What New Testament teachings relate to the treatment of servants in Exodus 21:7? Setting the Old Testament Scene Exodus 21:7: “If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do.” • In Israel’s economy, this law guarded impoverished families from destitution and protected the girl from exploitation. • The servant-daughter received food, shelter, and the prospect of marriage (vv. 8-11). • The underlying aim: preserve dignity and restrain abuse—principles the New Testament later amplifies. New Testament Echoes and Fulfillments • Ephesians 6:5-9—masters and servants answer to “the same Lord in heaven,” forbidding threats and demanding sincere service “as to Christ.” • Colossians 3:22 – 4:1—servants work “in sincerity of heart,” while masters must grant “justice and fairness.” • 1 Timothy 6:1-2—honor is due even to harsh masters so “the name of God…will not be blasphemed,” but believing masters must treat servants “as beloved brothers.” • Philemon 15-16—Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother.” • 1 Corinthians 7:21-23—if freedom can be gained, “make the most of it,” yet all believers are “bought with a price” and belong to Christ. • Galatians 3:28—“there is neither slave nor free…for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” establishing equal standing before God. • John 13:14—Jesus, having washed the disciples’ feet, commands, “you also should wash one another’s feet,” modeling servant-hearted leadership. Key Principles Drawn from the NT • Common Master: Christ’s lordship over both master and servant levels the social hierarchy (Ephesians 6:9). • Mutual Honor: Obedience and respect flow upward; justice, fairness, and gentleness flow downward (Colossians 3:22 – 4:1). • Brotherhood in Christ: Conversion dissolves class barriers, reclassifying servants as “beloved brothers” (Philemon 16). • Voluntary Service, Not Bondage: Freedom is preferable when possible (1 Corinthians 7:21), and all belong ultimately to God (v. 23). • Servant Leadership: Jesus redefines greatness through serving, calling masters to imitate His humility (John 13:14-15). • Protection of the Vulnerable: The concern for the servant-daughter’s welfare in Exodus prefigures the NT mandate to guard and uplift the marginalized. Living It Out Today • Employ Christ-centered ethics in every labor relationship—treat workers as image-bearers under the same Lord. • Pursue fairness, prompt pay, and safe conditions; refuse exploitation in any form. • Honor supervisors with integrity and diligence, “working as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). • Champion freedom where oppression persists, reflecting the gospel’s trajectory toward liberty and equality in Christ. |
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