Deuteronomy 23:16 - He shall dwell with you, among you, in the place which he shall choose within one of your gates, where it pleases him best. You shall not oppress him.
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What does "Deuteronomy 23:16" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 23:16, provides protection and autonomy for a fugitive slave who has escaped from their master and sought refuge within the Israelite community. Let's break down its meaning:
"He shall dwell with you, among you...": This establishes that the escaped slave is to be accepted and integrated into the Israelite society. They are not to be treated as an outsider or an enemy.
"...in the place which he shall choose within one of your gates...": The escaped slave has the right to choose where they want to live. "Gates" were the entrance to a city and often a central place within a community. This gives the slave agency and freedom to decide where they feel safest and most comfortable. It also signifies that they are now part of the community, with the same rights to reside within its boundaries.
"...where it pleases him best.": This further emphasizes the slave's freedom of choice. They are not to be assigned a place, but rather allowed to settle where they feel most at ease.
"You shall not oppress him.": This is a direct command forbidding the Israelites from exploiting, mistreating, or taking advantage of the escaped slave. They are not to be subjected to the same treatment they endured as a slave.
In summary, the verse means that if a slave escapes and seeks refuge in Israel, they are to be welcomed, allowed to choose their place of residence within the community, and protected from any form of oppression. They are essentially granted asylum and the right to live as a free person.
Key takeaways:
Protection of the vulnerable: The verse highlights the importance of protecting those who are vulnerable and seeking refuge.
Autonomy and freedom of choice: The escaped slave is given agency to choose where they want to live, demonstrating a respect for their autonomy.
Prohibition of oppression: The command against oppression reinforces the ethical responsibility to treat all individuals with dignity and fairness, especially those who have suffered.
Contrast with the norms of the time: This law was remarkably progressive for its time. In the ancient world, escaped slaves were typically returned to their owners. This verse offered a safe haven and a chance for a new life.
This verse is often cited as an example of the humane and just principles found within the Old Testament law. It emphasizes compassion, justice, and the protection of human dignity. It shows a concern for the welfare of even the most marginalized members of society.
Deuteronomy 23:16 - He shall dwell with you, among you, in the place which he shall choose within one of your gates, where it pleases him best. You shall not oppress him.
What does "Deuteronomy 23:16" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 23:16, provides protection and autonomy for a fugitive slave who has escaped from their master and sought refuge within the Israelite community. Let's break down its meaning:
"He shall dwell with you, among you...": This establishes that the escaped slave is to be accepted and integrated into the Israelite society. They are not to be treated as an outsider or an enemy.
"...in the place which he shall choose within one of your gates...": The escaped slave has the right to choose where they want to live. "Gates" were the entrance to a city and often a central place within a community. This gives the slave agency and freedom to decide where they feel safest and most comfortable. It also signifies that they are now part of the community, with the same rights to reside within its boundaries.
"...where it pleases him best.": This further emphasizes the slave's freedom of choice. They are not to be assigned a place, but rather allowed to settle where they feel most at ease.
"You shall not oppress him.": This is a direct command forbidding the Israelites from exploiting, mistreating, or taking advantage of the escaped slave. They are not to be subjected to the same treatment they endured as a slave.
In summary, the verse means that if a slave escapes and seeks refuge in Israel, they are to be welcomed, allowed to choose their place of residence within the community, and protected from any form of oppression. They are essentially granted asylum and the right to live as a free person.
Key takeaways:
Protection of the vulnerable: The verse highlights the importance of protecting those who are vulnerable and seeking refuge.
Autonomy and freedom of choice: The escaped slave is given agency to choose where they want to live, demonstrating a respect for their autonomy.
Prohibition of oppression: The command against oppression reinforces the ethical responsibility to treat all individuals with dignity and fairness, especially those who have suffered.
Contrast with the norms of the time: This law was remarkably progressive for its time. In the ancient world, escaped slaves were typically returned to their owners. This verse offered a safe haven and a chance for a new life.
This verse is often cited as an example of the humane and just principles found within the Old Testament law. It emphasizes compassion, justice, and the protection of human dignity. It shows a concern for the welfare of even the most marginalized members of society.