Field worker by Len Cutten
Slaves
The issue of slavery has been a contentious one for Christians throughout history. Some argue for slavery, citing such passages as the conquest of Canaan (Deuteronomy 20), or the destruction of Sodom (Genesis 18:16-19:29). However, they used this logic to force native Americans into abject slavery from which there was no escape and abused the slaves terribly.
Others, like George Whitefield or John Wesley, vehemently argued against slavery citing the spiritual rebirth (John 3:1-8), sanctification (Matthew 5:48), and the need to evangelize (Mark 16:15).
The trouble has consistently been that each side has interpreted the Scriptures from their largely Western view and have failed to realize that the form of slavery described in the Scriptures differs substantially from their preconceived notions. Hebrew slavery differed in nature and kind from the kind the US has experienced. In Halakha there were six warrants for slavery (Exodus 21:4, 7; Leviticus 25:39, 47-55; 2 Kings 4:1) and there substantial legal protections (Exodus 21:3-6, 20-21, 26-27). In the Scriptures, slavery could be a way to repay debts that were otherwise impossible to repay. Slavery was not a permanent status as periodically the slaves were to be freed and their remaining debts forgiven. Slaves had rights under Halakha. They could not be abused and if it was found that they were, they were to be freed.
So, to American eyes slavery may seem to be obviously maleh. However, the Scriptures (while never promoting it) never do view slavery as a forbidden practice. It is important to note that God does not specifically encourage representative democracy as an ideal either. He allows for a wide range of human conduct as long as it is done with a view of promoting justice. As they do with polygamy, the Scriptures take an already universal, accepted practice and seek to regulate it in order to promote justice and to minimize the possible abuse.
While some may think slavery is no longer an issue in America (though prostitutes, sexual slaves, and sweat shop workers may disagree) it is still a relevant matter in many other parts of the world. Therefore, it remains firmly in Halakha.
1. Hebrew slaves must be treated according to the special Laws for them. (Exodus 21:2-6)
2. The owner or his son may marry his Hebrew maidservant. (Exodus 21:8-9)
3. If the owner or his son does not marry his Hebrew maidservant, he must allow her father to redeem her. (Exodus 21:8)
4. The regulation of the foreign slaves. (Leviticus 25:44-46)
Others, like George Whitefield or John Wesley, vehemently argued against slavery citing the spiritual rebirth (John 3:1-8), sanctification (Matthew 5:48), and the need to evangelize (Mark 16:15).
The trouble has consistently been that each side has interpreted the Scriptures from their largely Western view and have failed to realize that the form of slavery described in the Scriptures differs substantially from their preconceived notions. Hebrew slavery differed in nature and kind from the kind the US has experienced. In Halakha there were six warrants for slavery (Exodus 21:4, 7; Leviticus 25:39, 47-55; 2 Kings 4:1) and there substantial legal protections (Exodus 21:3-6, 20-21, 26-27). In the Scriptures, slavery could be a way to repay debts that were otherwise impossible to repay. Slavery was not a permanent status as periodically the slaves were to be freed and their remaining debts forgiven. Slaves had rights under Halakha. They could not be abused and if it was found that they were, they were to be freed.
So, to American eyes slavery may seem to be obviously maleh. However, the Scriptures (while never promoting it) never do view slavery as a forbidden practice. It is important to note that God does not specifically encourage representative democracy as an ideal either. He allows for a wide range of human conduct as long as it is done with a view of promoting justice. As they do with polygamy, the Scriptures take an already universal, accepted practice and seek to regulate it in order to promote justice and to minimize the possible abuse.
While some may think slavery is no longer an issue in America (though prostitutes, sexual slaves, and sweat shop workers may disagree) it is still a relevant matter in many other parts of the world. Therefore, it remains firmly in Halakha.
1. Hebrew slaves must be treated according to the special Laws for them. (Exodus 21:2-6)
2. The owner or his son may marry his Hebrew maidservant. (Exodus 21:8-9)
3. If the owner or his son does not marry his Hebrew maidservant, he must allow her father to redeem her. (Exodus 21:8)
4. The regulation of the foreign slaves. (Leviticus 25:44-46)
- Deuteronomy 23:15-16 HCSB "Do not return a slave to his master when he has escaped from his master to you. (16) Let him live among you wherever he wants within your gates. Do not mistreat him.
