Why Did God Allow Slaves in the Bible? A Personal Reflection

In the ancient world, including Israel, slavery was a part of life. It wasn’t the race-based, violent form of slavery we think of from more recent history. In fact, many people in the Bible became slaves as a way of paying off debts or securing their survival in times of extreme poverty.

When I was first asked, "Why do you think God allowed slaves in the Bible?" I have to admit, I didn’t like the question. In fact, I avoided thinking about it. I wasn’t reading the Bible as much back then, and the history of slavery that I was familiar with—the brutal and inhumane system that many of us associate with slavery today—made the idea of even considering slavery in biblical terms uncomfortable for me.

But as I’ve grown deeper in my faith and spent more time studying God’s Word, I’ve started to understand the context of those ancient times more clearly. And while slavery in any form is difficult to process, the Bible’s take on it is more nuanced than I first realized.

The Bible’s Cultural Context of Slavery

In the ancient world, including Israel, slavery was a part of life. It wasn’t the race-based, violent form of slavery we think of from more recent history. In fact, many people in the Bible became slaves as a way of paying off debts or securing their survival in times of extreme poverty. Sometimes, they even sold themselves into slavery, knowing they would at least be provided with shelter and food (Leviticus 25:39).

When I started to dive deeper into the Old Testament, I realized that God put very strict rules around how slaves were to be treated. For example, Hebrew slaves were to be released after six years of service (Exodus 21:2), and they could choose to remain if they wanted to. This wasn't slavery in the sense of lifelong bondage without hope.

God’s Compassionate Guidelines

It surprised me to learn that, while God allowed slavery, He also set up protections for slaves that were completely unheard of in many other cultures at the time. If a master injured a slave, even causing something as small as the loss of a tooth, the slave was to be set free (Exodus 21:26-27). The rules emphasized that slaves were not mere property—they were people, and God was concerned with their well-being.

This didn’t take away the discomfort I felt initially, but it did show me that God was working with the realities of human society at the time. His laws were designed to protect the vulnerable, even when those societal structures weren’t perfect. It reminded me of how, even today, God meets us where we are, patiently guiding us toward something better.

A Form of Social Security

Another thing I learned is that slavery in the Bible sometimes functioned like a form of social security. If someone was destitute and had no means of survival, entering into a household as a servant meant food, shelter, and care. It wasn't ideal, but it was a way to avoid starvation or death. For foreigners captured in war, becoming a slave wasn’t a path to freedom, but even they had protections under Israelite law.

God continually reminded the Israelites that they were once slaves in Egypt (Deuteronomy 15:15), urging them to treat their own servants with compassion, not cruelty. This reminder was powerful because it encouraged empathy and fairness.

A Reflection of a Different Time

I’ve come to realize that while God allowed slavery in the Bible, it wasn’t an endorsement of human bondage. Rather, it was God working within the limitations of the human systems of the time. As I moved forward in my studies, the New Testament gave me even more clarity. Paul’s words in Galatians 3:28 were freeing: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

God’s ultimate desire was to unite humanity, to erase the lines that divide us, and to call us to a higher way of living—one rooted in love and equality.

So, Why Did God Allow Slavery?

The answer, I believe, lies in the reality of a fallen world. God didn't create slavery—humans did. But He gave the Israelites laws that would limit the abuses of this system and bring compassion where there could have been cruelty. And over time, He led humanity toward the understanding that we are all created equal in His sight.

What About Now?

Even today, we’re called to fight against exploitation and stand up for the oppressed. I believe that’s where God’s heart has always been. He never wanted to see people treated as less than human, but He worked within broken systems to reveal His desire for justice and mercy.

Your Thoughts?

I’d love to know—how do you feel about the way slavery is presented in the Bible? Does understanding the context help you see it differently, or do you still struggle with it? Let’s discuss this complex issue together. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!