Hi Doug If a man or woman was sold to a another hebrew within the tribe and served three years and stayed seven then the law was that he or she could go free but if that servant was loved and respected by the owner and wanted to be there permanently they were given the mark of a bondservant or slave. They were marked out with an aul through the ear as being owned but not by force. The marked person could leave anytime they wanted but why would because you were loved and all needs were met by your owner. In the epistles the Apostle paul mentions in Philippians 3:14 press toward the mark of the High calling of God in Christ Jesus. You sold out to the one who loves you and takes care of your every need, Paul was sold out he trusted that God in Christ Jesus would take care of every need in all situations and conditions.
The referenced scripture regards the piercing of the ear of a Hebrew slave that has decided to remain with their master after serving 6 years of service.
Additional scripture:
Exodus 21:1-6
1Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them. 2If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing. 3If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him. 4If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself. 5And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: 6Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.
They lived a very different lifestyle than we do today - thank God!
Much to digest here. Many things can be hard to put into play because we do not remember that everything we have is given to us by God Himself. Therefore if we are willing to be blessed and a blessing for as long as we sojourn on this earth; God is well within His rights to give us precepts, directions, and responsibilities as land owners, entrepenuaers, and any one who has been blessed in any fashion. These instructions are the forerunner of severance pay, early retirement, medical disability, welfare, soup kitchens etc. Notice that none of these areas of assistance for the public welfare was given to the government. It has always been the responsibility of individuals or the people to provide for the needs of others.
Let us learn to keep the whole counsel of God not just parts of it. The complete Bible not just some of the Bible.
Deuteronomy 15:19-23, speaks of the animals to be offered in sacrifice to God. The animal had to be the 'firstling' of the flock/herd, they were not to be put to work & after the sacrifice, they were to be eaten before the Lord. However, if that animal had any blemish or impediment, then it could not be sacrificed as only a pure offering was acceptable. This of course, speaks to us that Jesus was God's pure offering for the sins of the world & not at all like man's provision of an offering which showed contrition for his sins.
So any blemished animal should not be offered in sacrifice, but (in verse 22), it could still be eaten by both the clean & unclean person in their homes (this signifies whether a person was afflicted with disease or discharge, or for a woman after giving birth, etc.). All people could eat of a blemished animal, even of those that couldn't be sacrificed, like the roebuck or deer which are unclean animals. However, the blood of the animals couldn't be consumed, as some pagans were want to do with their food.
The Book of Leviticus gives an extensive dealing with this subject of sacrifice, the different animals that can or cannot be used & the condition of the priests & people who can participate in it.
@Irene123 even verse 11 says For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. We will always have poor among us.
This chapter is teaching about being kind-hearted and liberal. As God blesses us financially or otherwise we should help others who are in need among us. Prov. 25 'The liberal soul shall be made fat and he that watereth shall be watered also himself'.
The 7-year release is a precursor of an aspect of the Lord's prayer- forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. What a marvelous world it would be if we abide by this injunction.
V.4 - save when there are no more poor among you ..... "; this must be where the 'worldly' Christians get the idea they can save the world and relieve all poverty. They neglect Matt. 26:11. These Christians are what are known as 'Social Gospel' Christians.
I thought this was a great scripture to keep in mind. Jehovah God encourages helping those who are poor and in need. This helps me to be more aware of the situation of others. I would like to make it a goal to to be more giving to those in need.
I see the question being asked if this passage of Scripture applies to us in our time. The answer is yes and no. Jesus came to fulfil the law. We must now look at the Old Testament in Spiritual eyes. Yes I eat bacon, BUT I must separate myself from spiritual swine and unclean things. It�s no longer a physical issue it�s a heart thing.
@Stephenderaphael,
God has no respect for man�s goodness or man�s works. That man has to be a born again Christian or he will end up in hell for eternity!
@Rachel, Deuteronomy 15 is not for us to apply, it was meant for the Israelites, Romans 15:4. However aspects stressed in that chapter can benefit us and give us light in such issues. God bless you.
The idea here is not designed specifically for todays society where laws based on morality exist based on the Bible originally but no longer literally. For instance adultery is not punishable by stoning. But it is punishable nevertheless by God who knows how to requite iniquity. If one were to lead an all together moral life based on the principles of God as given ti his intercessor, Moses, would not God be pleased with this person and does not God reward rightiousness without fail?
I do not agree. There are some parts of the Bible Christians follow, and some parts we don't. This area specifically says Hebrew men and women.
@ Joe
I agree, no one would need the governments help if people would only help each other. It would be better for the government, they have enough to deal with. It would be better for people as well, both for their over all health and their pride.
If America would have done the right thing with the freedom of slaves who knows what would have changed in History...From what I gather, this principle is similar to the 40 acres and a mule concept...
I believe the principles laid out here are a model for all cultures today. If we did what the Bible says here there would be no need for people to depend on state or federal welfare/assistance.
The referenced scripture regards the piercing of the ear of a Hebrew slave that has decided to remain with their master after serving 6 years of service.
Additional scripture:
Exodus 21:1-6
1Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them. 2If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing. 3If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him. 4If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself. 5And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: 6Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.
They lived a very different lifestyle than we do today - thank God!
God Bless
Let us learn to keep the whole counsel of God not just parts of it. The complete Bible not just some of the Bible.
So any blemished animal should not be offered in sacrifice, but (in verse 22), it could still be eaten by both the clean & unclean person in their homes (this signifies whether a person was afflicted with disease or discharge, or for a woman after giving birth, etc.). All people could eat of a blemished animal, even of those that couldn't be sacrificed, like the roebuck or deer which are unclean animals. However, the blood of the animals couldn't be consumed, as some pagans were want to do with their food.
The Book of Leviticus gives an extensive dealing with this subject of sacrifice, the different animals that can or cannot be used & the condition of the priests & people who can participate in it.
God has no respect for man�s goodness or man�s works. That man has to be a born again Christian or he will end up in hell for eternity!
Deuteronomy 15 is not for us to apply, it was meant for the Israelites, Romans 15:4. However aspects stressed in that chapter can benefit us and give us light in such issues. God bless you.
I do not agree. There are some parts of the Bible Christians follow, and some parts we don't. This area specifically says Hebrew men and women.
@ Joe
I agree, no one would need the governments help if people would only help each other. It would be better for the government, they have enough to deal with. It would be better for people as well, both for their over all health and their pride.
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Please Sign In or Register to post comments...
Report Comment
Which best represents the problem with the comment?