Deuteronomy 15:12 - Meaning and Application

Here Moses repeats the law about Hebrew servants, people who had sold themselves into service, had been sold by their parents because of deep poverty, or had been sold by a court because of some crime. They were to serve for six years, and in the seventh year they were to go free (Deuteronomy 15:12; compare Exodus 21:2). If the year of Jubilee came before their six years were finished, that would also set them free. God’s people in Israel were a free people, so they were not to be held in permanent slavery. In the same way, God’s spiritual Israel is called to liberty.

There was one exception. If, after their six years were finished, they did not want to leave but chose to stay because service gave them less worry, even if it meant more work, then they were to bind themselves to lifelong service. This was done by boring the ear against the doorpost (Deuteronomy 15:16-17; compare Exodus 21:6). Some might think this lowered a man, as if he had a weak or servile spirit and did not value liberty enough. Yet others would see it as a sign of a calm, contented, humble, faithful, and steady heart.

Moses also adds that when servants were sent out free, their masters were to give them something to help them begin life on their own (Deuteronomy 15:13-14). They had likely owned nothing of their own, and their families probably had little to give them. If they had had resources, they might have been redeemed before their time of service was over. Since they had worked without wages and what they earned belonged to their masters, freedom alone would not be enough if they had nothing to start with. So their masters were commanded to supply them generously with grain and animals.

No fixed amount is given, and that was left to the master’s generosity. He would likely give with an eye to the servant’s needs and service. Jewish writers said it should be no less than the value of thirty shekels of silver, and more if the master wished. Even female servants were to receive a gift when they went out free, since the command, “You shall do the same to your maidservant,” points to this (Deuteronomy 15:17).

The reasons for this law come from gratitude. First, they were to remember God, who had brought them out of Egypt and had even sent them out rich with the Egyptians’ spoil (Deuteronomy 15:15). They were not to send their servants away empty-handed, since they themselves had not left the house of bondage empty. God’s care and kindness to us should make us careful and kind toward those who depend on us. We should give back in a way that matches what we have received.

Second, they were to remember their servants, too (Deuteronomy 15:18). They should not resent giving a little from their abundance, because the servant had been worth twice as much as a hired worker. A hired laborer served for only a short time, at most about three years (Isaiah 16:14), but this servant had given six years of service, and had done so without wages. Masters and landowners should think about how much they owe to their servants and tenants, and they should be not only fair but kind.

To these reasons Moses adds the promise already repeated in this chapter, that the Lord your God will bless you (Deuteronomy 15:4, 6, 10). Family blessings and lasting prosperity are to be expected when we faithfully do our duty to those connected to us in family life.