What was the primary purpose of Hebrew servitude in ancient Israel?

The primary purpose of Hebrew servitude was not punitive or based on racial inferiority, but largely economic. It served as a social safety net, allowing individuals who had fallen into extreme poverty or debt to sell themselves or their family members into service for a limited period (typically six years) to pay off their debts or secure sustenance. It was a means of survival and debt resolution within the covenant community, distinct from the perpetual, chattel slavery practiced by surrounding nations. The laws surrounding it, including Deuteronomy 15:13, aimed to prevent exploitation and ensure humane treatment.

What specific provisions were masters expected to give to a freed servant?

While Deuteronomy 15:13 states the general command "thou shalt not let him go away empty," the very next verse, Deuteronomy 15:14, specifies the types of provisions: "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." This indicates substantial gifts from the master's primary sources of wealth: livestock (sheep, goats), grain (from the threshing floor), and wine (from the winepress). These were essential agricultural commodities that would allow the freed servant to establish their own farm, provide for their family, or begin a new trade.

15:12 15:12

Deuteronomy 15:13

15:14 15:14

Bible Versions

And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty:

And when thou sendest {H7971} him out free {H2670} from thee, thou shalt not let him go away {H7971} empty {H7387}:

Moreover, when you set him free, don't let him leave empty-handed;

And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed.

And when thou lettest him go free from thee, thou shalt not let him go empty:

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Proverbs 3:27

¶ Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do [it].
Proverbs 3:28

Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
Malachi 3:5

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
Jeremiah 22:13

Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; [that] useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;
Colossians 4:1

¶ Masters, give unto [your] servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
Exodus 3:21

And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:
Leviticus 25:42

For they [are] my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.

Bible Versions

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