When a slave owner strikes a male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies immediately, the owner shall be punished. But if the slave survives a day or two, there is no punishment; for the slave is the owner's property. (Exod. 21:20-21)
2006-12-28 09:40:48 · 5 answers · asked by sfumato1002 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This is interesting to me because in just a few more verses it says that if a slave is hit so that he loses even a tooth, he is to be compensated with his freedom.
That notwithstanding, I think this is just another example of an OT given by Moses only because of the "hardness of your hearts" (Mk 10:5). Jesus tells us, "You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, 'You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment" (Mt 5:20-21).
2006-12-28 10:13:02 · answer #1 · answered by Caritas 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Protections and privileges. The Law protected slaves from brutalities. A slave was to be set at liberty if mistreatment by the master resulted in the loss of a tooth or an eye. As the usual value for a slave was 30 shekels (compare Ex 21:32), his liberation would have meant considerable loss to the master and, therefore, would have served as a strong deterrent against abuse. Although a master could beat his slave, the slave, depending upon the decision of the judges, was to be avenged if he died under his master’s beating. However, if the slave lingered on for a day or two before dying—this indicating that the master had not intended to kill the slave but to discipline him—he was not to be avenged. (Ex 21:20, 21, 26, 27; Le 24:17) Also, it would appear that for the master to have been considered free of guilt the beating could not have been administered with a lethal instrument, as that would have signified intent to kill. (Compare Nu 35:16-18.) Therefore, if a slave lingered on for a day or two, there would be reasonable question as to whether the death resulted from the chastisement. A beating with a rod, for example, would not normally be fatal, as is shown by the statement at Proverbs 23:13: “Do not hold back discipline from the mere boy. In case you beat him with the rod, he will not die.”
Certain privileges were granted to slaves by the terms of the Law. As all male slaves were circumcised (Ex 12:44; compare Ge 17:12), they could eat the Passover, and slaves of the priest could eat holy things. (Ex 12:43, 44; Le 22:10, 11) Slaves were exempted from working on the Sabbath. (Ex 20:10; De 5:14) During the Sabbath year they were entitled to eat of the growth from spilled kernels and from the unpruned vine. (Le 25:5, 6) They were to share in the rejoicing associated with the sacrificing at the sanctuary and the celebration of the festivals.—De 12:12; 16:11, 14.
2006-12-28 10:21:34 · answer #2 · answered by Alex 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's one of many instances in the Bible that says that all God's children should have slaves. ...and Christians say they get their morals from the bible.
2006-12-28 09:45:04 · answer #3 · answered by Warp 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Don't hit hard ?
2006-12-28 09:44:48 · answer #4 · answered by royce r 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it means that you are being brainwashed.
2006-12-28 09:43:20 · answer #5 · answered by Zhukov 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