“If your brother becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would a foreigner or a stranger, so he can continue to live among you.” – Leviticus 25:35
Bible Verses About Slavery Old Testament
The Treatment of Slaves
As we explore the topic of slavery in the Old Testament, it is important to remember how God emphasized the treatment of slaves. Even during difficult times, God called on His people to show kindness and respect to those in their care. These verses remind us that everyone deserves dignity, and in a world that faced various challenges, this call to compassion was an essential aspect for the people of God.
Exodus 21:16
“Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.” – Exodus 21:16
Deuteronomy 15:12
“If any of your people, Hebrew men or women, sell themselves to you and serve you six years, in the seventh year you must let them go free.” – Deuteronomy 15:12
Exodus 21:26-27
“If a slave owner hits a male or female slave in the eye and destroys it, he must let the slave go free to compensate for the eye.” – Exodus 21:26-27
Leviticus 25:46
“You can make them heirs, but your fellow Israelites, you must not rule over one another ruthlessly.” – Leviticus 25:46
Deuteronomy 23:15-16
“If a slave has taken refuge with you, do not hand them over to their master.” – Deuteronomy 23:15-16
God’s Concern for Justice
In the Old Testament, God demonstrated a deep concern for justice, especially toward the oppressed. He wanted His people to uphold fairness and righteousness, which included the treatment of slaves. As we read these passages, we see God’s call for justice. He desires us to treat others justly, and this includes recognizing that no one should be treated with cruelty or contempt.
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice, and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
Proverbs 22:16
“One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich— both come to poverty.” – Proverbs 22:16
Amos 5:24
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” – Amos 5:24
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
Job 29:12-13
“Because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist them. The blessing of the destitute came upon me, and I made the widow’s heart sing.” – Job 29:12-13
Slavery and Redemption
The scriptures teach us that slavery, while present in the Old Testament, also encompasses a theme of redemption. God is all about restoring and freeing His people. He used various situations to lead His people to liberation. We can find encouragement in knowing that God desires our freedom, and in Him, we are all called to a life of restoration, no matter our past.
Exodus 3:7-8
“The LORD said, ‘I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them.'” – Exodus 3:7-8
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness