Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 21:7 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 21:7 is a significant verse in the biblical laws concerning servitude, specifically addressing the sale of daughters into servitude. In the broader context of Exodus, it appears within the Book of the Covenant—a collection of laws given by God to the Israelites after their deliverance from Egypt. These laws were meant to establish a just and moral society under God’s covenant, reflecting His character and expectations for His people.
Exodus 21:7 states:
“And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.” (KJV)
This verse has been the subject of much discussion due to its cultural, social, and theological implications. To fully understand it, we must consider its historical context, its intended meaning, its application in life, and its relevance to modern times. Below, we will delve into these aspects while also comparing it with other biblical texts and exploring commentaries on the passage.
The Context on Exodus 21:7 KJV
The Book of the Covenant
Exodus 21:7 is part of the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 21–23), a section of laws that follows the Ten Commandments. These laws were designed to guide the Israelites in matters of morality, justice, and social order. The overarching theme of these laws is the establishment of a society that reflects God’s holiness and justice, contrasting with the oppressive systems they had experienced in Egypt.
The Socioeconomic Setting
In ancient Israel, the practice of selling one’s daughter into servitude was a mechanism to address economic hardship. Unlike slavery as it is understood today, this form of servitude was often a contractual agreement that served as a means of providing for the daughter’s future. It was common for such an arrangement to result in marriage, either to the master or his son, thus securing the woman’s livelihood and integrating her into the family.
The laws in Exodus 21 ensured that such practices were regulated to protect the dignity and rights of the maidservant, preventing abuse and exploitation. This verse specifically highlights that female servants were to be treated differently from male servants, reflecting an understanding of the unique vulnerabilities of women in that cultural context.
The Meaning of Exodus 21:7
A Provision for Protection
Exodus 21:7 indicates that a daughter sold into servitude was not to be treated as a male servant, who could be freed after six years of service (Exodus 21:2). Instead, her position was distinct, often involving the expectation of marriage or long-term care within the household. This law was not intended to dehumanize but to provide a framework for protecting the rights and dignity of the maidservant.
The difference in treatment reflects the societal norms of the time, where women’s roles and legal standings were tied closely to family structures. By ensuring that female servants were not released in the same manner as male servants, the law aimed to prevent abandonment and provide a safeguard for the woman’s future.
A Covenant Responsibility
The laws in this section emphasize that servants, including women, were not to be mistreated or exploited. They were under the care of their masters, who bore a covenant responsibility to reflect God’s justice and compassion. This verse acknowledges the potential vulnerabilities of women in servitude and seeks to create a system where they could be integrated into a stable environment rather than left in uncertainty.
Exodus 21:7 Application in Life
Valuing Human Dignity
At its core, Exodus 21:7 reflects a principle that transcends its historical context: the importance of protecting human dignity. While the specifics of the law may not directly apply in modern times, the underlying message is clear. People, especially those in vulnerable positions, deserve care, protection, and respect. For Christians today, this principle can be applied in advocating for justice and fair treatment for marginalized individuals, including women and children.
Commitment to Responsibility
This verse also highlights the importance of fulfilling responsibilities toward those entrusted to our care. Just as the master in ancient Israel was expected to treat a maidservant with dignity and provide for her well-being, modern Christians are called to act responsibly in relationships, workplaces, and communities. This includes advocating for policies and practices that protect the vulnerable and ensure equitable treatment for all.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Deuteronomy 15:12-17
Deuteronomy 15 revisits the concept of releasing servants but does not explicitly address female servants in the same detail as Exodus 21. However, the overarching principle remains: servants were to be treated with fairness and given the opportunity for a secure future. The inclusion of additional laws in Exodus 21 highlights the particular care and consideration given to women in servitude.
Proverbs 31:8-9
Proverbs 31:8-9 states:
“Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
This passage aligns with the spirit of Exodus 21:7, emphasizing the need to speak out for and protect those who are vulnerable. The maidservant described in Exodus 21:7 represents a vulnerable group in society, and the laws provided were a form of advocacy for their well-being.
Galatians 3:28
In the New Testament, Galatians 3:28 declares:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
This verse reflects the ultimate fulfillment of the principles in Exodus 21, where distinctions based on gender, status, or ethnicity are transcended in Christ. While Exodus 21:7 addresses the practical realities of its time, Galatians 3:28 points to a future where all are equal before God.
Modern-Day Relevance
Advocating for Women’s Rights
Exodus 21:7 serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for the rights and protection of women. In many parts of the world, women and girls still face exploitation and injustice. This verse challenges Christians to take an active role in supporting efforts to combat human trafficking, domestic abuse, and other forms of oppression.
Fair Treatment of Vulnerable Groups
The principle of ensuring fair and compassionate treatment for the vulnerable remains relevant today. Whether addressing issues of poverty, displacement, or discrimination, Exodus 21:7 calls believers to reflect God’s justice and compassion in their actions and attitudes.
Conclusion
Exodus 21:7 is a verse that addresses a specific cultural practice within ancient Israel but carries timeless principles of justice, compassion, and responsibility. It reveals God’s concern for the vulnerable and His desire for a society that reflects His holiness. While the specific laws of Exodus 21 may no longer apply in their original form, their underlying principles remain highly relevant.
For modern Christians, this verse serves as a call to advocate for the protection and dignity of all people, especially those in vulnerable positions. By reflecting on the meaning and implications of Exodus 21:7, believers are reminded of their responsibility to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). This verse challenges us to uphold the values of compassion and justice in our own lives, reflecting the heart of God in all that we do.
Exodus 21:7 Commentary
Matthew Henry’s Commentary
Matthew Henry emphasizes that the laws concerning maidservants were designed to ensure their protection and dignity. He notes that the distinction between male and female servants was not intended to demean women but to account for their unique needs and circumstances. Henry sees these laws as evidence of God’s care for the vulnerable and His desire for a just society.
Theological Perspectives
Theologically, Exodus 21:7 demonstrates God’s concern for the marginalized and His commitment to justice. It reflects the broader biblical theme of caring for the weak and ensuring that power is exercised responsibly. This verse, like many others in the Mosaic Law, points to the character of God as a protector and defender of those who cannot defend themselves.
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