Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates:
Don't take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether they are one of your own people or a foreigner living in your towns.
God is commanding His people to treat all workers fairly and not exploit those who are vulnerable, regardless of their background.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context of ancient Israel, Deuteronomy was part of the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, serving as a guide for just social and economic practices. This verse specifically addresses the treatment of hired servants who were poor and needy, emphasizing protection against oppression to reflect God's concern for the vulnerable, whether they were fellow Israelites or foreigners living among them. It fits into a broader set of laws aimed at promoting fairness and equity in a society based on agriculture and manual labor.
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