This short (10 verse) chapter describes the inheritance of Ephraim, one of the two tribes of Joseph.
“The people of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, received their inheritance. However, they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites have lived in the midst of Ephraim to this day but have been made to do forced labor.” (v4,10)
The Bible is clear that the practice of slavery was common, and in some cases it was even allowed by God. The Mosaic law gave specific rules regarding the treatment of slaves, both Hebrew and non-Hebrew (Canaanite). These laws created a distinction between two different kinds of slavery – one which was abusive and worked the slaves to death (eg. Israel in Egypt) and one that was respectful of people and treated slaves like servant members of the household (God’s way). See Lev 25:35-55 for reference.
There were also some distinctions between the Hebrew and non-Hebrew slaves within God’s laws. One main difference is Hebrew slaves were set free after six years, but Canaanite slaves were life-long and could be bequeathed to the next generation. We also know from historical context and the Bible that “Slaves were seen as an essential part of a Hebrew household. In fact, there were cases in which, from a slave’s point of view, the stability of servitude under a family in which the slave was well-treated would have been preferable to economic freedom.” (Heszer p382 & Tigay p153 [Jewish historians])
Now I’m not trying to justify slavery, which in Israel’s case was more like indentured servitude. I’m simply pointing out that historically and morally this practice was allowed by God as long as the slaves/servants were treated respectfully, like members of the household (ie. given room and board and in abuse-free environment).
The unfortunate thing is, we still have abusive forms slavery today, like how the Hebrews were abused by the Egyptians. According to a UN-based entity, “The International Labour Organization”, by their definition “over 40 million people are in some form of slavery today. 24.9 million people are in forced labor, of whom 16 million people are exploited in the private sector such as domestic work, construction or agriculture; 4.8 million persons in forced sexual exploitation, and 4 million persons in forced labor imposed by state authorities. 15.4 million people are in forced marriage.” Those are some staggering numbers.
My challenge today, is for us as Christ followers to take a stand against the unjust treatment of those made in God’s image (that’s every human, by the way). Now, I’m not suggesting we blast random social justice articles on social media or picket places that use slavery to produce their goods (though if the Lord leads you to do that, that’s between you and Him). I’m suggesting we pray ceaselessly for justice for these people, and we let it be known that we do not support such practices. If the Lord moves you, I suggest supporting ministries such as “International Justice Mission”, who do amazing work at trying to abolish the abusive forms of slavery. Let’s pray that the Lord opens our hearts and minds to the pleas of those who are still in “Egyptian captivity”, that He guides us to make a difference in this world and end the injustice done to those made in God’s image.
“For I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God! The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” (Deu 32:3-4, an excerpt from Moses’ song)
Father God, O Great and Mighty One, just and righteous is Your name. You are awesome in word and deed, and all of Your ways are just and upright. Father please have mercy on those suffering injustice in this world. Please pour out Your lovingkindness and set the oppressed free. Please change the hearts of all people, giving us hearts like Yours, to love, honor and respect each person as Your image bearers. Please teach us Your ways, O Lord, that we may live according to Your truth. Grant us purity of heart, so we may honor and glorify You, and love our neighbors as You love them. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training