SLAVERY
Tom Elseroad
September 26, 1999

Slavery

REGULATIONS

1

Hebrew slaves could be held for 6 years. In the 7^th year he was permitted freedom.

2

If a slave-owner inflicted serious bodily injury on a slave, the slave was given his freedom (Ex.21:20-21).

3

A slave may acquire wealth and, even buy his own freedom (Le.25).

4

Undue punishment was avenged by the judges (Ex.21:20-21).

5

If they accepted freedom at end of 6^th year, they were to be furnished, liberally (De.15:14).

6

Rigorous and harshness were forbidden (Le.25:39-43).

7

If a slave, when offered freedom, did not accept his freedom, his ears were to be pierced, so he bore the "brand" that he chose servitude for life.

Masters themselves a Master in heaven to whom the slave and owner are precious.
Slaves are to serve their earthly masters, because the very act is serving the heavenly Master.
Master & Slaves will receive from the Lord according to their fidelity ("knowing that whatsoever good thing any man does, the same shall be received of the Lord, whether bond or free").

• Moses found slavery already in existence.
• Moses permitted its continuance.
• Moses placed the slave-owner under restrictions so the slaves knew their rights as men.
• Moses limited slavery so no Hebrew could be a slave for life, except voluntarily.
• Hebrew slavery was unlike any other in the world.
• If slavery were forcibly enacted, the spirit of enslaving would open unbridled lawlessness. God's divine process, though seemly slower, lifted the master above the level of tyrant, and the slave is seen as a man or brother.
• Because of insisting on equality of men before God, Moses was planting the seed, even educating men out of slavery.