Why Does God Permit Slavery in the Bible?

How to Answer This Urgent Question

In Jewish synagogues this week, we read from the Torah a section called mishpatim. It means laws.

This biblical section contains more laws than any other part of the Torah.

Among the laws discussed are those dealing with slavery.

When we read this, people turn to me with shock and horror. After what they went through in Egypt, how could the Jewish people have slaves? Didn't they just experience the horror and cruelty of slavery?

It is a fair question. The Book of Exodus tells us God desires human freedom.

So how can God also condone slavery?