This verse reminds us that no one who belongs to the Lord should be reduced to a mere possession.
Leviticus 25:42 explains that the Israelites, as God’s own possession, were never to be treated like property to be sold or traded. This command is conveyed when the text declares, For they are My servants whom I brought out from the land of Egypt; they are not to be sold in a slave sale. (v.42) God emphasizes that any fellow Israelite should be regarded as a member of His redeemed community, not as a commodity. The land of Egypt lies in northeastern Africa along the Nile River, where God’s people had once been enslaved (Hosea 13:4 commentary). Their deliverance from Egyptian bondage took place under the leadership of Moses, traditionally placed around 1446 BC.
By describing His people as My servants in the verse, the Suzerain (Ruler) God reminds them of the extraordinary redemption their ancestors experienced. The Exodus event was God’s sovereign act of grace, accomplishing what the Israelites could not do for themselves. As such, the people were to reflect God’s mercy in how they related to each other. Because they were “bought” by the Lord out of cruel subjugation, they no longer belonged to anyone but Him. This rationale finds a spiritual parallel in the New Testament with Jesus as the ultimate Redeemer for all who trust in Him (John 8:36).
God’s mandate shapes a community ethos: one that protects the dignity of every Israelite and underscores their shared freedom. Rather than replicating the inhumane systems of nearby pagan nations, God’s covenant people were called to model justice and compassion. In remembering that they were once slaves themselves (Exodus 20:2), the Israelites could better grasp the heart of divine redemption and reflect it toward their brothers and sisters.
Set to dark mode
Leviticus 25:42 meaning
Leviticus 25:42 explains that the Israelites, as God’s own possession, were never to be treated like property to be sold or traded. This command is conveyed when the text declares, For they are My servants whom I brought out from the land of Egypt; they are not to be sold in a slave sale. (v.42) God emphasizes that any fellow Israelite should be regarded as a member of His redeemed community, not as a commodity. The land of Egypt lies in northeastern Africa along the Nile River, where God’s people had once been enslaved (Hosea 13:4 commentary). Their deliverance from Egyptian bondage took place under the leadership of Moses, traditionally placed around 1446 BC.
By describing His people as My servants in the verse, the Suzerain (Ruler) God reminds them of the extraordinary redemption their ancestors experienced. The Exodus event was God’s sovereign act of grace, accomplishing what the Israelites could not do for themselves. As such, the people were to reflect God’s mercy in how they related to each other. Because they were “bought” by the Lord out of cruel subjugation, they no longer belonged to anyone but Him. This rationale finds a spiritual parallel in the New Testament with Jesus as the ultimate Redeemer for all who trust in Him (John 8:36).
God’s mandate shapes a community ethos: one that protects the dignity of every Israelite and underscores their shared freedom. Rather than replicating the inhumane systems of nearby pagan nations, God’s covenant people were called to model justice and compassion. In remembering that they were once slaves themselves (Exodus 20:2), the Israelites could better grasp the heart of divine redemption and reflect it toward their brothers and sisters.