Exodus 21:7 Study Bible: "If a man sells his daughter to be a female servant, she shall not go out as the male servants do.

◄ Exodus 21:7 ►

And if a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do.

And if a man sells his daughter
The phrase begins with a conditional "if," indicating a specific legal situation within the ancient Israelite society. The Hebrew word for "sells" is "מָכַר" (makar), which implies a transaction or transfer of ownership. In the historical context, this was not a sale in the modern sense but rather an arrangement often made due to economic hardship. The father, as the head of the household, had the authority to make such decisions, reflecting the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society. This practice was a means of providing for the daughter, ensuring her care and protection within another household.

as a servant
The Hebrew term used here is "אָמָה" (amah), which can be translated as "maidservant" or "female servant." This term indicates a status that is distinct from slavery as understood in later historical contexts. The role of a servant in ancient Israel was often more akin to an indentured servant, with specific rights and protections under the Mosaic Law. This reflects God's concern for justice and the humane treatment of all individuals, even within hierarchical social structures.

she is not to go free
The phrase "not to go free" highlights a distinction in the treatment of female servants compared to male servants. The Hebrew word "יָצָא" (yatsa) means "to go out" or "to be released." This indicates that the conditions for release were different for female servants, often tied to marriage or familial integration rather than a set period of service. This provision was intended to ensure the long-term welfare and security of the woman, recognizing the different social and economic vulnerabilities faced by women in ancient times.

as the menservants do
The comparison to "menservants" underscores the different legal and social expectations for male and female servants. The Hebrew word for "menservants" is "עֶבֶד" (eved), which refers to male servants who were typically released after six years of service, as outlined in Exodus 21:2. This distinction reflects the broader societal norms and the protective measures embedded within the law to address the unique needs and circumstances of women. It also points to the progressive nature of the Mosaic Law in providing specific rights and protections for women, which were advanced compared to other ancient Near Eastern cultures.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Exodus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai and communicated them to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The people to whom the laws were given, living in a covenant relationship with God.

3. Servant (Hebrew: ?????, 'amah')
Refers to a female servant or maidservant, often in the context of servitude due to economic hardship.

4. Mount Sinai
The place where Moses received the Ten Commandments and other laws from God.

5. Ancient Near East
The cultural and historical context in which these laws were given, where servitude was a common practice.

Teaching Points

Understanding Cultural Context
Recognize that the laws in Exodus were given in a specific historical and cultural context. The practice of selling a daughter as a servant was a means of economic survival and protection in ancient times.

God's Provision and Protection
Even within the framework of servitude, God's laws provided protection and rights for female servants, indicating His care for the vulnerable.

Spiritual Freedom in Christ
While the Old Testament laws address physical servitude, the New Testament emphasizes spiritual freedom through Christ, transcending social and economic statuses.

Compassion and Justice
As Christians, we are called to advocate for justice and compassion, reflecting God's heart for the marginalized and oppressed in our society today.

Application to Modern Contexts
Consider how principles of justice, protection, and care for the vulnerable can be applied in contemporary issues such as human trafficking and economic exploitation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the historical and cultural context of Exodus 21:7 help us interpret this verse today?

2. In what ways does the law in Exodus 21:7 reflect God's concern for justice and protection for the vulnerable?

3. How can the principles found in Exodus 21:7 be applied to modern issues of economic exploitation and human trafficking?

4. What does the New Testament teach about spiritual freedom, and how does this relate to the concept of servitude in the Old Testament?

5. How can we, as Christians, advocate for justice and compassion in our communities, reflecting God's heart for the marginalized?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25
Discusses the Year of Jubilee and the release of servants, providing a broader context for servitude and redemption in Israelite society.

Deuteronomy 15
Offers additional laws regarding the release of Hebrew servants, emphasizing compassion and fair treatment.

Galatians 3
Paul speaks about equality in Christ, which can be contrasted with the social structures in Exodus.

1 Corinthians 7
Discusses the concept of being called to freedom in Christ, which can be related to the spiritual implications of servitude and freedom.

