“If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free and pay nothing” (Ex. 21:2).
In this chapter of Exodus, the Lord sets forth civil and penal laws for the nation of Israel. The people were not free to make up their own laws concerning their relationships with one another, but God set the standard for His nation so that His people might be set apart from other nations, and so that He might be glorified in their righteous dealings with one another. These laws are called “judgments” because they are framed in wisdom and equity, and because their magistrates were to give judgment according to them.
God began with the laws concerning servants, commanding mercy and moderation towards them. The Israelites had been slaves themselves, and had been harshly treated. They were not to emulate such practices, but were to deal righteously with one another. Though they had been treated abusively, they were not to do likewise, but they were to walk in the ways of the Lord.
Indentured servitude came about either because of debts or because of poverty. One could sell himself into slavery, or servitude, when he could no longer provide for himself. Man-stealing was strictly forbidden in the theocracy, and such slavery was considered ungodly. Jews who became slaves in Israel were only allowed to be in such a position for six years, even if their servitude came about because of a crime. After six years, the slave either would go free or would continue as a servant by his own choice. At that time, he either could leave his family behind in the keeping of his master, or he could remain with them as a permanent servant in his master’s household.
By this law, God taught that the Hebrews were to be generous, and that they were to love liberty. Christians can learn from this that we, being bought with a price and called unto liberty, must not be the servants of men or of the lusts of men (1 Cor. 7:23). Another point we can learn from this law has to do with God’s ownership over our children. Just as the master owned the children of his servants, so God owns our children. He is their protector, their Lord, their master. Therefore, we must consider them as belonging first to Him and second to us. We must consider ourselves as His servants forever, not wishing to be free from His service, but being free to serve Him as we do His will and carry on His work.
Do you see yourself as a servant of the Lord, or a “slave to righteousness” as Paul says? What does it mean to be a servant? How does a servant respond to his master? When do you question the authority of God? What practically does it mean for you to be a “slave of righteousness” (Rom. 6)?