“If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.”
Exodus 21:3 is part of a larger passage known as the Book of the Covenant, which contains a series of laws and regulations given by God to Moses for the Israelites. These laws covered various aspects of daily life, including social, civil, and criminal matters.
In this particular verse, the context:is the treatment of Hebrew servants or slaves. It outlines a provision for a servant who was given a wife by his master during his servitude. Let’s break down the verse and explore its significance:
“If he came in by himself”: This refers to a Hebrew servant who entered into servitude alone. It implies that the person willingly chose to become a servant, possibly due to indebtedness or financial difficulties.
“He shall go out by himself”: When the time for release from servitude arrives, the servant will leave alone, without his wife. This indicates that the wife, who was given to him during his servitude, does not have the same right to freedom unless she was also a Hebrew servant.
“If he were married, then his wife shall go out with him”: If the servant was married before entering into servitude and his wife was also a Hebrew servant, they would both be granted freedom upon the servant’s release. This ensures that the married couple can be reunited and continue their lives together outside of servitude.
From a historical perspective:this provision reflects the social structure and practices of that time. It acknowledges the existing marital relationships of Hebrew servants and provides a way for couples to be reunited after their period of servitude ends.
It is important to note that the Bible does not endorse or promote slavery as an ideal institution. While the ancient Israelites had laws that regulated the practice of servitude, God’s intention for humanity, as revealed in various biblical passages, is freedom, equality, and justice for all people.
As we engage with this verse and other passages in the Bible, it is crucial to interpret and apply them in light of the overall message of love, compassion, and the principles taught by Jesus Christ, who emphasized the importance of treating others with dignity and respect.
I hope this Bible study provides some insights into Exodus 21:3. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