Sermons

Regulations for the Treatment of Slaves	D. Young	Exodus 21:1-11
Hebrew Bond-Service	J. Orr	Exodus 21:2-12
Degraded Condition of Girls in Africa		Exodus 21:7-11

People

Moses

Places

Mount Sinai

Topics

Bondmen, Daughter, Depart, Female, Free, Gives, Handmaid, Maidservant, Maid-servant, Male, Menservants, Men-servants, Price, Sell, Selleth, Sells, Servant, Servants, Slave, Slaves

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Exodus 21:7

Exodus 21:2-11

Exodus 21:2-14

Exodus 21:7-9

Exodus 21:7-11

5672 concubines
7447 slavery, in OT

Library

The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Kinsman Redeemer
'After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him.'--LEV. xxv. 48. There are several of the institutions and precepts of the Mosaic legislation which, though not prophetic, nor typical, have yet remarkable correspondences with lofty Christian truth. They may be used as symbols, if only we remember that we are diverting them from their original purpose. How singularly these words lend themselves to the statement of the very central truths of Christianity--a slavery …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Non-Resistance
'Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.'--MATT. v. 38-42. The old law …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of the House of God; with Counsels and Directions to the Inhabitants Thereof.
BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. 'Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.'--Psalm 26:8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Beautiful in its simplicity is this treatise on the Church of Christ, by John Bunyan. He opens, with profound knowledge and eminent skill, all those portions of sacred writ which illustrate the nature, excellency, and government of the house of God, with the personal and relative duties of its inhabitants. It was originally published in …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king, …
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South

The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed by a Minority of Men from the Very Foundation of Christianity. Of the Book "What
CHAPTER I. THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE TO EVIL BY FORCE HAS BEEN PROFESSED BY A MINORITY OF MEN FROM THE VERY FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIANITY. Of the Book "What I Believe"--The Correspondence Evoked by it-- Letters from Quakers--Garrison's Declaration--Adin Ballou, his Works, his Catechism--Helchitsky's "Net of Faith"--The Attitude of the World to Works Elucidating Christ's Teaching--Dymond's Book "On War"--Musser's "Non-resistance Asserted"--Attitude of the Government in 1818 to Men who Refused to …
Leo Tolstoy—The Kingdom of God is within you

The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic Teaching.
It was probably on one of those mountain-ranges, which stretch to the north of Capernaum, that Jesus had spent the night of lonely prayer, which preceded the designation of the twelve to the Apostolate. As the soft spring morning broke, He called up those who had learned to follow Him, and from among them chose the twelve, who were to be His Ambassadors and Representatives. [2500] [2501] But already the early light had guided the eager multitude which, from all parts, had come to the broad level …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes - Examination of their Distinctive Doctrines.
APART from the repulsively carnal form which it had taken, there is something absolutely sublime in the continuance and intensity of the Jewish expectation of the Messiah. It outlived not only the delay of long centuries, but the persecutions and scattering of the people; it continued under the disappointment of the Maccabees, the rule of a Herod, the administration of a corrupt and contemptible Priesthood, and, finally, the government of Rome as represented by a Pilate; nay, it grew in intensity …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

That Deep Things Ought not to be Preached at all to Weak Souls.
But the preacher should know how to avoid drawing the mind of his hearer beyond its strength, lest, so to speak, the string of the soul, when stretched more than it can bear, should be broken. For all deep things should be covered up before a multitude of hearers, and scarcely opened to a few. For hence the Truth in person says, Who, thinkest thou, is the faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord has appointed over his household, to give them their measure of wheat in due season? (Luke xii. 42). …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia.
Part I. History of the Councils. Reason why two Councils were called. Inconsistency and folly of calling any; and of the style of the Arian formularies; occasion of the Nicene Council; proceedings at Ariminum; Letter of the Council to Constantius; its decree. Proceedings at Seleucia; reflections on the conduct of the Arians. 1. Perhaps news has reached even yourselves concerning the Council, which is at this time the subject of general conversation; for letters both from the Emperor and the Prefects …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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