Definition and Context
In the biblical context, Hebrew slaves were individuals from the Israelite community who entered into servitude, often due to economic hardship, debt, or as a result of theft where restitution could not be made. The institution of slavery in ancient Israel was distinct from the more oppressive forms of slavery seen in other ancient cultures, as it was regulated by Mosaic Law with specific protections and rights for the slaves.

Biblical Regulations
The primary biblical texts concerning Hebrew slaves are found in the Pentateuch, particularly in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. These laws were designed to ensure humane treatment and to provide a path to freedom.

1. Exodus 21:2-6: "If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year he shall go free, without paying anything. If he came alone, he is to go free alone; but if he is married, then his wife shall go with him. If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’ then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life."

2. Leviticus 25:39-43: "If your brother among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, you must not force him to do slave labor. Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. Because the Israelites are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt, they are not to be sold as slaves. You are not to rule over them harshly, but you shall fear your God."

3. Deuteronomy 15:12-15: "If a fellow Hebrew, a man or woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; that is why I am giving you this command today."

Social and Theological Implications
The laws regarding Hebrew slaves reflect a broader theological and social ethic rooted in the Israelites' own experience of slavery in Egypt. The repeated reminder that the Israelites were once slaves serves as a moral foundation for the humane treatment of slaves. The Year of Jubilee and the Sabbatical year were significant in providing a cyclical opportunity for freedom and economic reset, emphasizing the values of mercy, justice, and community restoration.

Role and Status
Hebrew slaves were considered part of the household and were to be treated with dignity and respect. They were not to be subjected to harsh labor or abuse, and their servitude was often more akin to indentured servitude than chattel slavery. The provision for a Hebrew slave to choose to remain with his master out of love (Exodus 21:5-6) highlights the potential for a positive and familial relationship between master and servant.

Conclusion
The biblical regulations concerning Hebrew slaves reveal a system that sought to balance economic necessity with compassion and justice. These laws underscore the importance of remembering God's deliverance and the call to reflect His character in all social relationships.