From the Torah to Today: Biblical Slavery Laws
Is it possible to follow the laws of the Torah that are deeply intertwined with the customs and lifestyle of ancient Israel? Or do we need to leave these behind as followers of Jesus? Today, I want to address these questions by turning our focus to a particularly challenging and often misunderstood set of laws concerning slavery.
I've chosen these laws for a few different reasons…
To Begin to Redeem the Modern Believers Relationship with the Old Testament: The existence of slavery laws in the Bible often raises challenging questions, such as, "Does the Bible condone slavery?" However, instead of confronting these questions and others like them, we frequently allow our confusion to distance us from scripture, resulting in significant gaps in our understanding and willingness to read the Old Testament and see its purpose in our relationship with Jesus. Reading the Old Testament on your own is not as difficult as it might seem, and finding answers to these questions is not as complex as we make it out to be. I aim to show you that Old Testament law is worth your time and will bring you closer to Jesus!
To Demonstrate the Relevance of These Laws for the Modern Believer: The Bible must be studied in its context. When we consider the social and cultural background of the time these laws were written, we can understand their significance and discover enduring principles that can guide us today.
To Emphasize the Consistency of YHWH’s Law with Jesus’ Teachings: Jesus did not come to bring a new or different doctrine, but rather He highlighted and exemplified what YHWH had been teaching His followers throughout history.
First things first, let's talk terms. When you read the word "slavery," what comes to mind? Most likely, it conjures up images of one of America's darkest periods: chattel slavery, where Africans were forcibly brought to the colonies to work as slaves. This abhorrent slave trade resulted in the oppression, abuse, and death of countless African and African American individuals. This is easily one of the most significant stains in our nation's history.
Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, reflected on the power dynamic between slave and master in the U.S. by saying, "The legal power of the master amounts to an absolute despotism over body and soul…there is no protection for the slave's life." Tragically, this was also a common occurrence in ancient civilizations, as evidenced by numerous historical accounts detailing the endless cycles of mistreatment and exploitation within the institution of slavery.
Slave trades did exist in Biblical times, but slavery encompassed a much broader spectrum than we often think. The term "slavery" could also be used for someone who was working as a debt servant. Debt servitude was a choice. It consisted of a mutual agreement between someone who needed help (slave) and someone positioned to help absorb their debt (master) and temporarily care for their family. The slave paid back the debt over time through labor. But again, despite this arrangement, masters in the ancient world were often ruthless towards their debt servants, much like Stowe described.
Here are some typical characteristics of ancient slavery:
In ancient cultures like Egypt and Mesopotamia, there were no prohibitions against kidnapping or slave trades.
The Code of Hammurabi, one of the most renowned ancient law codes, allowed harsh punishments for slaves. For example, if a slave denied their master, their ear could be cut off.
Most ancient cultures kept slaves for life and did not afford them any rest or days off.
Remember that for Israel, following the law was meant to set them apart from the nations (Deuteronomy 4:5-8). Therefore, we should start with an expectation that slavery in Israel will be outside of the cultural norm.
Slavery in Israel
How was slavery different in Israel? The Bible is clear that participating in the slave trade was explicitly forbidden, and it carried capital punishment.
Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnappers possession.
Exodus 21:15
God did permit debt slavery, but He did not allow masters to control these individuals or treat them in dehumanizing ways. Here are a few examples of laws that protected slaves:
Masters could not abuse slaves or endanger their lives. - Exodus 21:26-27; Leviticus 19:16
Slaves were permitted to leave their masters without consequence. - Deuteronomy 23:15-16
Masters were required to give their slaves rest days. - Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15
YHWH told Israel to include them in religious festivals and national celebrations. - Leviticus 19:33-34; Deuteronomy 10:19, 31:10-12
Israel's slave laws were radical, providing slaves protection from abuse and mistreatment while also ensuring these individuals were welcomed into the Israelite community and cared for as if they were members of the nation of Israel. If that isn't convincing enough, consider the prophets. YHWH spoke through the prophets and pronounced severe judgment because Israel was not obeying these laws. (See Amos 2:6; Micah 3:1-3; Isaiah 1:16-17a; Isaiah 58:5-7; Jeremiah 6:6-7; Malachi 3:5.) YHWH was not interested in Israel perpetuating systems of oppression, they were not allowed to take advantage of the vulnerable people in their society.
Let's look more closely at the laws concerning debt slavery in Deuteronomy 15.
At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts.
Deuteronomy 15:1
If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be open handed and freely lend to them whatever they need. Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: "The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near," so that you do not show ill will toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the Lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart.
Deuteronomy 15:7-10a
It is important to recognize that the responsibilities placed upon masters are more burdensome and carry greater significance than that of the slaves. A master must be prepared to give generously and able to forgive all debts.
Additionally, when releasing debt servants from their obligations in the seventh year, the master was required to "supply them liberally" from the flocks, threshing floor, and winepress. These three agricultural references encompass the major sources of provision for ancient families. These resources could provide a family with food, drink, clothing, and a long-term income stream. When the master released his slave from service, he was to ensure that the slave was immediately positioned to care for their family and given protection from the possibility of falling into poverty again in the future.
And when you release them, do not send them away empty handed. Supply them liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress. Give to them as the LORD your God has blessed you. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today.
Deuteronomy 15:13-15
These passages underscore three critical features of Israel's institution of debt slavery and how it was different from the slavery of the nations:
Israel was called to absorb the debts of their neighbor without any expectation of being repaid.
By requiring the seventh year of release, Israel was to model a reality where no debt was considered final.
The forgiveness of debt was not sufficient; with forgiveness came the promise of a new life.
YHWH completely redefined the institution of slavery from a system of oppression, abuse, and death to an institution that protected and gave power back to the most vulnerable people in society and guaranteed their freedom.
The principles behind these laws are not merely spiritual metaphors that point to Jesus (although they do); they also showcase tangible examples of how to live the gospel's message. Putting these ancient laws into practice is a realistic task we can all strive towards. There are several ways we can follow these laws today, for example: give generously and support those in need within your community, whether through financial contributions or providing essential items for everyday living. Support the homeless population directly or through an established organization. Offer your time and expertise to individuals trying to overcome difficult circumstances and achieve stability. Treat people who work for you and/or with you respectfully and fairly; do not exploit or take advantage of them. Above all, always be willing to forgive and extend grace to others.
While these laws address a specific historical context I do not believe the existence of these laws means that YHWH expects or intends slavery to be practiced indefinitely. Instead, they teach guidelines for living counter-culturally as a follower of the One True God in any era. They are a clear reflection of Jesus’ teachings found in the New Testament (Matt 5:42; Luke 6:30, 12:33-34, 14:12-14). Old Testament laws are not relics of an outdated system but timeless teachings that reflect the love, character and the life of Jesus. Everything Jesus taught was rooted in the words of the Father, and the expectation to be obedient to His commands, is not outside the scope of gospel living.
Reflection Questions
What are the major differences between slavery in the ancient world and the form of slavery instituted by YHWH in Israel?
How do Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament reinforce the principles found in the Torah? Can you think of other examples in His teachings that relate to these laws?
Reflect on additional ways you can honor YHWH’s law by integrating more generosity and forgiveness in your own life. How does this deepen your personal relationship with Jesus?
How has understanding laws about slavery in the Old Testament changed your perception of these passages and your willingness to engage with them?
Reference Works:
Created Equal by Joshua Berman
Is God A Moral Monster? by Paul Copan
Law Collections from Mesopotamia and Asia Minor by Martha T. Roth
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Old Testament Ethics for the People of God by Christopher J.H. Wright
Comments