Topical Bible: Servants: Hired: Engaged by the Year

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the concept of servanthood was multifaceted, encompassing various forms of service and employment. Among these, servants hired on a yearly basis were a recognized category, reflecting a structured and contractual approach to labor. This entry explores the biblical context and implications of hiring servants by the year, drawing from scriptural references and historical practices.

Biblical Context

The practice of hiring servants for a specified period, such as a year, is rooted in the agrarian and household economies of ancient Israel. This arrangement provided stability and predictability for both the servant and the employer. The Bible provides insights into these practices, emphasizing fair treatment and mutual obligations.

Scriptural References

One of the key passages that sheds light on the hiring of servants is found in the Old Testament. Although the Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly mention "hired by the year," the principles governing the treatment and rights of servants can be inferred from broader biblical teachings. For instance, Leviticus 25:39-40 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."

This passage highlights the distinction between forced labor and voluntary service, with an emphasis on the dignity and rights of the servant. The concept of the Year of Jubilee further underscores the temporary nature of such arrangements, ensuring that servitude does not become perpetual.

Historical Practices

In ancient Israel, hiring servants by the year was a common practice, particularly in agricultural settings. This arrangement allowed landowners to secure labor for planting and harvest seasons, while providing servants with a stable source of income and sustenance. The yearly contract also aligned with the agricultural calendar, facilitating planning and resource allocation.

The relationship between the employer and the servant was governed by mutual responsibilities. Employers were expected to provide fair wages, adequate living conditions, and respectful treatment. In return, servants were to fulfill their duties diligently and loyally. The biblical mandate for justice and compassion in these relationships is evident in passages such as Deuteronomy 24:14-15 : "Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or a foreigner residing in your land. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them."

Theological Implications

The hiring of servants by the year reflects broader theological themes in the Bible, including the inherent dignity of all individuals and the call to justice and mercy. The temporary nature of these arrangements serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly roles and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all human affairs.

The biblical approach to servanthood, including the hiring of servants by the year, underscores the importance of ethical labor practices and the recognition of each person's value as created in the image of God. This perspective challenges believers to uphold principles of fairness, respect, and compassion in all aspects of employment and service.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 25:53
And as a yearly hired servant shall he be with him: and the other shall not rule with rigor over him in your sight.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 16:14
But now the LORD has spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Persistency in Wrong Doing.
... Hanun took the servants, the ambassadors of David, and shaved ... this army of Ammon
and their hired allies, and ... He now engaged Hadarezar, King of the Syrians, and ...
/.../xliii persistency in wrong doing.htm

On Family Religion
... revival, from its rise in the year 1729, has ... only indented servants, who are legally
engaged to remain ... a term of years; not only hired servants, whether they ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 94 on family religion.htm

The Twelve and the Seventy.
... own, and they could afford to pay "hired servants" to assist ... it is pretty clear that
the publican was engaged in a ... appear to have been about a year under the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the twelve and.htm

The Origin of the Gospels.
... three Gospels were written before the year 80, and ... of New Testament criticism with
that engaged upon the ... Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter ix the origin of.htm

Questions and Answers--Sorrowful Cases--Testimonies from those who ...
... Labour is so scarce out there, and hired help so ... in this country, where domestic
and farming servants are so ... as a blessing to England, and those engaged in it ...
/.../lowe/gods answers/chapter ix questions and answerssorrowful.htm

Home Occupations and Travels in England and Wales.
... established to fit girls for becoming household servants. ... In consequence of this,
they hired a lodging ... subjects connected with education, engaged his serious ...
/.../chapter x home occupations and.htm

The Life of Mr. William Guthrie.
... to go and take a trial; others he hired with money ... did not know him): After this,
he engaged them to ... a dangerous thing it is to meddle with Christ's servants. ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr william 2.htm

The Wyclif of the East --Bible Translation
... We accordingly hired two moonshees to assist us in it, and ... Carey engaged and trained
his many pundits at a ... at his desk settling an account with a few servants. ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter x the wyclif of.htm

The vineyard Labourers.
... This husbandman at once engaged all the men that ... rewards which Christ confers upon
his servants, but this ... whether the labourers who were first hired, and who ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/ix the vineyard labourers.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... the employes and the pay of the workmen engaged in executing ... the day of the month,
the year of the ... for their father, took the place of hired servants, and were ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm