Behar - On the mountain בְּהַר
Torah Portion: Leviticus 25:1-26:2
Reading #6 - Leviticus 25:39–46
My Thoughts:
We are learning today about rules regarding slaves. Interestingly enough, the Israeli slaves were released with their families in the year of Jubilee. But, alien slaves were bought and passed on to the following generations. Why the difference? We don’t live in a time of “formal” slavery so it may be hard for to understand this type of statute. I’m thinking that Hashem is making a very common point and part of His “theme” to take care of your “brothers” or fellow Jews in a special way. Do not neglect them. Other slaves who are not Hebrew do not receive such a special consideration. Hashem is never wrong, even though we may not understand some of His rules. In the Olam Haba, things will be made clear to us!
Challenge:
In verse 43 we read, “You shall not rule over him (fellow Jewish slaves) with harshness, but shall fear your Elohim.” First of all, no abuse or harsh treatment for slaves. Remembering that the Hebrew people were recently in slavery. And secondly, they were to “fear” Hashem. To me that means, “Listen to what I am telling you. I am the Elohim of everything, everywhere.” Nobody is more powerful than Him! We must fear, respect and honor Him and all He tells us to do. Are you doing that today? Do you fear Hashem? When the day comes in the Olam Haba when we are even blessed to catch a glimpse of Hashem – we will then know what “to fear” means. Until then walk in faith that you must follow every commandment to the best of your ability.
Reading #6 - Leviticus 25:39–46
25:39 “‘If your brother has grown poor among you, and sells himself to you, you shall not make him to serve as a slave. 40 As a hired servant, and as a temporary resident, he shall be with you; he shall serve with you until the Year of Jubilee. 41 Then he shall go out from you, he and his children with him, and shall return to his own family, and to the possession of his fathers. 42 For they are my servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. They shall not be sold as slaves. 43 You shall not rule over him with harshness, but shall fear your Elohim.
44 “‘As for your male and your female slaves, whom you may have from the nations that are around you, from them you may buy male and female slaves. 45 Moreover, of the children of the aliens who live among you, of them you may buy, and of their families who are with you, which they have conceived in your land; and they will be your property. 46 You may make them an inheritance for your children after you, to hold for a possession. Of them you may take your slaves forever, but over your brothers the children of Israel you shall not rule, one over another, with harshness.
