In the context of the Old Testament, the term "aliens" refers to foreigners or non-Israelites residing within the land of Israel. The Mosaic Law provided specific guidelines regarding the treatment and rights of these individuals. Among these regulations was the provision that allowed Israelites to purchase aliens as slaves.

The relevant biblical passage is found in Leviticus 25:44-46 , which states: "Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may purchase slaves. You may also purchase them from the foreigners residing among you and their clans who have been born in your land; they may become your property. You may leave them to your children after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life, but you must not rule over your fellow Israelites ruthlessly."

This passage outlines several key points regarding the purchase and treatment of alien slaves:

1. Source of Slaves: Israelites were permitted to acquire slaves from the surrounding nations and from the foreigners residing among them. This indicates a distinction between the treatment of fellow Israelites and that of foreigners.

2. Inheritance and Property: Alien slaves could be considered property and were allowed to be passed down as inheritance to the next generation. This reflects the economic and social structures of the ancient Near East, where slavery was a common practice.

3. Permanent Servitude: Unlike Hebrew slaves, who were to be released in the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10), alien slaves could be held in perpetual servitude. This distinction underscores the unique covenant relationship between God and the Israelites, which included specific provisions for the treatment of fellow Hebrews.

4. Prohibition of Ruthless Rule: While the Israelites were allowed to own alien slaves, they were commanded not to rule over their fellow Israelites with harshness. This implies a level of humane treatment expected even within the institution of slavery.

The allowance for Israelites to purchase alien slaves must be understood within the broader context of the ancient world, where slavery was a widespread institution. The Mosaic Law sought to regulate and humanize the practice, setting Israel apart from other nations by imposing ethical standards and limitations.

The treatment of aliens and slaves in the Old Testament reflects the complex interplay between cultural norms, economic realities, and the theological principles that governed Israelite society. The laws concerning slavery, including the purchase of alien slaves, were part of a larger legal and moral framework intended to guide the Israelites in their covenant relationship with God.Leviticus 25:44,45
Both your slaves, and your bondmaids, which you shall have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall you buy slaves and bondmaids.
Nave's Topical Index

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... became established as the sole authorized religion of ... kept this festival with the
Jews, will henceforth ... not exist the holy Catholic Church accounts as aliens. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

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