1. Leviticus 25:43 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

How was the bondservant to be treated?

Leviticus 25:43 (ESV)

43 You shall not rule over him ruthlessly but shall fear your God.

Bondservants are not to be dealt with ruthlessly (pěrěḵ). This is a rare Hebrew term. It is used in Exodus 1:13 to describe the affliction of the Hebrews by the Egyptians. The Israelites are not to treat their servants in the same manner as the Egyptians treated them.