YHWH: the Mysogynist Slaver

July 16, 2009, 9:37 am by dc-agape.

Exodus 21:1-11

YHWH does not only accept slavery of other nations, he allows Hebrews to be slaves as well.  But YHWH treats male slaves differently than female slaves.  Male slaves are only to be owned for 6 full years.  Then they are free.  There is a caveat, if the owner gives the slave a wife, the slave must choose between his wife and freedom.  If he chooses to stay with his new wife he will be a slave for the rest of his life.  Cute little trick there!  Because you see woman slaves are not allowed to go free unless certain conditions are met.

Female slaves are obviously for sexual purposes:

Exodus 21:10 If he marries another woman, he must not deprive the first one of her food, clothing, or marital rights.

A number of conditions will free a female slave.  First, if the owner is not satisfied by her she can be redeemed.  The other way a female slave can be set free is by breach of contract.  This breach would occur if the owner did not provide the female slave with: food, clothing, or marital rights.  In other words, he has purchased a wife – a slave wife.

Not only does YHWH condone slavery he has set specific rules for freeing them.  In these rules YHWH is a misogynist.  It is obvious that women were only used for reproductive purposes.  And YHWH was clearly accepting of this practice.  Could YHWH have changed, of course not.  He is still the “god” of the Old Testament.  Could YHWH have been accepting of a practice that he found revolting, of course not.  No the image of YHWH is without doubt a misogynist.

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