Leviticus 25:43 (ESV Strong's)
You shall not rule over him ruthlessly but shall fear your God.
Subject: Compassion and the Fear of the Lord
The above verse is found in the middle of a section about slavery. God doesn't institute slavery, but rather, recognizes that it will happen. Those who foolishly squander their money (and it happens) will eventually enslave themselves to those who don't. Note the following, a verse written just before our study verse for today:
Leviticus 25:39 (ESV Strong's)
“If your brother becomes poor beside you and sells himself to you, you shall not make him serve as a slave:
This is the context of our verse today. People then, as now, become poor and "sell" themselves into slavery. The context here is not the good, bad, ethical or moral implications of slavery. The context here is what governs the act of slavery. The principle God gives us to treat the person who is now "enslaved" but in the "fear of your God." The guiding principle is to treat others in a way that is reverent to God. That is the principle we are to follow in any relationship, but especially in regard to those who have entered into some type of bondage of slavery. Employers, leaders, and others with power over the less fortunate need to follow this simple, but powerful, principle.
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