Leviticus 25:55

For unto me the children of Israel [are] servants; they [are] my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I [am] the LORD your God.

For unto me the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} are servants {H5650}; they are my servants {H5650} whom I brought forth {H3318} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}: I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}.

For to me the people of Isra'el are slaves; they are my slaves whom I brought out of the land of Egypt; I am ADONAI your God.

For the Israelites are My servants. They are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

For unto me the children of Israel are servants; they are my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I am Jehovah your God.

Commentary

Leviticus 25:55 concludes the extensive regulations regarding the Year of Jubilee and the redemption of land and people, emphasizing God's ultimate ownership over the Israelites.

Context

This verse serves as the theological bedrock for the preceding laws in Leviticus 25, particularly those concerning the release of enslaved Israelites and the return of ancestral land during the Jubilee. The entire chapter outlines a social and economic system designed to prevent perpetual poverty and servitude among God's people. The rationale for these compassionate laws is rooted in the fact that Israel's freedom was not their own doing, but a gift from God. Therefore, no Israelite could be permanently enslaved by another, nor could land be permanently alienated from its original tribal inheritance, because both the people and the land belonged to the LORD.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ownership: The central message is God's absolute proprietorship over the children of Israel. They are His "servants" (Hebrew: 'avadim), implying a relationship of belonging, loyalty, and devoted service, not mere chattel. This divine ownership is the basis for their freedom from human bondage.
  • Redemption as Foundation: Their status as God's servants is directly tied to His act of liberation: "whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt." This echoes the declaration at Sinai, "I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage." Their past redemption dictates their present and future allegiance.
  • Covenant Relationship: The concluding phrase, "I am the LORD your God," reinforces the covenant God made with Israel, underscoring His unique relationship with them and His sovereign authority over their lives and society.
  • Human Dignity and Limits of Authority: Because Israelites were God's servants, their human masters could only hold them in temporary servitude, never as permanent slaves. This law protected their dignity and prevented human systems from overriding divine claims.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "servants" ('avadim, plural of 'eved) does not solely mean a slave in the modern sense. It encompasses a wide range of relationships from bondservant to minister, worshiper, or loyal subject. In this context, it emphasizes Israel's privileged position as those who exclusively serve God, rather than being bound to human masters indefinitely. The name "LORD" (YHWH) signifies God's personal, covenantal name, highlighting His faithfulness and active involvement in Israel's history.

Significance and Application

This verse has profound implications for believers today. Just as ancient Israel was redeemed from Egyptian bondage to serve God, Christians are "bought with a price" by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and thus belong to Him. This means:

  • Our ultimate allegiance is to God alone; we are not to be slaves to sin, worldly systems, or human opinions that contradict His will (Romans 6:18).
  • Our freedom from spiritual bondage is the basis for our devoted service to Christ.
  • It underscores the inherent dignity of every person, as all are ultimately God's creation, and believers are uniquely His redeemed servants. This principle should inform our views on justice, labor, and human rights.

Leviticus 25:55 serves as a timeless reminder that our identity and purpose are found in being God's redeemed people, called to serve Him faithfully.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 25:42 (3 votes)

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

  • Exodus 20:2 (2 votes)

    I [am] the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

  • Exodus 13:3 (2 votes)

    And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this [place]: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.

  • Isaiah 43:3 (2 votes)

    For I [am] the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt [for] thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

  • Luke 1:74 (2 votes)

    That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

  • Luke 1:75 (2 votes)

    In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

  • Romans 6:22 (2 votes)

    But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.