Deuteronomy 15:12 - If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you, and serves you six years; then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.
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What does "Deuteronomy 15:12" mean?
Deuteronomy 15:12 outlines a law concerning the treatment of fellow Israelites who are forced into servitude due to debt or poverty. Let's break it down:
"If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you...": This refers to a situation where an Israelite falls into debt or poverty and sells themselves into servitude to another Israelite to repay that debt or provide for their survival. The law specifically applies to fellow Israelites, not foreigners.
"...and serves you six years...": This specifies the duration of the servitude. The person would work for their master for a period of six years.
"...then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.": This is the core of the law. In the seventh year, the master is obligated to release the servant from their bondage. They are to be set free and no longer required to work for the master.
In essence, the verse mandates the manumission (release) of Hebrew servants after six years of service.
Key Implications and Context:
Protection against Perpetual Servitude: The law aimed to prevent Israelites from becoming permanently enslaved to one another. It ensured a system of temporary servitude rather than lifelong ownership.
Social Safety Net: It served as a safety net for those who fell into economic hardship. It allowed them to work off their debt and then regain their freedom and independence.
Ethical Considerations: It highlights the importance of treating fellow Israelites with compassion and fairness, even in situations of economic disparity. It reflects a societal value of preventing extreme exploitation.
Comparison to Other Ancient Near Eastern Laws: While other ancient Near Eastern societies also had laws regarding servitude, the provision for automatic release after a set period was a unique feature of Israelite law. This set it apart from other systems that often allowed for indefinite servitude.
Practical Application and Debate: The actual implementation of this law throughout Israelite history is debated among scholars. There are indications that it was not always consistently followed. Some prophetic texts, like Jeremiah 34:8-22, criticize the Israelites for not adhering to this law.
Connection to Sabbath Year: This law is connected to the concept of the Sabbath year (every seventh year), during which agricultural land was to be left fallow. Both the release of servants and the fallowing of land reflect a principle of periodic rest and restoration.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 15:12 is a significant verse that reflects the Israelite concern for social justice and the prevention of permanent enslavement among its own people. It mandates the release of Hebrew servants after six years of service, providing them with an opportunity to regain their freedom and independence.
Deuteronomy 15:12 - If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you, and serves you six years; then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.
What does "Deuteronomy 15:12" mean?
Deuteronomy 15:12 outlines a law concerning the treatment of fellow Israelites who are forced into servitude due to debt or poverty. Let's break it down:
"If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you...": This refers to a situation where an Israelite falls into debt or poverty and sells themselves into servitude to another Israelite to repay that debt or provide for their survival. The law specifically applies to fellow Israelites, not foreigners.
"...and serves you six years...": This specifies the duration of the servitude. The person would work for their master for a period of six years.
"...then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.": This is the core of the law. In the seventh year, the master is obligated to release the servant from their bondage. They are to be set free and no longer required to work for the master.
In essence, the verse mandates the manumission (release) of Hebrew servants after six years of service.
Key Implications and Context:
Protection against Perpetual Servitude: The law aimed to prevent Israelites from becoming permanently enslaved to one another. It ensured a system of temporary servitude rather than lifelong ownership.
Social Safety Net: It served as a safety net for those who fell into economic hardship. It allowed them to work off their debt and then regain their freedom and independence.
Ethical Considerations: It highlights the importance of treating fellow Israelites with compassion and fairness, even in situations of economic disparity. It reflects a societal value of preventing extreme exploitation.
Comparison to Other Ancient Near Eastern Laws: While other ancient Near Eastern societies also had laws regarding servitude, the provision for automatic release after a set period was a unique feature of Israelite law. This set it apart from other systems that often allowed for indefinite servitude.
Practical Application and Debate: The actual implementation of this law throughout Israelite history is debated among scholars. There are indications that it was not always consistently followed. Some prophetic texts, like Jeremiah 34:8-22, criticize the Israelites for not adhering to this law.
Connection to Sabbath Year: This law is connected to the concept of the Sabbath year (every seventh year), during which agricultural land was to be left fallow. Both the release of servants and the fallowing of land reflect a principle of periodic rest and restoration.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 15:12 is a significant verse that reflects the Israelite concern for social justice and the prevention of permanent enslavement among its own people. It mandates the release of Hebrew servants after six years of service, providing them with an opportunity to regain their freedom and independence.