Mosaic law allowed for debt slavery (Exodus 21:2–11; Deuteronomy 15:12–18). If someone had a large debt to repay or was unable to feed himself or provide for his family, he could sell himself into slavery. This social net would provide him with food and prevent starvation. It seems that in Israel, however, people were being sold into debt slavery for trivial amounts (the price of a pair of sandals). This was contrary to the loving purpose of the law. Most likely corrupt courts helped the rich by facilitating this and making cheap labour available to them.1
6 Ainsi parle l'Eternel: A cause de trois crimes d'Israël, Même de quatre, je ne révoque pas mon arrêt, Parce qu'ils ont vendu le juste pour de l'argent, Et le pauvre pour une paire de souliers.