Deuteronomy 23:15-16
“You shall not give up to his master a slave who has escaped from his master to you. He shall dwell with you, in your midst, in the place that he shall choose within one of your towns, wherever it suits him. You shall not wrong him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This isn't just about returning a runaway. It's about recognizing a moment of radical grace, particularly for those fleeing idolatry or severe mistreatment. God declared that even a foreign slave escaping to Israel was not to be sent back into likely further abuse, but instead was to be allowed a new life within their community.
This passage occurs within a collection of laws meant to guide Israel in living as a distinct people, setting them apart from surrounding nations. It addresses how they should treat those who might seek refuge within their borders, specifically concerning escaped slaves. The verses that follow explain that these individuals are not only not to be returned but are to be allowed to live freely among the Israelites in a place of their choosing.
Imagine a slave escaping brutal conditions, finding safety within Israel's borders. What was the purpose behind this radical command?
This command wasn't a blanket endorsement of runaway servants to cause chaos. Instead, it was a profound act of justice and compassion specifically for those fleeing true oppression or seeking God.
A Haven for the Hurting
Scholars suggest this primarily applied to foreign slaves escaping tyrannical masters, especially those who came seeking the God of Israel. It was a way for God to show His heart for the oppressed, offering them a chance at a better life and true freedom.
Discernment Required
It wasn't about harboring disobedient or lazy servants. The text implies a careful consideration – was the escape due to unjust cruelty, or a genuine desire to turn to the Lord? The goal was to provide refuge for those genuinely in need of deliverance.
This law sounds radical, even counter-cultural. What does it reveal about God's perspective on human dignity and freedom?
At its core, Deuteronomy 23:15 reveals a God who despises tyranny and champions the oppressed. He positions Himself as the ultimate refuge for those suffering injustice.
Divine Intervention
When a slave escaped, it wasn't just a personal matter between master and servant. It was an opportunity for God's justice to be seen. The text suggests that God Himself intervenes when His people provide refuge for the exploited.
A Taste of True Freedom
By not returning a persecuted slave, Israel was acting as an agent of God's liberating power. This act allowed individuals to experience a new life, not just from a harsh master, but potentially towards the freedom found in worshipping the one true God.
Understand the original words
ebed · Hebrew Noun
A person legally owned by another; in the context of the Mosaic law, it often refers to those in service or bondage, with specific provisions given for their protection and rights.
This verse calls Israel to treat the foreigner with love and justice, mirroring the spirit of Deuteronomy 23:15 which protects a runaway slave, likely a foreigner, from being returned to their oppressor.
Leviticus 19:33Just as Israel is commanded not to oppress foreigners, Deuteronomy 23:15 shows they must not oppress runaway slaves, highlighting a consistent theme of compassion for the vulnerable.
Matthew 11:28Jesus' invitation to the weary and burdened speaks to the heart of why Deuteronomy 23:15 is so crucial: it offers refuge and rest to those escaping hardship and cruelty.
Philemon 1:15-16While Deuteronomy 23:15 deals with escaped slaves, Paul's letter to Philemon shifts the perspective from master-slave to brother-in-Christ, showing how the principle of not returning someone to bondage can evolve into liberation and restored relationship.
clarkeDeuteronomy 23:15: "Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee:"
Thou shalt not deliver - the servant which is escaped - unto thee - That is, a servant who left an idolatrous master that he might join himself to God and to his people. In any other case, it would have been injustice to have harboured the runaway.
ellicottDeuteronomy 23:15: "Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee:"
Deuteronomy 23:15-16 .— REFUGEES. Thou shalt not deliver . . . the servant.—Even on Israelitish ground the escaped slave was free. Rashi adds, “Even a Canaanitish slave who has escaped from abroad into the land of Israel.”
This isn't just about returning a runaway. It's about recognizing a moment of radical grace, particularly for those fleeing idolatry or severe mistreatment. God declared that even a foreign slave escaping to Israel was not to be sent back into likely further abuse, but instead was to be allowed a new life within their community.
This passage occurs within a collection of laws meant to guide Israel in living as a distinct people, setting them apart from surrounding nations. It addresses how they should treat those who might seek refuge within their borders, specifically concerning escaped slaves. The verses that follow explain that these individuals are not only not to be returned but are to be allowed to live freely among the Israelites in a place of their choosing.
This passage occurs within a collection of laws meant to guide Israel in living as a distinct people, setting them apart from surrounding nations. It addresses how they should treat those who might seek refuge within their borders, specifically concerning escaped slaves. The verses that follow explain that these individuals are not only not to be returned but are to be allowed to live freely among the Israelites in a place of their choosing.
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"“You shall not give up to his master a slave who has escaped from his master to you. He shall dwell with you, in your midst, in the place that he shall choose within one of your towns, wherever it suits him. You shall not wrong him." — This isn't just about returning a runaway. It's about recognizing a moment of radical grace, particularly for those fleeing idolatry or severe mistreatment. God declared that even a foreign slave esc…
