Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 21:2 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 21:2 is part of a section of the Old Testament law code that addresses the rights of slaves in Israel. This verse and its context provide a deep insight into God’s law concerning servitude and the rights of individuals within the ancient social and economic systems. While the concept of slavery in the Bible may be difficult for modern readers to grasp, understanding the verse in its original context, its theological significance, and its practical application can help illuminate how it fits into the broader biblical narrative and God’s plans for humanity.
The Context of Exodus 21:2 (KJV)
Background of the Book of Exodus
Exodus is the second book in the Bible and is part of the Torah or Pentateuch, the first five books attributed to Moses. The book of Exodus details the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. After the dramatic events of the Exodus, in which God delivered His people from Egypt through the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, the Israelites find themselves at Mount Sinai, where they receive God’s law.
Exodus 20–23 contains the Book of the Covenant, a collection of laws that govern various aspects of life for the Israelite people, from religious practices to social justice. These laws provide instructions on how the people should live in covenant with God, ensuring that their relationships with each other and with God are just, righteous, and reflective of His holiness.
The Laws Regarding Slavery
Exodus 21:1–11 is a section specifically concerned with the treatment of Hebrew slaves. In the ancient Near Eastern world, slavery was a common institution. However, the biblical laws regarding slavery in Israel differed significantly from the harsh and often inhumane slavery practiced by other cultures, such as in ancient Egypt or later in the Roman Empire. The institution of slavery in Israel was intended to be a temporary condition, with an emphasis on humane treatment and the eventual release of the servant.
Exodus 21:2 specifically deals with the situation of a Hebrew servant who is sold into servitude. It provides the terms under which a Hebrew servant could serve another Hebrew, which is significantly different from the type of perpetual slavery that was seen in other cultures.
Exodus 21:2 (KJV) Text
The verse reads:
“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, KJV)
This short passage holds significant implications for understanding the social justice principles embedded in the Mosaic Law, particularly concerning freedom, servitude, and the dignity of individuals.
The Meaning of Exodus 21:2
The Structure of the Law
Exodus 21:2 is one of several laws governing slavery, and it is essential to grasp the broader structure of these regulations. The law about Hebrew servitude, found in Exodus 21:1–11, was intended to provide protection for those who were in debt or fallen on hard times, making them vulnerable to being sold into servitude. The servant was typically someone who had incurred a debt they could not pay and, therefore, would serve another person until the debt was worked off. In this way, servitude was often more of a contract than a lifetime of servitude.
The principle of the seventh year as a year of release reflects the biblical value of freedom and redemption. The seventh year, known as the Sabbath year, was a time when debts were forgiven, land was returned to its original owners, and Hebrew slaves were set free. This law embodies God’s desire for a just society, where every individual has the opportunity to experience freedom and renewal.
The Concept of Six Years of Service
Exodus 21:2 mandates that a Hebrew servant could only serve for six years. This time frame symbolizes the importance of restitution and fairness. In the seventh year, the servant would be released, regardless of the financial situation of the master or the servant’s remaining debt. This reflects God’s view that no one should remain enslaved indefinitely, as He has given humans inherent dignity and freedom.
The six-year term is significant because it indicates that servitude was not meant to be a lifelong condition but a temporary one. In contrast to other ancient cultures, where individuals could be slaves for life, the Israelites were required to release Hebrew slaves after six years of service. This law emphasized the principle of freedom after a period of time, ensuring that servitude would not be exploited as a permanent system.
The Importance of the Seventh Year
The concept of the seventh year, known as the Sabbath year, is rooted in the principle of rest and restoration. Just as the land was to rest every seventh year (Leviticus 25:1–7), so too were individuals to experience freedom and release. The law about Hebrew slaves was tied to this larger biblical principle of liberation and the cyclical nature of rest and renewal. The seventh year was a symbol of God’s grace, mercy, and the opportunity for starting anew.
Exodus 21:2 Application in Life
Ethical Treatment of Servants and Workers
While slavery as it existed in ancient Israel is not a direct parallel to modern-day employment or labor relations, Exodus 21:2 has valuable lessons for how we view and treat workers today. The emphasis on fair treatment, limited terms of service, and the eventual freedom of the servant provides a framework for understanding how to treat employees or workers with dignity and respect. In a broader sense, it calls for an ethical approach to labor relations, where the rights of workers are safeguarded, and they are not exploited for indefinite periods.
