Topical Bible: Servant: Bond: An Abandoned Sick Man

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In the biblical context, the term "servant" often refers to individuals who are in a position of service or subordination, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. The concept of a "bond-servant" or "bondslave" is particularly significant, as it denotes a person who is bound to serve another, often for a specified period or for life. This status could arise from various circumstances, including debt, poverty, or as a result of being captured in war.

The plight of an abandoned sick man who is a bond-servant is a poignant illustration of vulnerability and dependency. In ancient times, a bond-servant who fell ill and was subsequently abandoned by their master would face dire circumstances. Without the protection and provision of their master, such an individual would be left to fend for themselves, often without the means to secure food, shelter, or medical care.

The Bible provides insight into the treatment and responsibilities towards servants, including those who are sick or in need. In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses includes specific instructions regarding the treatment of servants. For instance, Exodus 21:26-27 states, "If a man strikes the eye of his male or female servant and destroys it, he must let the servant go free in compensation for the eye. And if he knocks out the tooth of his male or female servant, he must let the servant go free in compensation for the tooth." This passage underscores the principle of justice and fair treatment for servants, even in cases of injury.

Moreover, the biblical narrative often emphasizes compassion and care for the vulnerable, including servants. In the New Testament, Jesus' teachings further highlight the importance of mercy and kindness. In Matthew 25:40 , Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me." This teaching extends to all who are in need, including those who are sick and abandoned.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, also addresses the relationship between masters and servants. In Ephesians 6:9 , Paul instructs, "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." This exhortation calls for a recognition of the shared humanity and dignity of both master and servant, urging masters to act with fairness and compassion.

The account of Onesimus, a runaway slave mentioned in the Epistle to Philemon, provides a New Testament example of the Christian approach to servitude and reconciliation. Onesimus, who had become a Christian under Paul's ministry, was sent back to his master Philemon with a plea for forgiveness and acceptance as a brother in Christ. This narrative highlights the transformative power of the Gospel in redefining relationships and promoting healing and restoration.

In summary, the biblical perspective on a bond-servant, particularly one who is sick and abandoned, is rooted in principles of justice, compassion, and the inherent dignity of every individual. The Scriptures call for a response that reflects God's love and care for all, especially those who are most vulnerable.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 30:13
And David said to him, To whom belong you? and from where are you? And he said, I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite; and my master left me, because three days ago I fell sick.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

St. Gregory the Great.
... lance the wound and overcome the sick man's resistance by ... title of ecumenical patriarch,
that of "servant of the ... affection, there is a peculiar bond uniting us ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter v st gregory the.htm

Book x. It is Manifest that There is Nothing which Men have ever ...
... us all our trespasses, blotting out the bond written in ... help, now separated from
it, and abandoned to death ... bodily function, the body is but a servant; tears are ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book x it is manifest.htm

Life at Herrnhut.
... time to England and Ireland, and was not abandoned till the ... answered, the Lord had
spoken, and the servant must now ... the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iv life at herrnhut.htm

Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable
... What is the common principle, the bond of union, which ... God may sometimes place a
servant of His, by the ... Or rather, being abandoned of God to their own counsels ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxiii opposition to messiah.htm

Women of the Frankish Church
... to wife.' 'This,' answered Aridius, 'is no bond of friendship ... him,' replied Ingonde;
'only let thy servant abide still ... or a spirit of revenge, abandoned to all ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/viii women of the frankish.htm

Limiting God
... it be bound in golden fetters a bond-slave to ... faithfulness to his covenant and to
his servant Abraham, and ... I am the most wicked, the most abandoned; Lord let ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/limiting god.htm

Letter Liv. To Furia.
... of marrying again but eventually abandoned her intention ... would have terminated the
fleshly bond between you ... inherited is being squandered, a servant has spoken ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter liv to furia.htm

The Sheep and their Shepherd
... And bless in death a bond so dear ... give less heed to the livery of the servant, and
give ... some years after he found him a disreputable, abandoned, wicked, guilty ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sheep and their shepherd.htm

The General Conference of 1804, and of the Annual Conferences of ...
... the "Act of Confederation," as the general bond of union ... its adoption, and so the
whole plan was abandoned for the ... and conduct of a most devoted servant of God ...
/.../chapter 6 the general conference.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... reason righteousness and peace are far from you, since each has abandoned the fear ...
2Who can describe the bond of God's ... The servant speaks openly to his Lord. ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm