Did the ancient Hebrews ever own slaves?

Answer 1

The simple answer is "Yes they did," but the situation was nothing like what

you visualize or think of when you're discussing 'slavery' or 'slave owners.'

It was so different that it should not even be labeled in those terms. But no

English equivalent adequately captures the essence of the Hebrew "EHved,"

so, unfortunately, we still talk about 'slaves.'

First and most important, the "slaves" had definite rights in Jewish law. It was

forbidden to treat them harshly or to hit them, and an injury could win the

slave his freedom (Exodus ch.21). It was forbidden to 'work' the slave on the

Sabbath (Exodus ch.20). A slave could only be asked to perform tasks at which

he was competent, and the 'master' was required to feed him adequately, from

foods that the slave preferred. He had to be given the same quality of food and

comforts as the rest of the family.