One servant maid shared her agony of being mistreated like dogs. The master used to buy meat for dogs and gave it to servants for their food. For the master and family, there was always the best meat. There are reports that servants are verbally, physically, and sexually abused and even tortured. The Bible teaches generosity even to slaves: “And when you let him go free from you, you shall not let him go empty-handed. You shall furnish him liberally out of your flock, out of your threshing floor, and out of your winepress. As the LORD your God has blessed you, you shall give to him.” (Deuteronomy 15:13-14)
Slaves: In the ancient world, slaves were common. Even Joseph was sold as a slave to Ishmaelites/Midianites by his brothers, who sold him to Potiphar an Egyptian official. (Genesis 37) The slaves ought to be treated as fellow human beings created in the image of God. Hence generosity should be joyfully practiced.
Empty-handed: God warned Israel, not to send the slaves empty-handed. The slaves after a service of six years were allowed to go free in the seventh year. (Exodus 21:2; Jeremiah 34:14) Six years is a considerable time, and after their service, they should not be sent away without benefits, perks, and bonuses. The intention is that the slave should not go under slavery again but be self-sustainable.
Flock: The slave must have been the shepherd of the flock and cattle, hence, they should be given a few liberally from the flock. That would become the slave’s livelihood in the future.
Threshing floor: The slave must be provided with food for the next few months so that he could look for setting up his home or business. They should not be allowed to starve.
Winepress: God commanded that they should be provided for immediate food, future self-sustainment by raising the flock, and also should enjoy life by having wine from the stock of the master. Even luxury should be shared.
Blessing: Lord reminded the Israelites that they were blessed to be a blessing:
Do I practice the spiritual discipline of generosity?