Do not return a slave to his masterThis command reflects a significant departure from the practices of surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures, where returning runaway slaves was common. In Israel, the law provided protection for escaped slaves, emphasizing compassion and justice. This principle aligns with the broader biblical theme of liberation and God's concern for the oppressed, as seen in the Exodus narrative where God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The command also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of spiritual freedom in Christ, as seen in
Galatians 5:1, where believers are called to stand firm in their freedom and not be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
if he has taken refuge with you
The phrase suggests a scenario where a slave seeks asylum, indicating a desperate situation where the slave is fleeing from harsh treatment or seeking a better life. The concept of refuge is significant throughout Scripture, often associated with God's protection and care for those in distress. This mirrors the cities of refuge established in Israel for those seeking protection from avengers (Numbers 35:9-15). The idea of refuge is also a type of Christ, who offers ultimate refuge and salvation to all who come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30). The provision for a slave to find refuge in Israel underscores the nation's call to be a light to the nations, demonstrating God's justice and mercy.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, who is delivering God's laws to the Israelites.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, receiving the law as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
3.
SlaveA person who has escaped from their master and seeks refuge.
4.
MasterThe owner from whom the slave has fled.
5.
Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter and where these laws will be applied.
Teaching Points
Value of Human DignityThe command not to return a runaway slave underscores the importance of human dignity and freedom. It reflects God's concern for the oppressed and marginalized.
Compassion and RefugeProviding refuge to those in need is a recurring biblical theme. This law encourages the Israelites to act with compassion and offer protection to those seeking safety.
Justice Over LegalismThe law prioritizes justice and mercy over strict adherence to social norms or legalistic practices. It challenges believers to consider the spirit of the law in their actions.
God's Sovereignty and ProtectionBy allowing a slave to find refuge, the Israelites acknowledge God's sovereignty in providing protection and justice for all individuals, regardless of their social status.
Application in Modern ContextIn today's world, this principle can be applied to issues of asylum, human trafficking, and social justice, urging believers to advocate for and protect the vulnerable.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 23:15?
2.How does Deuteronomy 23:15 guide our treatment of those seeking refuge?
3.What does "do not return" in Deuteronomy 23:15 reveal about God's justice?
4.How can we apply Deuteronomy 23:15 to modern issues of asylum and refuge?
5.Compare Deuteronomy 23:15 with Leviticus 19:34 on treating foreigners. What similarities exist?
6.How does Deuteronomy 23:15 challenge us to show compassion in our communities?
7.What is the historical context of Deuteronomy 23:15?
8.How does Deuteronomy 23:15 reflect God's view on slavery?
9.Why does Deuteronomy 23:15 protect runaway slaves?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 23?
11.Why did God allow slavery in the Bible?
12.Deuteronomy 19:2-3: Is there any archaeological evidence of Israel establishing and maintaining these cities of refuge as described?
13.Psalm 15:5 forbids charging interest; how does this align with other Old Testament passages that allow interest to foreigners (e.g., Deuteronomy 23:20)?
14.John 15:15: How can Jesus call his followers 'friends' here, yet other scriptures refer to them as 'servants' or 'slaves' (e.g., Romans 1:1)?What Does Deuteronomy 23:15 Mean
Do not return• The verse begins with an unmistakable prohibition: “You shall not hand over…” (Deuteronomy 23:15). God speaks to Israel in the imperative, making this a binding moral command, not a suggestion.
• Scripture often places clear limits on what a believer may do when another human being is in danger (Exodus 23:7;Proverbs 31:8-9;James 4:17).
• By stating the matter negatively—“Do not”—the Lord blocks any excuse of neutrality. Inaction that enables oppression is itself disobedience.
a slave• The word identifies a real person, created in God’s image, regardless of social status (Genesis 1:27;Job 31:15).
• Israel’s law already regulated servitude to prevent perpetual bondage (Leviticus 25:39-43) and condemned kidnapping people for slavery (Exodus 21:16;1 Timothy 1:10).
• Here the fleeing slave is treated foremost as a vulnerable neighbor, echoing the call to love the sojourner and the weak (Deuteronomy 10:18-19;Matthew 22:39).
to his master• Masters in ancient Israel held legal authority, yet that authority was never absolute. God reserves the final word over every human relationship (Colossians 4:1).
• The verse deliberately places a boundary around a master’s claim, reminding Israel that allegiance to God’s righteousness outranks social contracts (Acts 5:29).
• By refusing return, the community effectively judges that something in the master-slave relationship has turned unjust, echoing Job’s protest, “If I have denied justice to my manservant… what will I do when God rises up?” (Job 31:13-15).
if he has taken refuge with you• “Taken refuge” signals asylum. God consistently honors those who seek shelter under His people’s care (Psalm 9:9;Isaiah 16:3-4).
• Welcoming the runaway is an act of compassion and alignment with the Lord’s own character as “a refuge for the oppressed” (Psalm 9:9).
• The community that receives the fugitive now bears responsibility to provide safe lodging and freedom within Israel (Deuteronomy 23:16), embodying the principle that mercy triumphs over exploitation (Micah 6:8;James 2:13).
summaryDeuteronomy 23:15 commands God’s people to protect a fleeing slave rather than return him to possible abuse. Each phrase underscores covenant priorities: unwavering obedience to God, recognition of every person’s dignity, limitation of human authority when it conflicts with divine justice, and active refuge for the vulnerable. The verse models a society where compassion and righteousness govern even the most delicate social relationships, pointing forward to the ultimate freedom and refuge found in Christ.
Deuteronomy 23:15-16.--
REFUGEES.Thou shalt not deliver . . . the servant.--Even on Israelitish ground the escaped slave was free. Rashi adds, "Even a Canaanitish slave who has escaped from abroad intothe landof Israel."
Verses 15, 16. - A slave that had escaped from his master was not to be given up, but allowed to dwell in the land, in whatever part he might choose. The reference is to a foreign slave who had fled from the harsh treatment of his master to seek refuge in Israel, as is evident from the expression,
בְאַחַד שְׁעָרֵיך, "in one of thy gates,"
i.
e.
in any part of thy land. Onkelos,
עֲבִד עַמְמִין, "a slave of the Gentiles." His master; the word used is the plural
adonim, masters. The use of this for a human master or lord is peculiar to the Pentateuch (cf.
Genesis 24:9, 51;
Genesis 39:2;
Genesis 40:1;
Exodus 21:4, 6, 32, etc.). In this use of the term there is no reference to severity of rule, as if this were a plural intensive.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Do notלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noreturnתַסְגִּ֥יר(ṯas·gîr)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5462:To shut up, to surrendera slaveעֶ֖בֶד(‘e·ḇeḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servanttoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tohis masterאֲדֹנָ֑יו(’ă·ḏō·nāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 113:Sovereign, controllerif he has taken refugeיִנָּצֵ֥ל(yin·nā·ṣêl)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5337:To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliverwith you.אֵלֶ֖יךָ(’ê·le·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 23:15 You shall not deliver to his master (Deut. De Du) 
