Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God.
You must not treat him harshly or cruelly; instead, you should reverence your God.
God is telling His people that they must treat others with dignity and kindness because they answer to Him.
📚 Historical Context
In the ancient Israelite society, as outlined in the Book of Leviticus, God was giving laws to the Israelites through Moses to guide their social and economic practices, particularly during the Year of Jubilee, which focused on rest, redemption, and fair treatment of the vulnerable. This verse specifically addresses Israelite masters who owned Hebrew slaves, commanding them not to treat their fellow Israelites harshly, as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the need for justice in a culture where slavery was common but regulated by divine standards. It reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's concern for the oppressed, emphasizing that all people are accountable to Him.
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