◄ Leviticus 25:44 ►
Your menservants and maidservants shall come from the nations around you, from whom you may purchase them.
Study Bible
Your male and female slaves
The Hebrew words used here are "עֶבֶד" (eved) for male slaves and "אָמָה" (amah) for female slaves. In the ancient Near Eastern context, slavery was a common practice, and these terms were used to denote individuals who were in servitude. From a conservative Christian perspective, it is important to understand that the Bible's mention of slavery does not equate to an endorsement of the practice as it was known in more recent history. Instead, it reflects the socio-economic realities of the time. The Bible provides regulations that were intended to protect and provide for slaves, recognizing their humanity and dignity.

are to come from the nations around you
This phrase indicates that the Israelites were permitted to acquire slaves from the surrounding nations. Historically, this reflects the interactions between Israel and its neighbors, where trade and exchanges were common. Theologically, this can be seen as a distinction between the covenant community of Israel and the Gentile nations. The Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart for God, and this distinction extended to their social and economic practices.

from them you may purchase slaves
The act of purchasing slaves from other nations was a regulated practice within the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew word for "purchase" is "קָנָה" (qanah), which means to acquire or buy. This regulation served to ensure that the Israelites did not enslave their fellow countrymen permanently, as outlined in the preceding verses of Leviticus 25. Instead, it allowed for the acquisition of slaves from outside the covenant community, reflecting a protective measure for the Israelites and a recognition of the existing socio-economic structures. From a conservative Christian perspective, this can be seen as an early form of social legislation that sought to balance the realities of the time with the ethical demands of God's law.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom the laws in Leviticus were given.

2. Foreign Nations
The surrounding nations from which the Israelites were permitted to purchase slaves.

3. Moses
The prophet through whom God delivered the laws to the Israelites.

4. Canaan
The land promised to the Israelites, where these laws were to be observed.

5. Jubilee Year
A significant event in Leviticus 25, emphasizing freedom and restoration, contrasting with the allowance of foreign servitude.
Teaching Points
Understanding Context
Recognize the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, where servitude was a common practice.

Moral and Ethical Considerations
Reflect on the ethical implications of servitude and how it contrasts with modern values of freedom and equality.

Spiritual Freedom in Christ
Emphasize the spiritual freedom offered through Christ, which transcends earthly social structures.

Compassion and Justice
Encourage believers to practice compassion and justice in all relationships, reflecting God's character.

Cultural Sensitivity
Approach ancient texts with cultural sensitivity, understanding the difference between descriptive and prescriptive passages.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the context of Leviticus 25:44 help us understand the social and economic structures of ancient Israel?

2. In what ways does the treatment of foreign servants in Leviticus contrast with the treatment of Hebrew servants, and what does this reveal about God's laws?

3. How can the principles of justice and compassion found in the Bible guide our interactions with others in today's society?

4. How does the New Testament teaching on equality in Christ challenge or affirm the practices described in Leviticus 25:44?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our treatment of others reflects the love and justice of God, as seen throughout Scripture?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 21
Discusses laws regarding Hebrew servants, highlighting the difference in treatment between Hebrew and foreign servants.

Deuteronomy 15
Expands on the treatment of Hebrew servants, emphasizing release and fair treatment.

Galatians 3
Paul speaks of equality in Christ, transcending ethnic and social boundaries, offering a New Testament perspective on servitude and freedom.

Ephesians 6
Provides guidance on the relationship between masters and servants, urging fair and respectful treatment.

Colossians 3
Encourages servants to work sincerely, as if serving the Lord, and masters to treat servants justly.
Sermons
A Sabbath of Rest unto the LandW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 25:2-55
Deliverance from SinHoward James.Leviticus 25:2-55
Freedom Through ChristT. De Witt Talmage.Leviticus 25:2-55
Jubilee GladnessJ. Cairns.Leviticus 25:2-55
Land Laws Among Other NationsM. M. Kalisch, Ph. D.Leviticus 25:2-55
Land TenureT. T. Munger.Leviticus 25:2-55
Laws of Trade-WagesHom. ReviewLeviticus 25:2-55
Lessons from the Sabbatical YearF. W. Brown.Leviticus 25:2-55
Liberty Through ChristRichard Newton, D. D.Leviticus 25:2-55
Man Need not Despair of -ProvidenceBp. Babington.Leviticus 25:2-55
Practical Reliance Upon GodIndian Witness.Leviticus 25:2-55
Released from DebtChristian AgeLeviticus 25:2-55
Results of Jubilee YearT. Guthrie, D. D.Leviticus 25:2-55
Sojourners with GodHomilistLeviticus 25:2-55
The Hebrew System of Land TenureR. Reid.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Joyful SoundC. S. Robinson, D. D.Leviticus 25:2-55
The JubileeHomilistLeviticus 25:2-55
The JubileeHomilistLeviticus 25:2-55
The Jubilee a Type of the GospelWm. Sleigh.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Jubilee Year: its Fourfold SignificanceW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Oppressor Rebuked and the Oppression RemovedC. F. S. Money, M. A.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Purpose of the Sabbatical YearM. M. Kalisch, Ph. D.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Resemblance Between the Year of Jubilee and the GospelT. B. Baker.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Sabbath of the FieldsH. Macmillan, D. D.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Sabbatic Year and JubileeJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Sinner's Chains are Self ForgedPreacher's Lantern.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of JubileeA. G. Brown.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of JubileeA. H. Currier.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of JubileeWalter Roberts, M. A.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of JubileeD. C. Hughes, M. A.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of JubileeT. Binney.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year SabbathDr. Ide.Leviticus 25:2-55
What Shall We Eat the Seventh Year?A. G. Brown.Leviticus 25:2-55
The JubileeR.M. Edgar Leviticus 25:8-55
Year of JubileeW. Clarkson Leviticus 25:8-55
Year of Jubilee: Ii. the World's RedemptionW. Clarkson Leviticus 25:8-55
Year of Jubilee: Iii. the Blessed KingdomW. Clarkson Leviticus 25:8-55
Justice and MercyJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 25:35-55
The Law of Personal ServitudeR.A. Redford Leviticus 25:35-55
SlaveryLeviticus 25:39-55
People
Israelites, Levites, Moses
Places
Canaan, Egypt, Mount Sinai
Topics
Acquire, Bondmaids, Bond-maids, Bondman, Bondmen, Bond-men, Buy, Female, Handmaid, Handmaids, Hast, Have, Heathen, Male, Man-servant, Mayest, Men-servants, Nations, Pagan, Property, Round, Servants, Slaves, Women-servants
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 25:39-55

