Free to Go, But Wanting to Stay

 Exodus 21:26 “When a man strikes the eye of his slave, male or female, and destroys it, he shall let the slave go free because of his eye. 27 If he knocks out the tooth of his slave, male or female, he shall let the slave go free because of his tooth.

Whenever we see the word "slave," we cringe.  We get the picture of chains, abuse, and arrogance. This chapter gives an altogether different understanding of what things were like in Israel.  Being a slave was something entered into to pay off debts.  There was a limited time period involved (six years), and if the slave wanted to stay, he could ask to do so. Why would he want to? Because he had found a safe, secure and loving household where he felt he was a productive member.  These two verses give a way out if the slave found the household otherwise, being abused by his master.  Any abuse was not to be tolerated. The slave's agreed upon time to serve would be dismissed and he would be free to go.  God's word always is a reflection of His character. In His household He treats all members lovingly and wants them to stay. He does not abuse.  If you are doing your part, you want to stay.