Anyone who beats their male or female slave with a rod must be punished if the slave dies as a direct result. The law protecting enslaved persons from fatal beatings is a significant departure from surrounding ancient Near Eastern law, where killing one's own slave was generally not a crime. The regulation of the master's power over the enslaved is a covenant restriction on the absolute power that property ownership implied. Ephesians 6:9 says masters, treat your slaves in the same way, and do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven and there is no favoritism with him. The principle that the enslaved person's life has value to God regardless of their legal status is the basis for Paul's instruction.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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