Exodus 21:3

If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him.

Study Bible

If he arrived alone
The Hebrew word for "alone" here is "בְּגַפּוֹ" (begappo), which implies a solitary state. This phrase sets the stage for understanding the conditions of servitude in ancient Israel. The context is a Hebrew servant who has entered into service due to debt or poverty. The law provided a framework for servitude that was humane and just, reflecting God's concern for the dignity and rights of individuals. The servant's initial state upon entering service is crucial, as it determines his status upon release.

he is to leave alone
The phrase underscores the principle of restoration to one's original state. The Hebrew word "יֵצֵא" (yetze) means "to go out" or "to leave," indicating the end of the servant's term. This reflects the biblical principle of freedom and redemption, where servitude is not a permanent condition but a temporary one. The servant's departure as he arrived signifies the restoration of his personal autonomy and dignity, a theme that resonates with the broader biblical narrative of liberation and redemption.

but if he arrived with a wife
The Hebrew word for "wife" is "אִשָּׁה" (ishah), which denotes a married woman. This phrase introduces a conditional clause that acknowledges the family unit. The inclusion of the wife in the servant's terms of release highlights the importance of family integrity and unity in God's law. It reflects the biblical value placed on marriage and the protection of familial relationships, ensuring that the servant's marital status is respected and preserved.

she is to leave with him
This phrase emphasizes the protection and preservation of the marital bond. The Hebrew word "תֵּצֵא" (tetze) is similar to the word used for the servant's departure, indicating that the wife shares in the servant's liberation. This provision ensures that the family unit remains intact, reflecting God's design for marriage as a lifelong covenant. It underscores the biblical principle that marriage is a partnership, and the rights and dignity of both husband and wife are to be upheld.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hebrew Servant
The subject of the law in Exodus 21:3, referring to a Hebrew man who has sold himself into servitude, typically due to debt or poverty.

2. Wife
The wife of the Hebrew servant, who is mentioned in the context of the servant's release.

3. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received and communicated God's laws, including those in Exodus 21, to the people.

4. Mount Sinai
The place where Moses received the laws from God, including the laws concerning servants.

5. Israelites
The people to whom these laws were given, forming the context of the covenant community.

Teaching Points

Understanding Servitude in Ancient Israel
The servitude described in Exodus 21 was not akin to modern understandings of slavery but was often a means of survival and debt repayment.

The Sanctity of Marriage
The law acknowledges the bond of marriage, ensuring that a servant's marital status is respected and preserved upon his release.

God's Justice and Compassion
These laws reflect God's concern for justice and compassion, ensuring that even those in servitude are treated with dignity and fairness.

The Principle of Freedom
The release of servants after a period of service points to a broader biblical theme of freedom and redemption, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Application to Modern Life
While the cultural context has changed, the principles of justice, compassion, and respect for family relationships remain relevant today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the law in Exodus 21:3 reflect God's character and His concern for justice and family?

2. In what ways can the principles found in Exodus 21:3 be applied to modern employment practices and relationships?

3. How does the concept of servitude in ancient Israel differ from modern understandings of slavery, and what can we learn from this distinction?

4. How do the teachings in Deuteronomy 15 and Leviticus 25 expand our understanding of the release of servants and the Year of Jubilee?

5. How can the principles of unity and respect in marriage, as seen in Exodus 21:3, be applied to strengthen Christian marriages today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25
Discusses the Year of Jubilee and the release of servants, providing a broader context for the release of Hebrew servants.

Deuteronomy 15
Expands on the laws of releasing servants, emphasizing the importance of treating them with dignity and fairness.

1 Corinthians 7
Paul discusses marriage and the responsibilities of spouses, which can be related to the principle of unity in marriage seen in Exodus 21:3.

Galatians 3
Speaks to the equality of all believers in Christ, which can be connected to the fair treatment of servants and their families.

Ephesians 5
Discusses the relationship between husbands and wives, which can be related to the unity and mutual respect implied in Exodus 21:3.