Slavery Then and Now: A Journey Through Scripture, History, and Conscience

Let’s take a closer look at the concept of slavery in the Bible. Does the Bible endorse or support slavery? If so, what are the reasons behind this portrayal?

Slavery, in modern term, is an ugly and dehumanizing word, —again based in modern connotation. But in Biblical times slavery referred to a broader and a more complex institution.

Slavery, as we know it, has been condemned by most Judeo‑Christian nations. I say most, because not every nation that says that recognize and follow the values of the Torah, not all truly abide to them. Including my own country. Lamentably.

Now, Biblical slavery was a complex and multifaceted institution, quite different from the racialized, lifelong chattel slavery that many associate with the term today. The Bible refers to several distinct types of servitude, each with its own legal, social, and spiritual framework. Let’s break them down:

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1. Debt Slavery (Indentured Servitude)

• Description: A person voluntarily sold themselves into servitude to repay a debt.
• Key Texts: Leviticus 25:39–43; Exodus 21:2–6
• Features:
  • Limited term (usually 6 years, released in the 7th)
  • Treated as hired workers, not property
  • Protected from harsh treatment
  • Could be redeemed by family (Kinsman Redeemer law)

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2. Foreign Slavery (Chattel-like)

• Description: Non-Israelites could be bought as slaves and held as property.
• Key Texts: Leviticus 25:44–46
• Features:
  • No automatic release in the Jubilee year
  • Could be inherited by children
  • Still subject to humane treatment laws
• Important Note: There’s strong biblical and theological support for the idea that Yahweh’s intention behind Israel’s treatment of foreign captives was ultimately protective and redemptive, not merely punitive or exploitative. See the note in the next point.

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3. Slavery by War (Captives)

• Description: Prisoners of war could be enslaved.
• Key Texts: Deuteronomy 20:10–14; Numbers 31:7–18
• Features:
  • Often women and children taken as spoils
  • Sometimes integrated into households
  • Subject to specific rules regarding treatment and marriage
• Important Note: When Israel was commanded to take captives in war or acquire foreign slaves, the Torah laid out strict ethical boundaries. These weren’t just rules—they were radical safeguards compared to the brutal norms of surrounding nations:
  • Humane treatment: Foreign servants were to be treated with dignity. Abuse was forbidden, and injury could result in their freedom (Exodus 21:26–27).
  • Opportunity for assimilation: Foreigners living among Israel could join the covenant community. Ruth, a Moabite, is a prime example—she became part of Israel and even entered the lineage of King David.
  • Spiritual inclusion: Isaiah 56 speaks of foreigners who “join themselves to the Lord” being welcomed into His house. The Law made room for outsiders to become insiders.

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4. Voluntary Servitude

• Description: Some chose servitude for economic or personal reasons.
• Key Texts: Exodus 21:5–6
• Features:
  • A servant could choose to remain permanently
  • Marked by ear-piercing ritual
  • Seen as a loyal bond, not coercion

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5. Jubilee Release

• Description: Every 50 years, all Israelite slaves were freed.
• Key Texts: Leviticus 25:8–55
• Features:
  • Restoration of land and freedom
  • Symbolized divine mercy and social reset
  • Applied only to Israelites

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6. Household Servants

• Description: Domestic workers who lived with families.
• Key Texts: Genesis 16 (Hagar); 2 Kings 5 (Naaman’s servant girl)
• Features:
  • Often treated as part of the household
  • Could be elevated in status (e.g., Hagar bore Abraham’s child)
  • Sometimes received inheritance or freedom

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7. Spiritual Slavery (Metaphorical)

• Description: Used metaphorically to describe bondage to sin or devotion to God.
• Key Texts: Romans 6:16–22; Galatians 4:7
• Features:
  • “Slaves to righteousness” vs. “slaves to sin”
  • Emphasizes spiritual transformation and freedom in Christ

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8. Slave Laws and Protections

• Description: The Torah included numerous laws to protect slaves.
• Key Texts: Exodus 21; Deuteronomy 15
• Features:
  • Mandatory release after injury
  • Encouraged generosity upon release
  • Prohibited kidnapping for slavery (Exodus 21:16)

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Biblical slavery was regulated, time-bound, and often redemptive, especially within Israelite society. It was not idealized—but it was structured to preserve dignity, family ties, and hope of restoration.

God came to make us free, but we sell ourselves constantly to slavery

In the West, a new form of slavery has emerged—one that is both alluring and equally damaging as the racialized lifelong chattel slavery we so strongly condemn. This modern form of bondage is insidious, yet it echoes the destructive nature of the dehumanizing institutions that Yahweh’s commandments were established to prevent.

Although I deeply appreciate my capitalist society, I cannot overlook some of its inherent drawbacks. One of the most troubling issues today is what I would call a new form of slavery. Unlike traditional slavery based on race, religion, or age, this modern servitude is unseen and unacknowledged—yet equally dehumanizing. Its primary purpose is to strip individuals of their dignity and autonomy, trapping them in a web of exploitation that goes beyond the bounds of race or creed.

Similar to ancient times, modern slavery is fueled by our desires—our longing for belonging and acceptance. It stems from a craving for power, knowledge, and material possessions. Numerous traps are designed to enslave us, but perhaps the most insidious is credit, which often entangles us in a cycle of debt and dependency.

Have you ever heard the saying, “You need credit to buy a home,” or “You need to graduate from college to live a good life”? These are misconceptions designed to trap you. The truth is, neither credit nor formal education is strictly necessary to achieve those goals. While they can certainly help you progress more quickly, they aren’t the only paths to success—and considering the costs involved is important.

