Common Questions

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1. The concept of slavery

First I will address the concept of slavery

The concept of slavery in ancient Israel and other eastern culture is different from that of slavery practiced in Southern America during the 1800s.

The term "slavery" was much broader then, the king's subjects were referred to as slaves.

Slaves were understood to be Human Beings rather than mere chattel. They were allowed to own lands and properties,

something which was far fetched for Southern American slaves in the 1800s.

2. The drive of slavery

Second, I will address the drive of slavery.

Slavery in those days was an economic condition. Most slave situation back in ancient Israel was NOT due to a person being taken against His or Her's will, but because poor people would often sell themselves or their children into slavery.

Also, slavery was designed to pay off a debt to the debtor, and once the debt was payed off, the slave could go free and move on, OR, He or She could remain a slave, this is known as a bond servant, or BOND SLAVE, a bond slave is someone that pledges to remain in their master's household for life.

But why would they do that?

Remember, it was an economic condition, for some of them, their condition was better as a slave, than as a free person. They didn't have to pay tax or buy their own food,t their master did that.

Slavery