (Exodus 21:2), a girl sold into service entered a very different arrangement—one designed to secure her future, not exploit her labor. Key Protections Explained • Anticipated Marriage Provision – The Hebrew term translated “servant” (’amah) often points to a concubine or prospective wife. – The arrangement was intended to place the girl in a stable household, with the expectation of betrothal either to the master or to his son (v. 9). • Right of Redemption if Marriage Falls Through – “If she does not please her master who has designated her for himself, he must let her be redeemed.” (v. 8) – Her family may buy her back; she is not left abandoned. • Protection from Being Sold On – “He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her.” (v. 8) – The master cannot turn a profit by trafficking her to an outsider; breaking trust invokes covenant accountability (cf. Deuteronomy 24:17). • Equal Daughter-in-Law Status – “If he designates her for his son, he must deal with her as with a daughter.” (v. 9) – She gains full family standing, shielding her from any second-class treatment (cf. Ruth 4:10). • Ongoing Support Even if Another Wife Is Taken – “If he takes another wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of the first.” (v. 10) – Three essentials—food, clothing, and conjugal rights—are non-negotiable; withholding them constitutes sin (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8). • Guaranteed Freedom if Neglected – “And if he does not provide her with these three things, she is to go free, without payment of money.” (v. 11) – Failure to uphold obligations triggers her unconditional release, safeguarding her dignity and future. Why the Girl Did Not “Go Free” Like Male Servants • A six-year term would leave her unmarried and vulnerable in a patriarchal society; the law instead ties her destiny to covenant family security. • The arrangement centers on family integration, not indefinite servitude. When the purpose (marriage) is fulfilled or breached, the protections above activate. Echoes in the Broader Biblical Witness • God consistently defends the powerless: “He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.” (Psalm 146:7) • Prophets condemn those who mistreat female servants (Malachi 3:5). • In Christ, the spirit of the law finds full expression—honoring women as co-heirs of grace (1 Peter 3:7; Galatians 3:28). Takeaway Truths • The statute does not condone selling daughters for profit; it regulates an existing practice to protect the girl’s welfare. • Redemption, family status, material provision, and the right to freedom form a fourfold shield around her. • Behind the command stands a God who “executes justice for the orphan and the widow” (Deuteronomy 10:18) and calls His people to mirror that justice in every age. |
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