The Law Concerning Bond Servants

Text: Deuteronomy 15:12-18
22 May 2018

THE LAW CONCERNING BOND SERVANTS

1. They cannot be made to serve more than 6 years

Deuteronomy 15:12-15
a) A reminder
b) To be practised
c) Not just according to the letter of the law
d) But in spirit as well
e) Remembering how they were once upon a time slaves in Egypt

2. On the year of the Lord’s Release

7th year
a) They must be set free
b) Their debts are cancelled/forgiven
c) They are to be helped along the way in life   (Deuteronomy 15:1-6)

AN EXCEPTION TO THIS LAW

Deuteronomy 15:16-18

1. Decision of the slave

a) He chooses not to go away
b) He loves the master and his household
c) He has prospered with the master

2. A servant forever

a) An awl was to be used to pierce the ear of the slave
b) He has chosen to be a slave forever
c) His worth: Double of a hired servant

3. The Lord’s blessings pronounced and assured