Exodus 21: 11 Commentary

Ex. 21:1-11
#189: To deal judicially with the Hebrew bondman in accordance with the laws appertaining to him (Ex. 21:2-6)
#196: To redeem a Hebrew maid-servant (Ex. 21:8)
#197: Not to sell a Hebrew maid-servant to another person (Ex. 21:8)
#198: To espouse a Hebrew maid-servant (Ex. 21:8-9)
#73: Not to withhold food, clothing or conjugal rights from a wife (Ex. 21:10)
These verses deal with good treatment to those under authority.
There were at least two different types of slaves in ancient Israel. First was a non-Hebrew gentile who was probably a Canaanite captured during the conquest of the land. Their treatment will be addressed in Lev. and Deut. The other was the Hebrew who sold himself and/or his family due to dire straits. There were special considerations for the Hebrew such as serving only six years unless he agreed to more. This was more like indentured servitude than slavery as we think of it.
There was also the law of redemption for a maid, an example of which can be read in the Book of Ruth. Boaz as the kinsman-redeemer was a good type of Christ.
Laws regarding the bondman or slave are no longer applicable. But command #73 is still followed by some families where the husband is the sole provider.
All of these verses show an interesting relationship between leading and serving. A leader with servants needs to lead by example and serve the servants.

By Terik Q (wrote 65 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 8/31/2010 13:07 pm