Enslavement and harsh labor are significant themes in the Bible, reflecting both historical realities and spiritual metaphors. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts and teachings related to the condition of being enslaved and the burdens of oppressive labor.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the most prominent narrative of enslavement is the Israelites' bondage in Egypt. The book of Exodus describes how the Israelites were subjected to harsh labor under Pharaoh's rule. Exodus 1:13-14 states, "They worked the Israelites ruthlessly and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their hard labor, the Egyptians used them