Exodus 21:1-36

The Book of the Covenant (continued)

I-ii. Regulations regarding the Treatment of Hebrew Slaves.
Slavery was universal in ancient times, and the Mosaic Law does not abolish it. Among the Hebrews, however, slavery was by no means the degrading and oppressive thing that it was among other nations. Manstealing, upon which modern systems of slavery are based, was a crime punishable by death (see Exodus 21:16), and the Law of Moses recognises the right of a slave to just and honourable treatment. A Hebrew slave might occupy a high position in his master's household and be regarded as a trusty friend, as the case of Eliezer shows (Genesis 24). He could not be bound for more than six years at a time; in the seventh year he obtained his freedom if he desired it (see Exodus 21:2); he might hold property and come to be able to redeem himself (Leviticus 25:49); he was protected from the violence of his master (Exodus 21:20); he could claim compensation for bodily injury (Exodus 21:26); and he was entitled to the sabbath rest (Exodus 20:10). If a Hebrew girl became her master's concubine he could not sell her to a foreigner, but must let her be redeemed (Exodus 21:8); if his son married her he must treat her as a daughter (Exodus 21:9); if he took a second wife he must not degrade her, but use her as liberally as before (Exodus 21:10). In general the Hebrew master was to treat his slave rather as a brother or hired servant than as a chattel, and the principle which was to govern his treatment was the humane precept 'thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God' (Leviticus 25:43). These laws, it is true, apply to the slave who was an Israelite, but the lot of even the foreign slave who had been captured in war was only a little less favourable. If it be asked why the Mosaic Law did not at once abolish slavery the answer must be that the time was not ripe for that. Christ Himself did not abolish it; and His apostles tolerated it (see 1 Corinthians 7:20 and the Epistle to Philemon). Christianity did not violently overthrow existing social institutions or abolish class distinctions. But it taught the brotherhood of all men, and by quietly introducing the leaven of justice, humanity, and brotherly love into society, gradually abolished the worst social abuses and made slavery impossible.