MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Exodus 21:1-32
Leviticus 25:35-55

“… the children of Israel
… are my servants …
I am the LORD your God.

DEAL RIGHTEOUSLY WITH OTHERS

The Bible is often criticized for supporting slavery because it is erroneously thought to be like the bondage and oppression experienced by African Americans in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. On the contrary, we see that it is not so in Exodus 21:1-11. This master-slave arrangement was out of care to help those who were poor because they could not survive on their own (Lev 25:35-37). They were not kidnapped or forced (Exod 21:16; Deut 24:7). It was temporary and sometimes voluntary (Exod 21:2, 5-6; Deut 15:12-15). These slaves were treated kindly (Lev 25:43, 46, 53). This writer had to explain this to someone during an evangelism session because the hearer could not accept Christianity citing this wrong impression. Exodus 21:12-14 deals with murder and manslaughter. Exodus 21:15 warns severely against striking and cursing father or mother. Exodus 21:16 warns against kidnapping. Exodus 21:18-22 commands compensation for injuring other persons. Exodus 21:23-25 emphasizes fairness in meting out punishment. Exodus 21:26- 27 instructs proper treatment of servants. Exodus 21:28-32 commands proper care (to ensure the protection and safety of others from injury) and due diligence.

The essence of all these commands in the last five commandments is love towards man. We have a duty to others to do what we can to care and help. We must ensure we show respect to parents because God views dishonouring them as worthy of death. Kidnapping is stealing in the worst form. But even in punishing a crime, God expects that the punishment is fair and just. Those in authority (eg. parents, teachers, church leaders) must take note. Moreover, God demands that we treat those under us carefully and not abuse a servant. God also expects that we realize it is our duty to prevent injuries to others. Any with domestic helpers must realize their duty towards them. In short, we are to treat others righteously.

THOUGHT: The LORD expects me to treat others righteously.
PRAYER: LORD, teach me to always treat others as I would want to be treated.