Topical Bible: Servants: Hired: To be Paid Without Delay at the Expiration of Their Service

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In biblical times, the relationship between masters and servants, particularly hired servants, was governed by principles of justice and fairness as outlined in the Scriptures. The Bible emphasizes the ethical treatment of hired workers, including the prompt payment of wages upon the completion of their service. This principle is rooted in the broader biblical mandate to act justly and to love one's neighbor as oneself.

Biblical Mandate for Prompt Payment

The requirement to pay hired servants without delay is explicitly stated in the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 19:13 , it is written: "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. The wages due a hired hand must not remain with you until morning." This command underscores the importance of timely compensation, reflecting a concern for the well-being and dignity of the worker. The immediate payment of wages was crucial in an agrarian society where daily earnings were often necessary for the sustenance of the worker and their family.

Similarly, Deuteronomy 24:14-15 reinforces this principle: "Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise, he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin." This passage highlights the moral obligation to ensure that workers receive their due promptly, recognizing their dependence on daily wages for survival.

Ethical Implications

The biblical injunctions regarding the payment of hired servants reflect a broader ethical framework that values justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity. The prompt payment of wages is not merely a legal requirement but a moral imperative that acknowledges the worker's right to fair treatment. This principle is consistent with the biblical theme of caring for the vulnerable and marginalized, including the poor and the foreigner.

The New Testament echoes these values, emphasizing the importance of fairness and integrity in all relationships. In James 5:4 , the apostle warns against the exploitation of workers: "Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts." This passage serves as a reminder that God is attentive to the plight of the oppressed and will hold accountable those who fail to uphold justice.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, hired servants were typically employed on a temporary or seasonal basis, often for agricultural work. The economic structure of the time meant that many laborers relied on daily wages to meet their immediate needs. The biblical mandate for prompt payment reflects an understanding of this economic reality and seeks to protect workers from exploitation and hardship.

The emphasis on timely payment also served to maintain social harmony and prevent disputes between employers and employees. By ensuring that workers received their due wages without delay, the biblical laws fostered a sense of trust and mutual respect within the community.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching on the prompt payment of hired servants underscores the importance of justice and compassion in economic transactions. By adhering to these principles, individuals and communities are called to reflect the character of God, who is just and merciful, in their dealings with others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 19:13
You shall not defraud your neighbor, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with you all night until the morning.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 24:15
At his day you shall give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down on it; for he is poor, and sets his heart on it: lest he cry against you to the LORD, and it be sin to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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The Iranian Conquest
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