Biblical Parallels Index – Shemot 21
Overview
This index is meant to help the reader explore Biblical parallels, be they two accounts of the same event or law, stories with similar motifs and themes, or units of text which are linguistically similar and perhaps alluding one to the other. The page includes links to tools that aid in comparison, primary sources that touch upon the parallels, and summaries of and links to articles which analyze them in depth.Laws of Slaves
The laws of slaves are mentioned in several different places in Torah, with several variations and differences in emphasis. These relate to length of service, treatment of the slave and conditions of release.
Tools
- See Makbilot BaMikra for links to the various verses which discuss the laws of the Hebrew servant. They are discussed in Shemot 21, Vayikra 25 and Devarim 15.
Articles
- See Hebrew Slaves for a chart that depicts the parallels and differences between the Biblical sections which discuss the Hebrew servant.
- See Two Hebrew Servants, by R. Elchanan Samet, for analysis of the parallels and differences between the various sets of laws. R. Samet provides a halakhic and conceptual explanation of the variations, following the opinion that the laws of Shemot 21 and Devarim 15 apply to a thief who was forced into servitude, while those in Vayikra 25 relate to one who sells himself out of poverty.