The Concept of Freedom and Redemption
The law in Exodus 21:2 reflects the broader biblical themes of freedom and redemption. In a spiritual sense, the release of the Hebrew slave after six years mirrors God’s plan for salvation, where humanity is redeemed from the bondage of sin and offered freedom in Christ. This principle of redemption should motivate Christians to seek justice and fairness in their interactions with others, whether in personal relationships or societal structures.
Social Justice and Human Dignity
Exodus 21:2 also speaks to the importance of social justice. By limiting the term of servitude and mandating freedom after six years, the law affirms the inherent dignity of all individuals. It serves as a reminder that no one should be subjected to perpetual oppression or deprivation of their rights. Christians today are called to work for social systems that honor human dignity and provide opportunities for those in need to experience freedom and restoration.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Leviticus 25:39–43
Leviticus 25:39–43 also addresses the issue of Hebrew servitude. These verses provide additional context and clarification on the treatment of fellow Israelites in servitude, emphasizing that they should not be treated as slaves but as hired workers. This reinforces the idea that servitude was not intended to be a permanent state and should be governed by fairness and compassion.
“And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee, thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: but as an hired servant and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year of jubile.” (Leviticus 25:39–40, KJV)
The Jubilee year, which occurred every fifty years, was another mechanism by which people were set free from servitude, debts were forgiven, and lands were returned to their original owners. These laws reinforce the overarching biblical principle of freedom, justice, and equity.
Deuteronomy 15:12–15
Deuteronomy 15:12–15 provides another law concerning the release of Hebrew slaves. These verses echo the message of Exodus 21:2 by ensuring that a Hebrew servant is freed after six years of service. Additionally, Deuteronomy 15:13–14 encourages generosity when releasing a servant, instructing the master to provide the servant with gifts to help them start a new life.
“And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty: thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him.” (Deuteronomy 15:13–14, KJV)
This passage highlights the importance of not just releasing the servant but also ensuring they are equipped for their freedom, reflecting God’s heart of generosity and care for the well-being of others.
Modern-Day Relevance
While the direct application of Exodus 21:2 may not apply in the same way in modern societies, the principles it contains are timeless. The emphasis on justice, fairness, and the treatment of workers with dignity continues to be relevant in the context of modern labor laws, human rights, and the fight against human trafficking. The verse also offers a model for how to balance the needs of individuals and the greater community in ways that honor God and human dignity.
Labor Rights and Justice
In the modern world, issues of labor rights, exploitation, and injustice continue to be of significant concern. Exodus 21:2 challenges modern societies to reconsider how they treat workers, especially those in vulnerable situations. The principle of freedom after a set period of time can inspire policies that prevent indefinite exploitation, ensuring workers have the chance to live free and dignified lives.
The Call to Generosity
The law’s emphasis on providing for the servant when they are set free (as seen in Deuteronomy 15:13–14) has modern applications for how individuals and societies should respond to those in need. It calls for generosity, compassion, and a commitment to justice in how we care for those who are oppressed or struggling. This principle aligns with Jesus’ teaching in the New Testament to care for the poor and marginalized.
Conclusion
Exodus 21:2 provides a profound reflection of God’s heart for justice, fairness, and freedom. By mandating the release of Hebrew servants after six years of service, the law establishes important principles of human dignity and the restoration of freedom. While the practice of slavery in ancient Israel differs significantly from modern notions of labor, the biblical principles laid out in this passage continue to challenge modern Christians to seek justice for the oppressed, to honor the inherent dignity of all people, and to act with generosity and compassion in all aspects of life. The message of Exodus 21:2 calls us to work toward a society that reflects the values of freedom, fairness, and the dignity of every person as created in the image of God.
Exodus 21:2 Commentary
Many scholars and commentators on Exodus 21:2 highlight the radical nature of this law in the ancient world. While slavery was widespread, the Hebrew system was much more humane and temporary than the chattel slavery that was common in other ancient cultures. The law acknowledges the reality of servitude but places limitations on it, offering a way out after a set period of time. It points to God’s desire for freedom and restoration, not perpetual oppression.
Biblical commentators often draw attention to the theological significance of Exodus 21:2. The verse is seen as part of God’s larger plan to establish a just society where the oppressed are liberated, and justice is served. In the broader context of Scripture, these laws are seen as preparing the way for the ultimate liberation through Christ, who sets people free from the bondage of sin.
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