Emancipating the Slaves/2
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Emancipating the Slaves
Exegetical Approaches
Political and Economic Incentives
Tzidkeyahu's decision to free the slaves stemmed from political and economic considerations rather than religious ones.
Historical background – These sources posit that the emancipation of the slaves took place while the nation was under siege by the Babylonians, in the tenth year of Tzidkeyahu.1
"לִקְרֹא לָהֶם דְּרוֹר" - who was freed? Malbim suggests that the people made a covenant not only to free their slaves (לְשַׁלַּח אִישׁ אֶת עַבְדּוֹ וְאִישׁ אֶת שִׁפְחָתוֹ) but also to
The political-economic incentive – These sources point to two distinct, but related incentives:
- Political - Malbim suggests that, during the siege, the king feared that the slaves might rebel and side with Nevuchadnezzer in order to free themselves of the yoke of debt2 and bondage. Shadal alternatively brings an opinion that Tzidkeyahu freed the slaves since they are not particularly motivated to fight their enemies, as they have no freedom regardless, while a free man will risk much to guard his freedom.
- Economic - During the siege, the slaves were a burden on their owners who had to house and feed them yet received almost no utility in return, as the fields which they normally worked lay out side the city, and were inaccessible due to the siege.
Religious Motives
Tzidkeyahu's emancipation of the slaves stemmed from religious motives and a (temporary) desire to abide by the Torah's laws.
Sources:Prof. Y. Elitzur
