(Exodus 21:20-21 NAB)
"When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod so hard that the slave dies under his hand, he shall be punished. If, however, the slave survives for a day or two, he is not to be punished, since the slave is his own property".
Plain, simple and dirty.
2006-07-06 09:59:03 · 6 answers · asked by Biomimetik 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Jehovah was a big fan of slavery. And who can blame him? After you invade your neighboring kingdom and kill all the firstborn and all the adult males, what else are you supposed to do with the women and children?
I mean, it would just be a waste to kill them too. Slavery just makes good sense.
2006-07-06 10:02:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
That doesn't mean that he's allowed to hit him, as is obvious from the serious condemnation (capitol punishment for the master, according to judaism!) if the slave dies.
The issue is that anything the slave owns belongs to his master. Thus, were the guy to pay the slave he'd just be putting money from one pocket into another. however, the bottomline is that it was not allowed. (Imagine if someone hit his wife. A despicable act, but would he pay his wife for the damages? Of course not. That would just be absurd since they share their wealth. same idea here.)
2006-07-06 17:12:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It wasn't approval for the behavior, but limits on the behavior.
God allowed some things because of the 'hardness of men's hearts."
Slavery was not commanded by God, but limitations on what could be done to slaves was commanded.
Same for "eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth." It wasn't a command that if you put out my eye, I had to put yours out. But if you put out my eye, I couldn't demand that your life be taken. The most I could require of you was your eye. But I could also choose to forgive you.
Sin is described as slavery. It's a terrible thing. Which is why we need a Savior.
2006-07-06 18:55:35 · answer #3 · answered by Contemplative Chanteuse IDK TIRH 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Moses wrote most of Exodus. Moses was a political leader.
Do we usually believe political leaders when they tell us they spoke with God? I know I don't.
Moses was a product of his time -- and slavery was acceptable then. It is a pity -- but it is the truth.
2006-07-06 18:20:34 · answer #4 · answered by Ranto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes your questions warrant an answer and sometimes they don't!!!
Proverbs 26:4
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.
Proverbs 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
2006-07-06 18:54:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
God will get you for cruel acts. period.
Go beat yourself if you must.
2006-07-06 17:02:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