Exodus 21 — Thoughts

This chapter made me angry…

…At first.

Giving Israel laws that allow slavery right after freeing them from their own slavery seemed contradictory and hypocritical. I couldn't understand what I was reading. Then I did some research.

"Slavery" in Israel was not like slavery in Egypt. In Israel, slavery referred to an economic system that allowed someone to offer their service as currency to pay a debt or improve their circumstances. It was not forced; it was voluntary. It was not oppressive; it provided a means of survival. "Slavery" really isn't the right word for it, and I wish the translators had done better here.

So these laws are not "allowing slavery." If anything, these laws prevent this economic system from becoming slavery. They kept people from abusing the system and protected those who took part in it.

A closer look at these laws reveals the heart of God. He doesn't want his people to take advantage of those in vulnerable financial positions. And He wants to give those vulnerable people repeated opportunities to change their circumstances if they choose. Really, God wants people to be treated like people.

He's the God who gave his own life to free us from sin and death. So, of course, He would also be the God who "sets the captives free."

(Originally written May 19, 2022)