     5378   law, OT
     7447   slavery, in OT
     8343   servanthood, in society

Leviticus 25:44-45

     5242   buying and selling

Library
Sojourners with God
'The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is Mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with Me.' --LEV. xxv. 23. The singular institution of the Jubilee year had more than one purpose. As a social and economical arrangement it tended to prevent the extremes of wealth and poverty. Every fiftieth year the land was to revert to its original owners, the lineal descendants of those who had 'come in with the conqueror,' Joshua. Debts were to be remitted, slaves emancipated, and so the mountains …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

God's Slaves
'For they are My servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt; they shall not be sold as bondmen.' --LEV. xxv. 42. This is the basis of the Mosaic legislation as to slavery. It did not suppress but regulated that accursed system. Certainly Hebrew slavery was a very different thing from that of other nations. In the first place, no Jew was to be a slave. To that broad principle there were exceptions, such as the case of the man who voluntarily gave himself up to his creditor. But even …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

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

Boniface viii Ad 1294-1303.
PART I In Celestine's place was chosen Benedict Gaetani, who, although even older than the worn-out and doting late pope, was still full of strength, both in body and in mind. Benedict (who took the name of Boniface VIII) is said to have been very learned, especially in matters at law; but his pride and ambition led him into attempts which ended in his own ruin, and did serious harm to the papacy. In the year 1300 Boniface set on foot what was called the Jubilee. You will remember the Jubilee which …
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

The Kinsman-Redeemer
'Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of Hosts is His name: He shall thoroughly plead their cause.'--JER. l. 34. Among the remarkable provisions of the Mosaic law there were some very peculiar ones affecting the next-of-kin. The nearest living blood relation to a man had certain obligations and offices to discharge, under certain contingencies, in respect of which he received a special name; which is sometimes translated in the Old Testament 'Redeemer,' and sometimes 'Avenger' of blood. What the etymological …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Day of Atonement
Now, I shall invite your attention to the ceremonies of this solemn day, taking the different parts in detail. First, we shall consider the person who made the atonement; secondly, the sacrifice whereby the atonement was typically made; thirdly, the effects of the atonement; and fourthly, our behaviour on the recollection of the atonement, as well set forth by the conduct prescribed to the Israelites on that day. I. First, THE PERSON WHO WAS TO MAKE THE ATONEMENT. And at the outset, we remark that …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

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

Sin and Forgiveness Between Brethren.
(Autumn, a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XVIII. 15-35. ^a 15 And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. [Having warned against giving offense, Jesus now shows how to act when offense is received. The fault is to be pointed out to the offender, but for the purpose of gaining him--not from a desire to humiliate him. The offended is to seek the offender, and the offender is likewise to seek the offended (Matt. xv. 23, 24), …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

"And the Redeemer Shall Come unto Zion, and unto them that Turn,"
Isaiah lix. 20.--"And the Redeemer shall come unto Zion, and unto them that turn," &c. Doctrines, as things, have their seasons and times. Every thing is beautiful in its season. So there is no word of truth, but it hath a season and time in which it is beautiful. And indeed that is a great part of wisdom, to bring forth everything in its season, to discern when and where, and to whom it is pertinent and edifying, to speak such and such truths. But there is one doctrine that is never out of season, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Eighth Commandment
Thou shalt not steal.' Exod 20: 15. AS the holiness of God sets him against uncleanness, in the command Thou shalt not commit adultery;' so the justice of God sets him against rapine and robbery, in the command, Thou shalt not steal.' The thing forbidden in this commandment, is meddling with another man's property. The civil lawyers define furtum, stealth or theft to be the laying hands unjustly on that which is another's;' the invading another's right. I. The causes of theft. [1] The internal causes …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Baptism
Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them,' &c. Matt 28: 19. I. The way whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemptions, is, in the use of the sacraments. What are the sacraments in general? They are visible signs of invisible grace. Is not the word of God sufficient to salvation? What need then is there of sacraments? We must not be wise above what is written. It is God's will that his church …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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