Topical Bible: Servants: Slaves or Bond: Laws Respecting, often Violated

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the terms "servants," "slaves," and "bondservants" are often used interchangeably, reflecting various forms of servitude that existed in ancient Israel and the surrounding cultures. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations concerning the treatment of slaves, aiming to ensure humane and just conditions. However, these laws were frequently violated, reflecting the fallen nature of humanity and the societal norms of the time.

Old Testament Laws

The Old Testament provides a framework for the treatment of slaves, emphasizing both justice and compassion. In Exodus 21:2-6, the law states, "If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year he shall go free, without paying anything." This regulation highlights the temporary nature of servitude among the Israelites, contrasting with the perpetual slavery common in other ancient cultures. The law also allowed for voluntary lifelong servitude if the servant chose to remain with his master.

Leviticus 25:39-43 further underscores the humane treatment of Hebrew servants, instructing that they should not be treated as slaves but as hired workers or temporary residents. The passage reads, "You are not to rule over them harshly, but you shall fear your God." This reflects the principle that all Israelites were ultimately servants of God, and thus, their treatment of one another should reflect divine justice and mercy.

Violations and Prophetic Rebuke

Despite these laws, violations were common, prompting prophetic rebuke. The prophets often condemned the mistreatment of the poor and the oppressed, including slaves. In Jeremiah 34:8-17, the prophet rebukes the people of Judah for reneging on their covenant to release Hebrew slaves, a direct violation of the law. The passage highlights God's displeasure with their actions, stating, "You have not obeyed Me by proclaiming freedom, each one to his brother and to his neighbor."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the institution of slavery is addressed within the context of the Roman Empire, where slavery was a pervasive social structure. The apostle Paul, while not directly challenging the institution, emphasizes the spiritual equality of all believers. In Galatians 3:28, he writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This theological principle laid the groundwork for the eventual Christian critique of slavery.

Paul's epistle to Philemon provides a personal appeal for the fair treatment of Onesimus, a runaway slave who had become a Christian. Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus "no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother" (Philemon 1:16). This appeal reflects the transformative power of the Gospel in redefining social relationships.

Conclusion

The biblical laws concerning servants and slaves were designed to promote justice and compassion, reflecting God's character. However, the frequent violations of these laws reveal the persistent struggle between divine ideals and human sinfulness. The biblical narrative, while acknowledging the reality of slavery, points towards a higher ethic of love and equality in Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 34:8-16
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people which were at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty to them;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... the Pope, by which they are bound like servants, and which ... may serve God of a free
will and not as slaves. ... been shed on account of the oath and bond which Pope ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... he employs and the illustrations he adduces respecting marriage, and ... a comparison
of Jew and Gentile, bond and free ... is it that he who commanded servants to obey ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... they multiply abundantly among the fugitive slaves and robbers ... and afterward compelled;
for when His servants answered Him ... the altar but also in the bond of peace ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm