Topical Bible: Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: Not to Rule Over Them With Rigour

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the relationship between masters and servants is addressed with specific instructions that emphasize fairness, kindness, and respect. The Scriptures provide guidance on how masters should conduct themselves, ensuring that their authority is exercised with justice and compassion.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible explicitly instructs masters not to rule over their servants with harshness or severity. This principle is rooted in the understanding that all individuals are created in the image of God and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. The Old Testament provides foundational teachings on this matter, particularly in the context of the Israelites' experience in Egypt and their subsequent laws.

Leviticus 25:43 : "You are not to rule over them harshly, but you shall fear your God." This verse underscores the importance of reverence for God in the treatment of servants. The fear of God serves as a guiding principle, reminding masters that their authority is ultimately accountable to divine standards.

Ephesians 6:9 : "And masters, do the same for them. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him." In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates the call for masters to treat their servants with fairness and without threats. This instruction highlights the equality of all believers before God, who shows no partiality.

Colossians 4:1 : "Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven." This passage further emphasizes the responsibility of masters to act justly and equitably, recognizing their own subjection to the ultimate Master, God.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient times, servitude was a common social structure, and the Bible's teachings sought to regulate and humanize these relationships. The call for masters not to rule with rigor was countercultural, promoting a standard of care and respect that transcended societal norms. This directive was particularly significant in a world where power dynamics often led to exploitation and abuse.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The biblical mandate for masters to avoid ruling with rigor carries profound moral and ethical implications. It challenges those in positions of authority to exercise their power with humility and compassion. The recognition of a higher divine authority serves as a check against the misuse of power, encouraging masters to reflect God's justice and mercy in their interactions with servants.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, these teachings continue to hold relevance. While the specific institution of servitude may differ, the principles of fair and compassionate leadership apply to various contexts, including employment and other hierarchical relationships. Christians are called to embody these values, ensuring that their conduct reflects the character of Christ in all areas of life.

In summary, the Bible provides clear instructions for masters regarding their treatment of servants, emphasizing the importance of ruling with justice, fairness, and a reverence for God. These teachings serve as a timeless reminder of the ethical responsibilities that accompany positions of authority.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 25:43
You shall not rule over him with rigor; but shall fear your God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 24:14
You shall not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of your brothers, or of your strangers that are in your land within your gates:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... be attentive to reading, but has appointed masters to give ... circumcision, the same
was mighty in me toward the Gentiles ... of us consider it to be his duty to seek ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

Christian Behavior
... Then masters carry it rightly toward their servants, when they labour both in ... THE
DUTY OF WIVES ... things considerable in the carriage of a wife toward her husband ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his ...
... So Peter, when he reminds pastors of their duty, exhorts them ... of those ceremonies
which the Roman masters will have ... this high value on our obedience toward him ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 of the power.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... conscience void of offence toward God and toward men" (verse ... be destroyed; yea, it
is our duty with all ... and sinners, but as sons, stewards, and servants of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Jews in war, [1207]435; silence toward Saul from ... Loss, by doing one's duty versus
the gain, [1500 ... Masters, approved by their scholars, [1533]455; insulted by ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... it with himself; he and himself performed, at this time, the duty of prayer ... thou
rage, and rail, and cry out, when men keep not thy law, or the rule of thine ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... it with himself, he and himself performed, at this time, the duty of prayer ... thou
rage, and rail, and cry out when men keep not thy law, or the rule of thine ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... attempt to hinder us in the exercise of this duty. As Boaz said to his servants,
when Ruth was to ... of God's present hand; and all these become masters, if hope ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm