Deuteronomy 15:12
“If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you, and serves you six years; then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.”
What does Deuteronomy 15:12 mean?
In ancient Israel, when someone fell into debt or poverty so severe they had to sell themselves into service, the law required their employer to release them after six years of work. This wasn't meant to be permanent slavery but rather a temporary way to help someone survive a crisis while preserving their dignity and giving them a fresh start. The seventh year brought freedom and the chance to rebuild their life, preventing people from being trapped in endless servitude by their circumstances. This reflects a compassion built into Israel's law: even in a system where temporary service existed, there were boundaries. The point wasn't to exploit people's misfortune but to acknowledge that hardship is temporary and everyone deserves the chance to reclaim their freedom and dignity.