Definition and Context
Enslaving, in the biblical context, refers to the practice of owning, buying, selling, or otherwise controlling individuals as property. This practice is addressed in various parts of the Bible, reflecting the historical and cultural contexts of the times in which the biblical texts were written.

Old Testament References
In the Old Testament, slavery was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel. The Mosaic Law provided regulations concerning the treatment of slaves, aiming to ensure humane treatment and certain rights. For instance, Exodus 21:2-6 outlines the conditions under which Hebrew slaves were to be released after six years of service: "If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year he shall go free, without paying anything" . This indicates a system of indentured servitude rather than perpetual slavery.

Leviticus 25:39-43 further emphasizes the humane treatment of fellow Israelites who become poor and sell themselves: "You must not subject him to slave labor. Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee" . The Year of Jubilee, occurring every 50 years, was a time when slaves were to be freed, and debts forgiven, reflecting God's desire for freedom and restoration.

However, the treatment of foreign slaves was different, as seen in Leviticus 25:44-46, where Israelites were permitted to buy slaves from surrounding nations and treat them as property. This distinction highlights the complex social and economic structures of the time.

New Testament References
In the New Testament, the issue of slavery is addressed within the context of the Roman Empire, where slavery was an entrenched institution. The apostle Paul, in his letters, provides guidance to both slaves and masters. In Ephesians 6:5-9, Paul instructs slaves to obey their earthly masters with respect and sincerity, as they would obey Christ, while masters are reminded to treat their slaves with kindness, knowing that both slave and master have the same Master in heaven: "And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him" .

In the letter to Philemon, Paul appeals to Philemon to receive his runaway slave, Onesimus, not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:15-16). This appeal reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, which transcends social and economic barriers.

Theological Implications
The Bible's treatment of slavery must be understood within its historical context, yet it also points to a higher moral and spiritual principle. The overarching biblical narrative emphasizes the dignity and worth of every human being, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The New Testament, in particular, underscores the equality of all believers in Christ, as stated in Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" .

While the Bible does not explicitly call for the abolition of slavery, its teachings on love, justice, and the inherent value of every person have been foundational in the Christian movement towards the eventual abolition of slavery. The principles of compassion, mercy, and justice found throughout Scripture challenge believers to advocate for the freedom and dignity of all individuals.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Enslave.

Conflicts of the Church with Public Wrongs.
... The opening paragraphs of it exhibit the universally accepted sentiment of American
Christians of that time: "We consider the voluntary enslaving of one part ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xvi conflicts of the.htm

Spanish Conquest-The Propagation, Decay, and Downfall of Spanish ...
... which ought principally to be attended to." So wrote the king in a correspondence
in which a most cold-blooded authorization is given for the enslaving of the ...
/.../chapter ii spanish conquest-the propagation.htm

The Blood of the Covenant
... The hold sin had on us was terrible. No thought can realise its legitimate claim
on us under God's law, its awful tyrant power in enslaving us. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter ix the blood of.htm

Huss and Jerome
... Gregory VII, who had taken it upon himself to humble the pride of kings, was no
less intent upon enslaving the people, and accordingly a bull was issued ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 6 huss and jerome.htm

Huss and Jerome.
... Gregory VII., who had taken it upon him to humble the pride of kings, was no less
intent upon enslaving the people, and accordingly a bull was issued ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /6 huss and jerome.htm

Concerning the Divine Oeconomy and God's Care Over Us, And
... by manifold faculties, by the law and the prophets: for by all these means God
earnestly strove to emancipate man from the wide-spread and enslaving bonds of ...
/.../exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter i concerning the divine oeconomy.htm

For Whereas we are Composed of Two Distinct Natures...
... I mean the soul-destroying demons whose course is through the regions of the air,
had succeeded, through the snares of vile polytheism, in enslaving the entire ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter vii for whereas we.htm

November the Ninth the Holy Spirit as Emancipator
... "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." I am delivered from all enslaving
bondage"from the bondage of literalism, and legalism, and ritualism. ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/november the ninth the holy.htm

Prayer and Praise. April 20.
... Let us work in return for them"not under the enslaving sense of paying off an infinite
debt, but with the delight of gratitude, glorying that we are God's ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /prayer and praise april 20.htm

The Common Error which Makes it Difficult to Believe all the World ...
... course. It is safety not to be with them: and a great part of Happiness
to be freed from their seducing and enslaving errors. That ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/36 the common error which.htm

Enslaving (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Enslave. Multi-Version
Concordance Enslaving (1 Occurrence). Exodus 6:5 Moreover I ...
/e/enslaving.htm - 6k

Ensnare (15 Occurrences)

/e/ensnare.htm - 10k

Enslaves (2 Occurrences)

/e/enslaves.htm - 7k

Year (4027 Occurrences)
... This passage deals with the enslaving of a Hebrew by a foreigner living among the
Jews; it goes without saying that the same rule would hold good in the case ...
/y/year.htm - 26k

Jubilee (25 Occurrences)
... This passage deals with the enslaving of a Hebrew by a foreigner living among the
Jews; it goes without saying that the same rule would hold good in the case ...
/j/jubilee.htm - 27k

Exorcism
... Our Lord and His disciples dealt with the demoniacs as they dealt with all other
sufferers from the malign, enslaving and wasting power of sin, with the ...
/e/exorcism.htm - 14k

Exorcist (1 Occurrence)
... Our Lord and His disciples dealt with the demoniacs as they dealt with all other
sufferers from the malign, enslaving and wasting power of sin, with the ...
/e/exorcist.htm - 15k

Marriage (74 Occurrences)
... freer, fuller life of our day. Jesus certainly did not mean to recommend
a hard and enslaving life for women. His whole life was one ...
/m/marriage.htm - 62k

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