In the biblical context, forced laborers, often referred to as "bondservants" or "slaves," played a significant role in the socio-economic structures of ancient Israel and surrounding nations. The concept of forced labor is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, reflecting both the historical realities of the time and the moral and ethical considerations prescribed by the Mosaic Law.

Old Testament Context

The practice of forced labor is first notably mentioned during the reign of King Solomon. Solomon conscripted laborers for his extensive building projects, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. In 1 Kings 5:13-14 , it is recorded: "Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of thirty thousand men from all Israel. He sent them to Lebanon in shifts of ten thousand per month, so that they would spend one month in Lebanon and two months at home."

The Israelites themselves experienced forced labor during their time in Egypt, as described in Exodus 1:11-14 : "So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor. They built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. 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