Topical Bible: Servant: Bond: Owned by Priests

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In the context of ancient Israel, the concept of servitude, particularly bondservants owned by priests, is a topic that reflects the socio-religious structure of the time. The role and status of these servants are intricately linked to the Levitical priesthood and the functioning of the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

Biblical Context and Legal Framework

The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding servitude, which included provisions for bondservants. These laws are found primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. Bondservants, or slaves, in Israelite society could be either fellow Israelites or foreigners. The treatment and rights of these servants were subject to the laws given by God to Moses.

In Leviticus 25:39-43 , the law states: "If your brother among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, you must not force him into 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. Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. Because the Israelites are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt, they are not to be sold as slaves. You are not to rule over them harshly, but you shall fear your God."

Servants Owned by Priests

The Levitical priests, who were set apart for the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, also had bondservants. These servants assisted in various duties necessary for the maintenance and operation of the sacred spaces. The priests, being part of the tribe of Levi, did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were supported by the tithes and offerings of the people, which also extended to the provision for their households, including their servants.

In Numbers 18:6 , God says to Aaron, "Behold, I Myself have taken your fellow Levites from among the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting." This indicates that the Levites, including their households and servants, were consecrated for the service of God.

Role and Duties

The bondservants owned by priests would have been involved in various tasks, such as assisting with sacrifices, maintaining the cleanliness of the sacred areas, and possibly helping in the preparation of offerings. Their role was crucial in ensuring that the priests could perform their religious duties effectively.

Spiritual Significance

The presence of bondservants within the priestly households also carries a spiritual dimension. The priests, as mediators between God and the people, were to exemplify God's justice and mercy in their treatment of servants. The laws concerning servitude were designed to reflect God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, emphasizing compassion and fairness.

In Deuteronomy 15:12-15 , the release of Hebrew servants in the seventh year is commanded: "If a fellow Hebrew, a man or woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; that is why I am giving you this command today."

Conclusion

The institution of servitude, particularly bondservants owned by priests, is a reflection of the broader societal and religious framework of ancient Israel. It underscores the importance of justice, mercy, and the recognition of God's ultimate authority over His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 22:11
But if the priest buy any soul with his money, he shall eat of it, and he that is born in his house: they shall eat of his meat.
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Mark 14:66
And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there comes one of the maids of the high priest:
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Library

Slaves and Free
... get wages for it; but it means 'a bond-slave,' a ... of the vegetables and the stools
belonged owned them too ... truly I am Thy servant,' receive from Him the rank of ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/slaves and free.htm

Conclusion
... is here that we are told Nathaniel owned our Lord as ... Messianic sign of healing, nothing
about the Servant of God ... eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/conclusion.htm

In Rome
... the gospel upon the relation between master and servant. ... A wealthy Roman often owned
hundreds of slaves, of ... Christianity makes a strong bond of union between ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

Eyes Right
... Where our Authorized Version softly puts it "servant" it really is "bond-slave."
The ... themselves Christ's absolute property, bought by him, owned by him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/eyes right.htm

The Fourth Continental Journey.
... of a brother and sister dear in the bond and power ... name; and prosper, I pray thee,
thy servant this day ... The assembly was, as they believed, owned by the great ...
/.../chapter xv the fourth continental.htm

The General Conference of 1808
... and to your honor as I ministerial servant of God and ... O brethren, if God so wonderfully
owned and blest the ... of some modification in the iron-like bond of the ...
/.../chapter 7 the general conference.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... in company with his faithful companion, John Wesley Bond, he urged ... I was a servant,
and not a son; nor did I ... Question Were your labors owned of the Lord in the ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

Death of Martha Yeardley, and John Yeardley's Journey to Norway.
... temporal; do thou give to thy unworthy servant an answer ... meeting was at our friend's
house who owned the pretty ... been closely united in the gospel bond; he has ...
/.../chapter xviii death of martha.htm

Crucified, Dead, and Buried. '
... the contempt even unto death of the Servant of the ... of assurance to the penitent,
who had owned His Glory ... violence of the tearing asunder of the bond with which ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xv crucified dead and.htm

St. Gregory the Great.
... our mutual affection, there is a peculiar bond uniting us ... ecumenical patriarch was
foiled by the Servant of the ... captive in a collapsing Rome, was owned by all ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter v st gregory the.htm