39 " 'If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and sell themselves to you, do not make them work as slaves.
39 "If your brother becomes poor beside you and sells himself to you, you shall not make him serve as a slave:
39 "If one of your brothers becomes indigent and has to sell himself to you, don't make him work as a slave.
39 'And if one of your brethren who dwells by you becomes poor, and sells himself to you, you shall not compel him to serve as a slave.
39 "If one of your fellow Israelites falls into poverty and is forced to sell himself to you, do not treat him as a slave.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 25:39
Commentary on Leviticus 25:39-55
(Read Leviticus 25:39-55)
A native Israelite, if sold for debt, or for a crime, was to serve but six years, and to go out the seventh. If he sold himself, through poverty, both his work and his usage must be such as were fitting for a son of Abraham. Masters are required to give to their servants that which is just and equal, John 8:32. We cannot ransom our fellow-sinners, but we may point out Christ to them; while by his grace our lives may adorn his gospel, express our love, show our gratitude, and glorify his holy name.