Consider the divine laws established to safeguard the vulnerable—particularly slaves and the impoverished. The laws of redemption, observed every seven years, and the Year of Jubilee, occurring every fifty years, were designed to ensure that no one remained in bondage indefinitely. These regulations provide a safeguard of hope and freedom, affirming that even if one were to become captive, there is a divine guarantee of eventual liberation.

Let’s consider credit cards as the most common example.

The snare of credit, either social or financial credit.

Today, I will discuss the concepts of financial credit and credit cards. While I will focus on these topics, the underlying principles are applicable to any financial instrument or term you encounter in the realm of credit.

The system of indentured servitude, especially as shaped by biblical law, was designed with restoration and dignity in mind. Modern debt systems, like credit cards, often lack that humane structure.

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Biblical Debt Forgiveness: A System of Mercy

Under the Law of Moses, debt servitude had clear limits and protections:

• Seven-Year Cancellation: Every seven years, debts among Israelites were to be forgiven. Creditors were commanded to release fellow Israelites from financial obligations, regardless of repayment status.
• Year of Jubilee (Every 50 Years): This was a radical reset. Slaves were freed, debts erased, and land returned to original families. It ensured that no one remained trapped in poverty or servitude across generations.
• No Interest on Loans to Fellow Israelites: Charging interest was forbidden among Israelites (see Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:36–37). The goal was mutual support, not profit from hardship.

This system was built on compassion, community responsibility, and divine justice—a far cry from today’s credit industry.

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Credit Cards: A System of Perpetual Leverage

Modern credit systems often do the opposite:

• Compound Interest: Debts grow exponentially, making repayment harder over time.
• No Automatic Forgiveness: There’s no built-in reset like Jubilee. Bankruptcy is the closest option, but it comes with stigma and long-term consequences.
• Aggressive Collection: Harassment, lawsuits, and wage garnishment are common tactics. The dignity of the debtor is rarely considered.

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The Irony

Indentured servitude was a choice, often made in desperation—but it came with a clear path to freedom. Credit card debt, while also entered voluntarily, can become a lifelong trap, especially for those without financial literacy or support.

It’s a sobering reflection on how far we’ve drifted from systems that prioritized human dignity and second chances.

How do we solve this problem?

That’s a thoughtful question, and while I wouldn’t consider myself an economic expert, I believe the most effective approach is to reapply Yahweh’s principles of redemption. Ultimately, we are still accountable for our own choices, and applying these timeless laws could help guide us toward better decisions and outcomes.

If you have not yet surrendered your life to Yeshua and find yourself in a situation where all hope seems lost, I invite you to reach out to a local church or congregation. Surrendering your life to Yeshua is the first step toward restoring your path and experiencing the transformative power of His grace.

Do you need financial assistance now?

If you have fallen into a snare that you do not think you are able to handle, here are several resources available to you.

• Dave Ramsey’s Debt Elimination Program
• Financial Peace University – Educates on how to manage and take control of your money.

Are you in need of any kind of assistance now?

• The Helping Center of Marble Falls
• Ark of Highland Lakes – Love God, Love People
• 2-1-1 Texas
• USAGov’s State Social Services Directory
• HHS.gov Social Services Programs
• FindHelp (Nation Wide)

Is there’s still slavery today?

Sadly, yes—modern slavery still exists in many countries today, though it’s often hidden behind terms like forced labor, human trafficking, debt bondage, or child exploitation. While chattel slavery (owning people as property) is officially illegal worldwide, enforcement is weak in some places, and certain practices continue under the radar or even with tacit government tolerance.

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Countries with High Prevalence of Modern Slavery

According to recent data from the Global Slavery Index, here are some of the countries where slavery-like conditions are most widespread:

These numbers reflect modern slavery, not legal ownership of people—but the impact is devastatingly similar.

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What Counts as Modern Slavery?

• Forced labor: People compelled to work under threat or coercion.
• Debt bondage: Workers trapped by loans they can never repay.
• Human trafficking: Exploiting people through deception or force.
• Child slavery: Children used for labor, begging, or sexual exploitation.
• Forced marriage: Individuals married without consent, often for economic or social control.

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Legal vs. Reality

Even in countries where slavery is outlawed, corruption, weak enforcement, and cultural practices allow it to persist. Mauritania, for example, criminalized slavery in 2007, but prosecutions are rare and many enslaved people remain trapped in hereditary servitude.

If you’d like to explore how biblical principles of justice and dignity contrast with these modern realities, I’d be honored to dive into that with you.

If you know or suspect of someone that’s being mistreated, trafficked or enslaved?

United States Reporting Resources

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National Human Trafficking Hotline

• Call: 1-888-373-7888
• Text: “BEFREE” to 233733
• Email: help@humantraffickinghotline.org
• Online Tip Submission
• Available 24/7 in over 200 languages
• Not affiliated with law enforcement—safe for undocumented individuals

Homeland Security Blue Campaign

• Offers a 24/7 tip line for suspected trafficking: Call: 802-872-6199 (international access available)
• Focuses on connecting victims to services and supporting law enforcement investigations

U.S. Department of Labor – Wage & Hour Division

• For labor exploitation or wage theft
• Call: 1-866-487-9243
• Anonymous complaints accepted

U.S. Department of Labor – OSHA

• For unsafe working conditions or forced labor
• Call: 1-800-321-6742

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Global Reporting Options

If you’re outside the U.S., you can still report to:

Global Modern Slavery Directory

• Search for anti-slavery organizations by country
• Includes legal aid, shelters, and advocacy groups

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

• Offers international guidance and country-specific contacts

Resources

• Indentured servitude – Wikipedia
• More US Employers Are Trapping Workers in a New Form of Indentured Servitude | Truthout
• Global Slavery Index
• Biblical Principle #269: Seven-Year Debt Cancellation – Chasing a Lion
• Does Slavery Still Exist? 4 Places Where It Sadly Does | TheCollector