Topical Bible: Strangers: Mosaic Law Relating to Authorized Bondservice of

◄ Strangers: Mosaic Law Relating to Authorized Bondservice of ►

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In the Mosaic Law, the treatment and status of strangers, or foreigners, within the Israelite community were addressed with specific guidelines. These laws reflect a balance between compassion and the socio-economic realities of ancient Israel. The term "stranger" often refers to non-Israelites who lived among the Israelites, and the Mosaic Law provided for their protection and integration, while also allowing for certain distinctions in their status, particularly in the context of servitude.

Authorized Bondservice of Strangers

The Mosaic Law permitted the Israelites to acquire bondservants from among the foreigners residing in their land. This practice is outlined in Leviticus 25:44-46 : "Your menservants and maidservants shall come from the nations around you, from whom you may purchase them. You may also purchase them from the foreigners residing among you or from their clans living among you, who are born in your land. These may become your property. You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your fellow Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother."

This passage indicates that while Israelites could own foreign bondservants, there was a clear distinction between the treatment of fellow Israelites and that of foreigners. The Israelites were prohibited from treating their fellow countrymen harshly, reflecting a covenantal kinship that demanded mutual respect and dignity.

Protection and Rights of Foreigners

Despite the allowance for bondservice, the Mosaic Law also emphasized the fair treatment of strangers. Exodus 22:21 commands, "You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt." This commandment is a reminder of Israel's own history of oppression and liberation, serving as a moral imperative to treat foreigners with justice and compassion.

Furthermore, Deuteronomy 24:14-15 instructs, "Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin." This law ensures that foreigners, even those in servitude, are not deprived of their basic rights and are treated with fairness.

Integration and Religious Observance

The Mosaic Law also provided avenues for the integration of foreigners into the religious life of Israel. Foreigners were allowed to participate in certain religious observances, such as the Passover, provided they adhered to the covenantal sign of circumcision (Exodus 12:48-49). This inclusion underscores the potential for foreigners to become part of the covenant community, sharing in the spiritual heritage of Israel.

In summary, the Mosaic Law's provisions regarding the bondservice of strangers reflect a complex interplay of economic, social, and religious factors. While allowing for the acquisition of foreign bondservants, the law simultaneously mandates their humane treatment and offers pathways for their inclusion in the covenant community, highlighting the broader biblical themes of justice, mercy, and the dignity of all people.

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Leviticus 25:44,45
Both your slaves, and your bondmaids, which you shall have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall you buy slaves and bondmaids.
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