Lev 25:39 | MHM | STEP | Leviticus 25:39 – Oppression of Brethren Forbidden This passage sets out the laws for servitude in Israel. The goal was to protect the dignity of the Israelites, who had been freed from slavery in Egypt by God and were now His chosen people. The laws make it clear that Israelite servants should not be treated as permanent slaves, and their freedom and rights should be preserved. The passage also covers how foreigners could be made bondmen, but Israelites could not, and there were special rules if an Israelite sold himself to a non-Israelite living among them. v. 39 : If an Israelite became so poor that he had to sell himself to another Israelite, he must not be treated as a slave. He could not be sold like a slave either ( v. 39, 42 ). Instead, he was to be seen as a hired worker, not as someone the master owned completely, like property. The reason for this is that God said, "They are my servants" ( v. 42 ). God had rescued them from slavery in Egypt, so their fellow Israelites must not enslave them again. Paul refers to this spiritual idea in the New Testament, reminding Christians that they are "bought with a price" and should not be slaves to people or to sin (1 Cor. 7:23; Rom. 6:12, 22 ).

‏ Leviticus 25:39

Leviticus 25:39 – Oppression of Brethren Forbidden

This passage sets out the laws for servitude in Israel. The goal was to protect the dignity of the Israelites, who had been freed from slavery in Egypt by God and were now His chosen people. The laws make it clear that Israelite servants should not be treated as permanent slaves, and their freedom and rights should be preserved. The passage also covers how foreigners could be made bondmen, but Israelites could not, and there were special rules if an Israelite sold himself to a non-Israelite living among them.

v. 39: If an Israelite became so poor that he had to sell himself to another Israelite, he must not be treated as a slave. He could not be sold like a slave either (v. 39, 42 ^a). Instead, he was to be seen as a hired worker, not as someone the master owned completely, like property. The reason for this is that God said, "They are my servants" (v. 42 ^b). God had rescued them from slavery in Egypt, so their fellow Israelites must not enslave them again. Paul refers to this spiritual idea in the New Testament, reminding Christians that they are "bought with a price" and should not be slaves to people or to sin (1 Cor. 7:23; Rom. 6:12, 22 ^c).