7447 slavery, in OT

Slavery in the OT occurs when someone either voluntarily or forcibly becomes completely subject to another person’s control.

Reasons for slavery

War Dt 20:10-11 See also Ge 14:21; Nu 31:9; 2Ki 5:2; 2Ch 28:8

Purchase Lev 25:44-45 See also Ge 37:23-28

Debt 2Ki 4:1 See also Ex 22:2-3; Lev 25:39,47-48; Dt 15:12; Ne 5:1-5

Birth Ex 21:4 See also Ge 17:12-13; Ecc 2:7; Jer 2:14

Conscription of foreigners as forced labour 2Sa 12:29-31 See also Ex 1:11-14; Jos 9:22-23; Jos 16:10; Jdg 1:28; 1Ki 9:20-21

Rights of slaves

Rights of protection against physical and sexual abuse Lev 25:43 See also Ex 21:7-11,20-21,26-27

Rights to participate in religious feasts and festivals Ex 23:12 See also Ex 20:9-10; Dt 12:11-12

Rights to inherit property Ge 15:3

Rights of asylum Dt 23:15

The release of slaves

Release in the Year of Jubilee Lev 25:54-55 See also Lev 25:39-41

Release after six years of service Ex 21:2 See also Ex 21:3-6; Dt 15:12-18; Jer 34:8-20 The six-year principle was being abused in the time of Jeremiah.

Release through redemption by a near relative Lev 25:47-53

The status of slaves

Slaves as property Lev 25:46 See also Ex 21:32; Lev 25:39-42 Fellow Israelites were not to be regarded as property.

Slaves as trusted advisors 1Sa 9:5-10

See also