Slaves And Free (Exodus 21:1-11)

Exodus 21:1-11 Slaves and Free (Unpacking Command 4)

God continues speaking to Moses to lay down laws that authoritatively interpret how the rest of the ten commandments are to be applied in everyday Israelite life. Exodus 21:1-11 concerns the rights of slaves. This is not an endorsement of slavery as an institution, but neither is slavery condemned in the same way other practices are condemned such as idolatry, sorcery and adultery. While these laws may have shaped and reformed what was Israelite practice at the time, it is never put forward as God’s ideal.

These laws do point towards God’s ultimate plan with regard to the practice of slavery, which is freedom and rest for his people. Therefore these commands help us understand what it means to apply God’s command concerning the Sabbath rest, for the Sabbath is intended to be observed by one’s entire family and household – including the slaves in that household. That is why the themes of household and family are so prominent in this passage.

Those who have authority over others are to use that authority to make God’s freedom and rest known to them. Those who submit to that authority are to put their hope in the promise of freedom and rest that God provides.

Bought to be set free (vv.1-4)

God did not set his people free from slavery in Egypt in order that they may become slaves again. But this passage features some allowances for what may be done when someone’s personal circumstances are such that entering into slavery is better than whatever the alternative is. If someone must be sold into slavery, best that they be sold to a master who knows and loves the Lord.

This instruction concerns a man and his household; Masters are to ensure that slaves serve with the certain hope of freedom after a time of service. Masters are to ensure that members of a household remain together and are not forcibly separated. Former male slaves may be set free with the family he brought, or set free to start his own family.

Freedom to serve (vv.5-6)

Concerning a male slave and his household; while a slave must be allowed to go free after his time is completed, that slave may exercise his freedom in order to remain a slave for the sake of love. The master must receive that man into his household; he has become family.

The right to belong to a family (vv.7-11)

Concerning a female slave, she is always to belong to a household of her own kin. She is never to be given to strangers who do not live according to God’s law. She is to have the full dignity and rights of a wife in her master’s household. And if she shall not enjoy the fullness of those rights, she is free to return to her own family.