The laws concerning Hebrew servants are primarily found in the Old Testament, specifically within the legal codes of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. These laws were given to the Israelites to regulate the treatment and rights of Hebrew servants, reflecting a societal structure where servitude was a common practice. The regulations aimed to ensure humane treatment and provide a framework for servitude that was distinct from the harsher forms of slavery seen in other ancient cultures.

Exodus 21:2-6
The Book of Exodus provides foundational laws regarding Hebrew servants. According to 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." This law establishes a sabbatical cycle for servitude, ensuring that Hebrew servants would not be bound indefinitely. The passage further details that if the servant enters with a wife, she is to leave with him. However, if the master gives him a wife and she bears children, the wife and children remain with the master unless the servant chooses to stay, declaring his love for his master and family. In such a case, the servant undergoes a ritual at the doorpost, signifying a lifelong commitment to servitude.

Leviticus 25:39-43
Leviticus expands on these regulations, emphasizing the dignity and rights of Hebrew servants. Leviticus 25:39-43 states, "If your brother among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, you must not force him into 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." This passage underscores the temporary nature of servitude and the prohibition against treating Hebrew servants as slaves. The Year of Jubilee, occurring every fifty years, provided a reset for social and economic inequalities, allowing servants to return to their families and ancestral lands.

Deuteronomy 15:12-18
Deuteronomy reiterates and expands upon these laws, adding provisions for the release of servants. Deuteronomy 15:12-18 instructs, "If a fellow Hebrew, a man or woman, sells himself to you and serves you six years, you must set him free in the seventh year. And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed." The text commands the master to provide generously for the departing servant, reflecting God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt. This generosity is a reminder of the Israelites' own liberation and a call to treat others with compassion and fairness.

Social and Theological Context
The laws regarding Hebrew servants reflect a broader theological and social context. They are rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing justice, mercy, and the inherent dignity of every individual. These laws served to protect the vulnerable and prevent the exploitation of fellow Israelites, aligning with the broader biblical themes of liberation and redemption. The regulations also highlight the importance of community and familial ties, as well as the recognition of God's ultimate ownership of the land and people.

Application and Interpretation
Throughout history, these laws have been interpreted in various ways, often reflecting the cultural and societal norms of the time. In the context of ancient Israel, they provided a framework for a more humane and equitable system of servitude. For contemporary readers, these laws offer insights into God's character and His desire for justice and compassion within human relationships. They challenge believers to consider how principles of fairness, mercy, and liberation can be applied in modern contexts, advocating for the dignity and rights of all individuals.