Topical Bible: Servants: Hired: Hebrew Slaves Serving Strangers to be Treated As

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the concept of servitude and slavery is addressed with specific guidelines and regulations, particularly concerning Hebrew slaves. The Mosaic Law provided a framework for the treatment of Hebrew slaves, emphasizing humane and fair treatment, even when they served strangers or foreigners.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for the treatment of Hebrew slaves serving strangers is found in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus 25:47-55 outlines the conditions under which a Hebrew might become a servant to a foreigner residing in the land. The passage provides a detailed account of how such individuals should be treated, emphasizing their dignity and the possibility of redemption:

"If a foreigner or temporary resident among you becomes rich, and your brother dwelling near him becomes poor and sells himself to the foreigner or to a member of his clan, he retains the right of redemption after he has sold himself. One of his brothers may redeem him: either his uncle or cousin or any close relative from his clan may redeem him. Or if he prospers, he may redeem himself. He and his purchaser will then calculate the time from the year he sold himself up to the Year of Jubilee, and the price of his sale will be based on the number of years, according to the time of a hired worker." (Leviticus 25:47-50)

Treatment and Redemption

The passage underscores the importance of treating Hebrew slaves with respect and fairness, akin to hired workers rather than property. The law provided a mechanism for redemption, allowing the individual or their relatives to buy back their freedom. This reflects the intrinsic value placed on freedom and family ties within the Hebrew community.

The Year of Jubilee, occurring every fifty years, served as a significant time of liberation and restoration. During this year, all Hebrew slaves were to be set free, and any land sold was to be returned to its original family. This ensured that servitude was not a permanent state and that the social and economic balance within the community was maintained.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The treatment of Hebrew slaves serving strangers highlights several key theological and cultural principles. Firstly, it affirms the belief in the inherent dignity of every individual, created in the image of God. The regulations ensured that even in servitude, a Hebrew's identity and worth were recognized and protected.

Secondly, the provision for redemption and the Year of Jubilee illustrate the themes of mercy, justice, and restoration that permeate the biblical narrative. These laws served as a reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty and His desire for His people to live in freedom and harmony.

Lastly, the distinction between Hebrew slaves and those of other nations reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Hebrews were to be treated differently because they were God's chosen people, set apart for His purposes. This special status required that they be treated with a level of care and respect that mirrored their unique relationship with God.

In summary, the biblical guidelines for Hebrew slaves serving strangers emphasize fair treatment, the possibility of redemption, and the maintenance of their dignity and identity. These principles reflect broader theological themes of justice, mercy, and the value of freedom within the covenant community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 25:47,53
And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by you, and your brother that dwells by him wax poor, and sell himself to the stranger or sojourner by you, or to the stock of the stranger's family:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Reaction against Egypt
... arrived at some place than the servants scoured the ... he required masons for his buildings,
slaves and cattle ... Serdani or Shardana are mentioned as serving in the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... of fact, the intermeddling of these strangers between the ... elephants' tusks, and five
young slaves, all under the ... besides the rabble of servants, hucksters, and ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... hell the cruel man who has ill-treated the ox ... feast of the Saksea, during which the
slaves were masters ... Dinon narrated that Cyrus had begun by serving among the ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm