“And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him wax poor, and sell himself unto the stranger or sojourner by thee, or to the stock of the stranger’s family:”
This verse is part of a larger passage in Leviticus 25 that deals with the laws and regulations regarding the Year of Jubilee, a special year of rest and restoration in the Israelite calendar.
In the preceding verses, God instructs the Israelites about the treatment of their fellow countrymen who become poor and find themselves in debt. In such cases, if a fellow Israelite sells himself as a servant or slave to a wealthy Israelite or resident foreigner, certain provisions are to be observed.
Leviticus 25:47 specifically addresses the situation when a sojourner or stranger, who is not an Israelite by birth, becomes rich while living among the Israelites. If this stranger’s neighbor, who happens to be an Israelite, becomes poor and sells himself as a servant to the stranger or the stranger’s family, then the laws of debt and servitude would still apply.
In this context, it is important to note that the treatment of servants or slaves in ancient Israel was regulated by various laws to ensure their fair treatment and eventual release. God had given the Israelites specific instructions to treat their fellow Israelites with justice and compassion, even in situations of servitude.
In the following verses, Leviticus 25:48-49, we find additional instructions:
“After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him: Either his uncle, or his uncle’s son, may redeem him, or any that is nigh of kin unto him of his family may redeem him; or if he be able, he may redeem himself.”
These verses highlight the provision for redemption of a fellow Israelite who has sold himself into servitude. A close relative, such as a brother, uncle, or cousin, has the right to redeem the person by paying the necessary amount to release them from their servitude. This emphasizes the importance of family and the responsibility of caring for one another within the community.
The laws outlined in Leviticus 25 serve as a reminder that God desires justice, fairness, and compassion among His people. They emphasize the importance of caring for the less fortunate, even when it comes to situations of debt and servitude. These regulations were intended to prevent the exploitation and mistreatment of fellow Israelites and to promote a just and equitable society.
It’s worth noting that the laws and regulations found in Leviticus, including those related to servitude and the Year of Jubilee, were specifically given to the ancient Israelites in their historical and cultural context. As Christians, while we can glean principles of justice, compassion, and caring for others from these passages, the specific regulations themselves do not directly apply to us today.
In summary, Leviticus 25:47, within the broader context of the Year of Jubilee regulations, emphasizes the importance of treating fellow Israelites with justice and compassion, even in situations of servitude. It highlights the provision for redemption and the responsibility of family members to care for and redeem those who have sold themselves into servitude.
