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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-18

Here is, I. A repetition of the law that had been given concerning Hebrew servants who had sold themselves for servants, or were sold by their parents through extreme poverty, or were sold by the court of judgment for some crime committed. The law was, 1. That they should serve but six years, and in the seventh should go out free, Deut. 15:12. Compare Exod. 21:2. And, if the year of jubilee happened before they served out their time, that would be their discharge. God's Israel were a free... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:15

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt ,.... Where they were used hardly, and their lives were made bitter in hard bondage; and therefore should show the greater compassion to servants, whose case they could not but sympathize with, and have a fellow feeling of and the Lord thy God redeemed thee ; from the house of bondage and state of slavery, after they had been in it many years: therefore I command thee this thing today , to release their servants at... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:16

And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee ,.... Out of his house, nor quit his service: because he loveth thee and thine house ; his master and his family, and so loath to leave them, but chooses rather to stay with them than have his liberty; hence the Jews say F11 Maimon. in Misn. Kiddushin, c. 1. sect. 2. , if his master has not a wife and children, his ear is not to be bored: because he is well with thee; lives well with him , is well used by him,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:17

Then thou shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear unto the door ,.... Not of his master's house, but of the sanhedrim, or court of judicature, according to the Targum of Jonathan, before whom he was to be brought, and declare his desire to continue with his master; See Gill on Exodus 21:6 , and he shall be thy servant for ever ; that is, unto the jubilee, as the same Targum; for then all servants were released, and so Jarchi calls it the ever of jubilee: and also unto thy... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 15:17

Thou shalt take an awl - See the note on Exodus 21:6 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-18

From injunctions regarding the treatment of the poor and of debtors the transition is easy to the law concerning slaves, inasmuch as it was through the stress of poverty that any became such from among their brethren. The law, as here laid down, is the same as that in Exodus 21:2-6 , somewhat expanded; the most important addition being that the slave is not only to go free after six years of service, but is to be furnished by his master with the means of setting up a home for himself. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-18

The rights of the slaves. By some who are but slightly acquainted with the subject, and who have too strong an animus against the Old Book to deal fairly with it, it has been made a matter of complaint against our Lord and his apostles that they did not put down slavery with a strong hand. The same may be said of Moses. If, however, without prejudging the case, we reverently ask, Why was it that he, as a divinely commissioned legislator, tolerated the institution of slavery? we are but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-18

The freedom of the slave. The seventh year was the year of personal release as well as release from debt. Slavery among the Jews was utterly unlike the slavery of modern times. It arose when a Jew became bankrupt; he might then sell his services to his creditor, and pay off his debt by honest work. But beyond sis years his service need not continue. As soon as the sabbatic year came round he could claim his liberty. In such. a case, his master is counseled to be generous when he goes,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-18

Slaves to be regarded as brethren. Quiet revolutions are the most permanent and the most successful. Sudden and violent assaults upon social institutions are sure to provoke reaction. All great changes must commence in the thought and feeling of the people. I. SOCIAL USAGES , THOUGH EVIL , MUST BE TEMPORARILY TOLERATED . It is difficult to realize the conditions of human life in the earlier ages of the world. Many found a livelihood: by the use of the sword and by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-19

Bondmen. No argument in favor of modern slave-holding can be drawn from Hebrew bend-service. The Hebrew bondmen, unlike modern slaves, were incorporated as part of the nation; had legal rights; took part in the religious feasts; if mutilated or injured, thereby obtained their freedom. On the sabbatic year the Hebrew bondman regained his freedom, going out, not simply free, but loaded with presents. We learn— I. THE NATURAL RIGHT OF MAN TO HIS FREEDOM . ( Deuteronomy... read more

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