Exodus 21:2
When you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve six years, and in the seventh he shall go out free, for nothing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easily missed here is that this law isn't just about freedom, but about restoration. The master isn't just supposed to let the Hebrew slave go after six years, but "generously" provide for him from his own harvest and possessions, ensuring he has a real chance to start over, not just be cast out.
This verse is the start of the "Book of the Covenant," where God gives Moses specific laws for how the Israelites should live together in the Promised Land. These laws address practical matters like justice, property, and social order, building upon the foundational covenant established at Mount Sinai and the Ten Commandments. The regulations that follow, beginning with Hebrew slavery, aim to mitigate existing societal practices and introduce principles of justice and compassion unique to God's people.
Why didn't God just abolish slavery outright? This law seems to 'allow' a harsh institution.
The Mosaic Law entered a world where slavery was deeply entrenched. Instead of an immediate abolition, which might have caused immense societal upheaval, God provided a framework of mitigation and humanity.
Why a six-year term, and then freedom? What's the significance of this specific timing?
The rhythm of six years of service followed by release in the seventh year echoes a fundamental principle of God's created order: the Sabbath.
Understand the original words
ebed · Hebrew Noun
In this context, it refers to a person who has voluntarily or through economic hardship entered into a state of service to another, yet retains a status protected by covenant law. Unlike later systems of chattel slavery, the Hebrew law provided specific protections and mandatory release terms for these individuals.
shevi'it · Hebrew Adjective
The number seven holds profound significance in the Bible, representing completeness, perfection, and the divine order established by God in creation, often linked to rest or liberation.
chofshi · Hebrew Adjective
A state of being released from obligations, servitude, or debt. In a biblical context, it ultimately points toward the spiritual liberty believers have in Christ, who frees humanity from the bondage of sin.
This passage speaks to the root cause of Hebrew servitude – extreme poverty – highlighting that even in selling themselves, Israelites were not to be treated as mere property but with a sense of brotherhood.
Deuteronomy 15:12This text beautifully complements Exodus 21:2 by detailing the generous provisions a master was required to make for a Hebrew servant upon their release, emphasizing a spirit of benevolent restoration.
Jeremiah 34:13This prophetic passage shows a stark contrast to the law in Exodus 21:2, condemning Israel for failing to uphold the covenant of release for their servants and returning them to bondage.
Colossians 4:1While addressing a different context of masters and slaves within the early church, Paul echoes the spirit of Exodus by urging masters to treat their slaves justly and fairly, recognizing their shared humanity and ultimate accountability to God.
pulpitExodus 21:2: "If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing."
Verse 2. ? If thou buy an Hebrew servant. Slavery, it is clear, was an existing institution. The law of Moses did not make it, but found it, and by not forbidding, allowed it. The Divine legislator was content under the circumstances to introduce mitigations and alleviations into the slave condition. Hebrews commonly became slaves through poverty (Leviticus 25:35, 39), bu…
bensonExodus 21:2: "If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing."
Exodus 21:2 . If thou buy a Hebrew servant — Either sold by himself or his parents through poverty, or by the judges for his crimes, yet even such a one was to continue in slavery but seven years at the most. See the texts referred to in the margin.
What's easily missed here is that this law isn't just about freedom, but about restoration. The master isn't just supposed to let the Hebrew slave go after six years, but "generously" provide for him from his own harvest and possessions, ensuring he has a real chance to start over, not just be cast out.
This verse is the start of the "Book of the Covenant," where God gives Moses specific laws for how the Israelites should live together in the Promised Land. These laws address practical matters like justice, property, and social order, building upon the foundational covenant established at Mount Sinai and the Ten Commandments. The regulations that follow, beginning with Hebrew slavery, aim to mitigate existing societal practices and introduce principles of justice and compassion unique to God's people.
This verse is the start of the "Book of the Covenant," where God gives Moses specific laws for how the Israelites should live together in the Promised Land. These laws address practical matters like justice, property, and social order, building upon the foundational covenant established at Mount Sinai and the Ten Commandments. The regulations that follow, beginning with Hebrew slavery, aim to mitigate existing societal practices and introduce principles of justice and compassion unique to God's people.
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The phrase 'for nothing' is striking. What does it reveal about God's economy?
The requirement that a Hebrew slave be released 'for nothing' emphasizes the unearned nature of this freedom. It speaks volumes about God's grace and His expectations for His people.
"When you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve six years, and in the seventh he shall go out free, for nothing." — What's easily missed here is that this law isn't just about freedom, but about restoration. The master isn't just supposed to let the Hebrew slave go after six years, but "generously" provide for h…
