Deuteronomy 15:12
“If your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you, he shall serve you six years, and in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read this as just another rule about debt and servitude, but notice how it specifically includes "an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman." This detail is significant, as it broadens the protection of freedom to both genders, ensuring that no one was overlooked in God's plan for justice and restoration.
This passage comes after laws about caring for the poor and forgiving debts, reminding the Israelites of their own past struggles as slaves in Egypt. It details the treatment and eventual freedom of Hebrew slaves, who could be sold due to poverty or debt. This regulation establishes a six-year service limit, followed by a mandated release in the seventh year, emphasizing compassion and fairness within the community.
Why does the text specify 'Hebrew man or Hebrew woman'? What does this tell us about their unique status even in slavery?
The law here emphasizes that the person sold into servitude is a 'Hebrew,' a brother or sister. This isn't just about debt or crime; it's about a familial and national identity that must be respected.
Preserving Identity
This focus on 'Hebrew' underscores that even in the most difficult circumstances, the bonds of kinship and shared heritage were meant to be honored.
Six years of service, then freedom. What's the significance of this fixed term, and why the seventh year?
The structure of six years of service followed by release in the seventh year points to a divine pattern of work and rest, deeply embedded in Israel's identity.
A Pattern of Release
Understand the original words
ibri · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
One who belongs to the covenant people of Israel, often used to emphasize the shared spiritual heritage and identity of the community.
abad · Hebrew Verb
To perform labor for another, often in a position of subordination; in a religious sense, it denotes the service and worship offered to God.
This passage lays out the foundational law for Hebrew servants serving six years and being freed in the seventh, establishing the principle that God's people should not be perpetually enslaved.
Leviticus 25:39This passage speaks to Israelites selling themselves out of poverty, highlighting that Hebrew slaves were to be treated as hired workers, not as chattel, and were to be released.
Jeremiah 34:13This prophetic passage recalls and applies the command from Deuteronomy 15:12, calling out the Israelites for breaking their covenant by not freeing their Hebrew servants as commanded.
2 Corinthians 9:7While not about slavery directly, this New Testament passage about cheerful giving echoes the spirit of Deuteronomy 15:18, which urges masters not to send servants away empty-handed, emphasizing generosity.
Colossians 4:1This verse directly addresses masters, commanding them to treat their slaves justly and fairly, reflecting the humane spirit inherent in the release laws of the Old Testament.
gillDeuteronomy 15:12: "And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee."
And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee,.... By others, as by the sanhedrim for theft, for which a man might be sold, but not a woman, as Jarchi observes; but then a father might sell his daughter for an handmaid, if little and under age; and to such cases this law is supposed to r…
calvinDeuteronomy 15:12-18: "And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee."
It shall not seem hard unto thee when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.
Non sit durum in oculis tuis quum dimittes eum liberum a te, quia duplo secundum me…
It's easy to read this as just another rule about debt and servitude, but notice how it specifically includes "an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman." This detail is significant, as it broadens the protection of freedom to both genders, ensuring that no one was overlooked in God's plan for justice and restoration.
This passage comes after laws about caring for the poor and forgiving debts, reminding the Israelites of their own past struggles as slaves in Egypt. It details the treatment and eventual freedom of Hebrew slaves, who could be sold due to poverty or debt. This regulation establishes a six-year service limit, followed by a mandated release in the seventh year, emphasizing compassion and fairness within the community.
This passage comes after laws about caring for the poor and forgiving debts, reminding the Israelites of their own past struggles as slaves in Egypt. It details the treatment and eventual freedom of Hebrew slaves, who could be sold due to poverty or debt. This regulation establishes a six-year service limit, followed by a mandated release in the seventh year, emphasizing compassion and fairness within the community.
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This structured release wasn't just a legal technicality; it was a way to embed God's principles of justice and mercy into the fabric of daily life.
The law mandates freedom, but what extra step does God want His people to take when releasing a servant?
While the core command is freedom after six years, God's intention goes beyond mere legal release. He desires generosity that actively helps the freed servant re-establish themselves.
Equipping for a New Start
This principle reminds us that true freedom involves not just the removal of burdens, but the provision of resources and support to thrive.
"“If your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you, he shall serve you six years, and in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you." — It's easy to read this as just another rule about debt and servitude, but notice how it specifically includes "an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman." This detail is significant, as it broadens the pro…
