Biblical Slavery

A quick word for those who struggle with "biblical slavery" -- whether from the mal-intent that abuse is somehow validated in the Scriptures or for those who simply do not understand "slavery's" place in history. 

While there was indeed slavery in the ancient world, The Lord's "allowance of slaves" in the Law was strikingly different than the surrounding nations! We would do better to understand it as a form of employment: a labor force for owners and employment for workers. 

In the ancient world, people didn't have the convenience of employment agencies, and a "help wanted" sign on every corner. If you didn't own property or have your own business, then you needed some form of income. Some examples might be, that people would sell themselves or even family members to work, or for debt owed, or even as a sentence served from a crime, just to name a few.

Labor often included room and board, so it was considered much like a "labor contract" in that you worked for whatever goods, and could have room and board while working. In this capacity, you were considered a hired servant or slave -- it was a form of a "labor contract." Owners of agricultural farms or other industry either inherited those who worked for the family business or they were allowed to acquire  or "buy" a labor force. One could also receive slaves by lands conquered. But here is the kicker, whether you owned slaves by inheritance, bought them or gained by conquering lands, they had rights under the Mosaic Law! 

In Israel, according to the Law, slaves had rights, much like employees have certain rights today. It was a stark contrast to the surrounding nations. A slave could be redeemed  as well as, if mistreated or abused, they were either compensated or given their freedom. Even after an agreed upon time period of work, again like a labor contract, the slave was given the choice if he wanted to continue to stay on and work. 

In fact, the oral law teaches that if you are a master and have a slave and you only have one piece of bread, guess who gets the bread -- the slave! Why? Because the Law taught that those entrusted with the responsibility and care of other, no matter your capacity, then you are a representation of a just God!  

The emphasis being that the Mosaic Law gave allowance for slavery as a labor force, but mandated masters to be just! From this perspective, we can understand the parables Jesus employs in His teachings. 

It was not the abhorrent stain of slavery that we know of in our American history, or other Gentile nations, and by in large, the stain on Church history! All will give an account for abuse regardless of our station in life. 

History echoes with those who take parts of Biblical truths and use it to leverage their religious, political or egotistical gain and further their agendas to move the masses -- or worse, justify their own prejudice.  

Diverse weights (whether in relations, position, substance or information) are an abomination to the LORD, and dishonest scales are not good. Pro 20:23

In kind, to be prejudice or racist is to dishonor God. The word prejudice actually means to have pre judgement before the process of justice (evaluating the evidence of facts) can be served. 

This is absolutely forbidden in the Mosaic Law, in fact, Jesus' whole teaching was to live beyond the heart and mindset of superior and inferior posturing!

While our value is the same, our roles or responsibilities are not the same, whether we are put in positions of authority to rule and administrate, we do so on behalf of a just God. And likewise, if we serve those in authority, we do so as unto The Lord -- everybody is accountable!

In the Kingdom, we all have the same value, not equal to one another, but to Him! And God expects us to honor one another in that light -- when we have disrespected one of the least, we have disrespected Him and His order! This is the measure that we will all be judged by when we stand before Him.