Deuteronomy 15: 13-21 Analysis

In ancient Israel, slaves were regarded as property and were generally owned by the elite Israelites. Slave trade was ubiquitous in everyday society, and involved both Hebrew and foreign slaves. Slave owners at the time most likely relied upon a higher power to govern their relationships with slaves. Chaya Halberstam echoes this idea, saying that “it is probable, then, that ancient Israelite societies had some measure of a ‘legal enterprise’,” and that “they were not expected to adhere strictly to a code of law,” but a “body of tradition that provided the bases for social justice--and just decision making” (CCJL 20). Rooted in this “body of tradition”, ancient Israelite law, such as Exodus 21:1-8, is detailed when regarding the slavery and
Deuteronomy 15:12 starts similar to Exodus 21; this passage mentions a slave being freed in the seventh year as well, however there is a slight difference as the text says “a fellow Hebrew slave, man or woman” to openly indicate that it applies to both sexes. This difference could cause misconceptions or arguments between ancient people, seeing as Exodus only refers to a slave as a “he”. The next difference is found in the section dealing with the act of emancipating the slave. Exodus acknowledges that the slave is to depart without payment, however Deuteronomy 15:13-14 states “when you set him free, do not let him go empty-handed: Furnish him out of the flock, threshing floor, and vat, with which the Lord your God has blessed you.” This is a stark contrast to the law in Exodus and follows the idea that the Israelites should treat their fellow kinsman with kindness and respect. It treats slaves in a more ethical way and reminds the slave owners that they are sharing items that the Lord has blessed them with. Deuteronomy 15 also says, “bear in mind that you were slaves in the land of Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you; therefore I enjoin this commandment upon you today” (Deuteronomy 15:15). This reference to the historical narrative provides justification for carrying out the law and is likewise a way to entice slave owners to act in accordance with the law. God saved the people and the people owe it to him to follow the laws. This also connects back to Halberstam’s view on ancient Israelite societies and tradition. Deuteronomy 15 evidently has a superior emotional appeal and the text values the kind treatment of slaves over the monetary and material gains/losses that come with owning