Topical Bible: Creditors: Often Exacted Debts by Selling the Debtor's Family

◄ Creditors: Often Exacted Debts by Selling the Debtor's Family ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the practice of creditors exacting debts by selling the debtor's family into servitude was not uncommon. This practice is reflected in various passages of the Bible, highlighting the socio-economic realities of the time and the moral and ethical considerations surrounding debt and servitude.

Biblical Context and References

The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations concerning debt and servitude, aiming to protect the vulnerable from exploitation. In Exodus 21:7, the law addresses the sale of a daughter as a servant, indicating that such practices were regulated to prevent abuse: "If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do."

In 2 Kings 4:1, we encounter a poignant narrative involving the widow of a prophet who cries out to Elisha, saying, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. Now the creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves." This account illustrates the harsh reality faced by families unable to repay debts, where children could be taken as payment.

Nehemiah 5:5 further highlights the plight of those who, due to economic hardship, were forced to sell their children into servitude: "We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless because our fields and vineyards belong to others."

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The biblical narrative often portrays the selling of family members into servitude as a last resort, reflecting the desperation of those in debt. The prophets and leaders in Israel frequently called for justice and mercy, urging the community to care for the poor and indebted. In Amos 2:6, the prophet condemns Israel for selling the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, highlighting the moral failure of exploiting the vulnerable: "They sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals."

The Year of Jubilee, as described in Leviticus 25, provided a divine mandate for the release of debts and the liberation of those sold into servitude. This law underscored the importance of mercy and restoration, reflecting God's desire for justice and compassion within the community.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize forgiveness and the ethical treatment of others, including those in debt. Jesus' parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18:23-35 illustrates the expectation of mercy and forgiveness, as the servant who was forgiven a great debt failed to show the same mercy to his fellow servant.

The early Christian community, as seen in Acts 2:44-45, practiced a form of economic sharing and support, ensuring that no one among them was in need. This communal approach reflects the biblical principle of caring for one another and alleviating the burdens of debt and poverty.

Conclusion

The biblical treatment of creditors and debtors, particularly the practice of selling family members into servitude, reveals a complex interplay of law, ethics, and compassion. The scriptures consistently call for justice, mercy, and the protection of the vulnerable, urging believers to reflect God's character in their dealings with others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 4:1
Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets to Elisha, saying, Your servant my husband is dead; and you know that your servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take to him my two sons to be slaves.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 24:9
They pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 18:25
But for as much as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
Torrey's Topical Textbook