And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.
If a fellow Hebrew man or woman is sold to you as a servant and works for you for six years, then in the seventh year you must set them free.
God is establishing a limit on how long Hebrew people could serve as servants to each other - no more than six years before being set free.
📚 Historical Context
In the context of ancient Israel, God was giving laws through Moses to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, including regulations for handling debt and servitude among fellow Hebrews. These rules were designed to prevent permanent enslavement and promote economic equality, reflecting God's emphasis on justice and compassion within the community. Specifically, Deuteronomy 15:12 addresses the release of a Hebrew servant after six years of service, as part of broader Sabbatical year principles.
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