“You shall not compel him to serve as a slave.” (Lev 25:39)
Social justice issues, such as slavery, have long been a hot topic for many people. The Bible indicates its existence. So, why does God allow it, and how should we interpret it in light of today’s social climate?
It is unclear exactly when slavery began. It likely existed for hundreds of years before its first recording, being prevalent and socially acceptable in numerous cultures and societies.
However, in ancient Israelite culture, the institution of slavery differed from what modern cultures envision; It was neither forced labor nor racially motivated. In fact, the Bible often uses the Hebrew word “ebed” when discussing slavery. It means “to work” or “to serve” and usually refers to a type of service that one entered under unfortunate circumstances.
In biblical times, people undergoing financial crises sometimes willingly became indentured servants, where one becomes a slave in exchange for basic necessities (Lev 25:39). Others sometimes entered slavery as restitution for a crime (Ex 22:3). Parents might also reluctantly sell their children after falling on hard times (Neh 5:5).
It does not necessarily mean that others did not nefariously engage in the slave trade. One might be enslaved as a prisoner of war (Num 31:26; Deut 20:10) or become a foreigner by purchase (Lev 22:11, 25:44-45).
However, the mention of a slave or slavery in the Bible in general most often connotes a “debt-slave” or “indentured servant,” someone who willingly participated.
Joseph’s Story
Probably the most popular story of slavery in the Bible is the life of Joseph.
In Genesis 37-50, Joseph’s brothers intensely disliked him primarily because of their father, Jacob’s, blatant favoritism towards him. The brothers’ final straw came after Joseph recalled a vivid dream.
“There we were binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright. And indeed, your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.” (Gen 37:7)
Feeling that enough was enough, the brothers plotted to kill Joseph but instead threw him into a pit. Later that day, a caravan of traders came by, prompting them to sell Joseph. They then killed a goat and dipped Joseph’s coat in the goat’s blood to make it seem as if the boy had been attacked and killed.
“But as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Gen 50:20)
Despite the brothers’ evil actions, God had a plan to use them to His glory. Joseph prospered in Egypt and, ultimately, saved thousands from a terrible famine. However, it did not absolve the brothers. God held them responsible for selling their brother into slavery (Gen 42-44).
Other Old Testament stories involving slavery include the Hebrew people in Egypt (Ex 1-14), Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian slave (Gen 16, 21), and the widow’s son set to be taken as collateral until Elisha miraculously causes her jars of oil to stay full continually, allowing her to pay off her debts (2 Kin 4:1-7).
God Regulates Slavery
Incidents of lawless slavery and other criminal behavior prevailed until God stepped in and gave Moses the Law. One such law concerned the crime of kidnapping.
Exodus 21:16, “He who kidnaps a man and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, shall surely be put to death.”
Deuteronomy 24:7, “If a man is found kidnapping any of his brethren of the children of Israel and mistreats him or sells him, then that kidnapper shall die, and you shall put away the evil from among you.”
Though these verses seem to speak only of kidnapping, the motivation for such an action is slavery.
In those days, someone who kidnapped another likely did not do it for ransom but to sell that person and profit from it. Thus, their action deprived that person of their personal rights and those of their families (a devastating blow culturally and economically).
Indeed, all of Exodus 21 deals with slavery and the treatment of those involved. Verses 1-6 specifically pertain to enslaved men and verses 7-11 to enslaved women, respectively. The remainder of Exodus 21 then deals with a variety of “case laws” involving personal injury to slaves.
In every case, if someone violated any of these laws, they deserve death, according to God’s holy moral standard.
God’s View of Slavery
Leviticus 25:39-55 also addresses slavery.
“And if one of your brethren who dwells by you becomes poor and sells himself to you, you shall not compel him to serve as a slave.” (Lev 25:39)
Leviticus 25 is where God presents the spirit of slavery in His view. Hebrew “debt-slaves” must be treated as family, better than employees, since God redeemed them from enslavement under Pharaoh. Therefore, they belong to Him and deserve great respect.
Leviticus 25 also outlines the ability for one to redeem a family member by paying their debt, plus establishes the command to release Hebrew slaves in a Sabbatical Year (i.e., the Year of Jubilee). Slaves cannot serve indefinitely; there is a time limit.
God did not forget about those who were not Hebrew (foreign slaves). They, too, must be treated justly (Lev 19:33-34) and not as property under His law (Ex 21:7-11). Recalling Exodus 21, one who mistreats a foreign slave (considered a sin) also deserves death. Furthermore, the slave is immediately granted his freedom (Ex 21:20, 26). Exodus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 5:14 also include “days off” for slaves: Masters must provide every slave a day of rest each week.
Regarding marriage, if a female slave became her captor’s wife, he could not sell her again. He must also set her free if he decided he did not like her (Deut 21:14). In cases of slaves marrying each other, God required their bond to be treated just as sacredly as others. Any violation of that bond required a guilt offering to God (sacrifice of an expensive, spotless male ram (Lev 19:20-22).
Paul’s Teachings About Slavery
The Bible does not restrict the topic of slavery to the Old Testament. Jesus did not deny the cultural norms of His time. He referred to it in several parables (Mt 18:22-30, 25:14-30; Lk 15). He also healed a centurion’s slave in Luke 7:1-10. Acts 12:12-17 mentions a slave named Rhoda, and Revelation 18:13 foretells people will engage in trading the “bodies and souls of men” during the Tribulation.
Undoubtedly, slaves were treated far better in New Testament times. Nevertheless, the institution persisted, prompting the apostle Paul to address it several times.
Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 6:9, “And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.”
Colossians 4:1, “Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”
In these verses, Paul stresses the equality of slaves and their masters, again emphasizing the Law’s instruction to treat slaves justly. First Timothy 6:1-12 also focuses on slavery, not only fair treatment but also honoring slaves who are believers pursuing godliness and righteousness.
Believing Slaves
Perhaps Paul’s most prominent expression of his view of slavery is found in the book of Philemon.
Philemon was the owner of a slave named Onesimus, who stole money from his owner and ran away to Rome, hoping to hide among the crowd. However, he eventually met Paul, who introduced him to the gospel, and they became good friends.
When the time came for Onesimus to return home, Paul implored Philemon to treat his slave even better than what the laws of Exodus 21, Deuteronomy 24, and Leviticus 25 instruct, since he is a brother in Christ. Paul was confident that Philemon would do so.
“If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing you will do even more than I say.” (Phil 17, 21)
The book of Philemon plainly illustrates that masters must treat their believing slaves like family because they are followers of Christ.
Believing Masters
What about masters who follow God? Paul speaks directly of slaves of “believing masters” in 1 Timothy 6:2.
“And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved.”
In each of these scriptural passages, the Bible teaches that we should always treat others with respect, love, justice, and compassion, regardless of social status. These rules are especially incumbent on followers of Christ, including slave masters.
Far and away, the New Testament emphasizes the spiritual freedom one experiences when one puts their faith in Jesus Christ. These are the ones who win absolute emancipation from the bondage of sin.
Slaves are Not Property
The Bible makes it clear that God disapproves of slavery. Still, some point to its moral offensiveness and that the Bible does not outright condemn it. They further argue that masters treated their foreign slaves as property, as mentioned in Leviticus 25.
“As for your male and female slaves whom you may have—from the nations that are around you, from them you may buy male and female slaves. Moreover, you may buy the children of the strangers who dwell among you, and their families who are with you, which they beget in the land; and they shall become your property. And you may take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them as a possession; they shall be your permanent slaves.” (Lev 25:44-46)
These verses need clarifying for the modern Bible reader. God’s law did not treat foreign slaves as property in a literal sense. Historically, slaves treated as property had no rights whatsoever. They could not marry, had no physical protection or freedom of movement, and had no method of ever obtaining freedom.
God’s law is different. Under His moral code, Israelite masters did not have absolute dominion over their slaves, and they could not mistreat their slaves—foreign or Hebrew—in any way without the penalty of death.
Though the slaves came from Israel’s enemy nations, slavery was a gracious and humane option, in God’s view. Thus, masters are required to treat them justly, with compassion and righteousness.
Obedience in Slavery
Of course, not every slave master followed God’s law, leaving slaves a choice to either obey or not obey. Paul addresses the issue in Titus 2:9-10, which Peter echoes in 1 Peter 2:18.
“Servants, be submissive to your masters with all [respect], not only to the good and gentle but also to the harsh.”
The Bible instructs that slaves must obey disobedient masters, especially if one is a “debt-slave,” since they are there voluntarily. Therefore, one’s faith does not give them the right to rebel.
Instead, they must trust in God’s sovereignty and continue striving to be more Christ-like, since He “also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that [we] should follow in His steps: who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth (1 Ptr 1:21-22).”
“He was abused and punished, but he didn’t open his mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. He was like a sheep that is silent when its wool is cut off.” (Is 53:7)
At no time during Jesus’ sham trials and unjust crucifixion did He rebel. Likewise, for the slave, if they follow Christ, they should place a greater importance on spiritual freedom from the bondage of sin than their physical bondage.
“But now having been set free from sin and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 6:22-23)
As for disobedient masters, consequences always remain, according to the prophet Amos’ warning.
“Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Israel and for four, I will not turn away its punishment because they sell the righteous for silver and the poor for a pair of sandals. They pant after the dust of the earth which is on the head of the poor and pervert the way of the humble. Therefore, flight shall perish from the swift, the strong shall not strengthen his power, nor shall the mighty deliver himself.” (Am 2:6-7, 14)
As Amos foretells, God’s holy judgment exists for those who disobey Him.
Jesus’ Response to Slavery
Under God’s law, He did not permit slavery as we think of it today. However, people could willingly sell themselves into it with the reasonable expectation that they would be appropriately protected and respected as children of God.
Unfortunately, later generations under the European and American slave systems, as well as others, corrupted God’s commands to justify their greed. However, one should always bear in mind that it was never a part of God’s plan, especially of a God who has profound affection for the poor and the outcast (Prov 14:31; 17:5).
“He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.” (Prov 14:31)
Yet, man’s sin forced God to respond to corrupt practices.
Despite His Law, slavery persisted in the ancient Near Eastern world and into the modern age, leaving the question, why did God allow it at all? The Bible does not provide an adequate answer that satisfies today’s sense of social justice. Good and honest people rightfully find it morally reprehensible, yet the fact remains that it persists in many parts of the world.
In God’s view, slavery should never have happened. Nevertheless, we live in a fallen world of our own making, which is why God stepped in. He set clear, precise regulations along with protections and expectations for all the people involved. These regulations are just as true today as in ancient times, though not engaging in slavery at all would be His obvious preference since it violates His moral code of righteousness.
In all cases, disregarding God’s law of love is always a sin, and He will hold accountable those who disobey Him (Rev 20:11-15). Jesus summarizes the law in Matthew 22:37-39, known as the Greatest Commandment.
“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Including the law concerning slavery.
