Exodus 21:2

2. Buy a Hebrew servant In the time of Moses slavery existed among all the nations, and commonly in most oppressive forms . The Israelites themselves had just escaped a bondage of serfdom in Egypt . The Hebrew patriarchs had owned many slaves who inter-married and begat children, and these were regarded as the property of the patriarchal chieftain . Comp . Genesis 14:14. The Mosaic legislation was adapted to mitigate the evils of the system, and provided for universal emancipation . Leviticus 25:10. This verse shows that a Hebrew might be bought and sold, but under definite restrictions. It appears, (1.) That a Hebrew might sell himself, voluntarily, for a term of years not exceeding six, (except in the case specified in Exodus 21:6.) (2.) He might, on account of poverty, feel obliged to sell himself (Leviticus 25:39) even to a foreigner .

Leviticus 25:47. (3 . ) One might sell his daughter to be a maidservant, (Exodus 21:7,) or one might be sold for theft, (Exodus 22:3. ) (4 . ) Captives taken in war might become the possession of the conquerors, (Deuteronomy 20:14; Deuteronomy 21:10-14; Numbers 31:1; Numbers 31:8,) and, (5 . ) Hebrews might purchase bond-servants of the heathen, and treat them with greater rigour than was allowable with any of their own brethren .

Leviticus 25:44-46. But stealing and selling men were punishable with death, (Exodus 21:16,) and the rendition of fugitive slaves was strictly forbidden. Deuteronomy 23:15-16. The Mosaic law does not authorize the involuntary sale of any one except for crime .

In the seventh he shall go out free Furnished also with liberal gifts . Compare Deuteronomy 15:13-14. This humane provision made it impossible for any Hebrew to become involved in unwilling bondage. Such a provision adopted by any slaveholding people would speedily abolish all holding of human beings in unjust bondage.