Shall he let her be redeemed— This might more properly be rendered, after many of the versions, he shall redeem or deliver her: he shall set her free. What is rendered, to a strange people, might properly be read, to another family, which is the true meaning of the expression. (Leviticus 22:10.) The Hebrews had no power, in any case, to sell any of their own people, whether male or female, to those of another nation.
REFLECTIONS.—We have here ordinances concerning servants: they had been servants themselves, and therefore are peculiarly called to exercise gentleness towards such. Though they had suffered, they must not play the tyrant in their turn.
1. Of the man-servant. Note; Voluntary slavery will seldom be found among men; but they who have tasted the blessed freedom of God's service are happy to be confirmed in his house for ever, and desire to go out no more. 2. Of the maid-servants. The meanest of Israel's daughters are honourably taken care of. Thus Jesus first bought the Church with his Blood; then, mean and unequal as was the match, espoused her to himself in mercy, and liberally endowed her with all the rich blessings of his grace.