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1: Servitude and freedom (Exod. 21: 1-11).
In the case of the Hebrew male servant six years was the limit of his servitude, "in the
seventh he shall go out free for nothing", the only exception being that in the event of the
servant marrying a wife given by his master, and having children and not wishing to
leave them, then he could voluntarily devote himself "for ever" to that master's service.
That such servitude was not "slavery" can be gathered from the words, "If the servant
shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free".
The question of the connection between the boring of the ear with the readings of
Psalm 40: 6 and Heb. 10: 5 has been dealt with at some length on pages 59-61 of this
Volume.
In the case of the Hebrew maid servant particular regard is paid to the liability of
abuse that awaits a lonely woman, and it is clearly stated that "she shall not go out as the
menservants do". This kindly fatherly element in God's judgment, given in a day when
woman were reckoned as cattle or household chattels, gives the lie to those who would
bring down the law of Sinai to an imitation of that of Khammurabi or Babylon: "To sell
her unto a strange master he shall have no power." This has reference to a betrothal
made, but rejected. In the case of adding another wife, the feelings and status of the first
wife are preserved:--
"Her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish . . . . . If he do
not these three unto her, then shall she go out free without money."
2: Death penalty and refuge (Exod. 21: 12-17).
Murder, the cursing of parents, and man-stealing were to be punished with death,
without the option of sacrifice or fine. Manslaughter was provided with "a place to flee".
3: Recompense (Exod. 21: 18-36).
In cases of striving, smiting and negligence a variety of instances of sinful acts done to
another that could be put right by a payment for the loss of time, money, limb, etc., are
given. For hurting an equal: "He shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to
be thoroughly healed." For hurting a servant: "He is his money." Causing an abortion,
without mischief following, must be paid for as the judges determine and the husband
lays upon him. If mischief follow, then there must be "eye for eye, tooth for tooth", etc.
This is further enforced in the setting free of a servant as a recompense for the loss of
eye, or tooth.
Negligence to keep under control an ox that gores a person to death is compensated by
the loss of the ox. If, however, the negligence be culpable, both ox and owner must be
put to death. This also applies with modification to negligence that causes the death of
ox or ass.