For the Israelites are My servants.This phrase emphasizes the unique relationship between God and the Israelites. In the ancient Near Eastern context, servitude often implied ownership and protection. Here, God asserts His claim over Israel, not as a tyrant, but as a benevolent master who cares for His people. This servitude is not one of oppression but of covenantal relationship, where the Israelites are called to serve God in obedience and worship. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as
Exodus 19:5-6, where Israel is described as a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation."
They are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt.
This phrase recalls the historical event of the Exodus, a foundational moment for Israel's identity. The deliverance from Egypt is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, symbolizing God's power and faithfulness. It serves as a reminder of God's redemptive work and His ability to liberate His people from bondage. This act of deliverance is a type of the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ, who delivers believers from the bondage of sin. The Exodus narrative is also a testament to God's covenantal promises, as seen inGenesis 15:13-14, where God foretells the liberation of Abraham's descendants.
I am the LORD your God.
This declaration underscores God's sovereignty and the personal relationship He has with His people. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) is significant, as it is God's covenant name, revealing His eternal and unchanging nature. This phrase is a reminder of the first commandment inExodus 20:2-3, where God establishes His exclusive right to Israel's worship and allegiance. It also points to the central theme of Leviticus, which is holiness and the call for Israel to be set apart for God. This statement is a reaffirmation of God's authority and His role as the ultimate lawgiver and protector of Israel.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt.
2.
EgyptThe land where the Israelites were enslaved for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses.
3.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who reveals Himself as the one true God and the deliverer of His people.
4.
ServitudeThe concept of being a servant or slave, which in this context refers to the Israelites' relationship with God as His chosen people.
5.
The ExodusThe pivotal event in Israel's history where God delivered them from Egyptian bondage, establishing them as His people.
Teaching Points
Identity in GodRecognize that, like the Israelites, believers today are called to be God's servants, set apart for His purposes.
Deliverance and FreedomUnderstand that true freedom comes from being delivered by God, just as the Israelites were freed from Egypt.
Covenant RelationshipEmbrace the covenant relationship with God, acknowledging Him as LORD and living in obedience to His commands.
Purposeful ServitudeReflect on the purpose of being God's servant, which involves serving others and advancing His kingdom.
Gratitude for RedemptionCultivate a heart of gratitude for the redemption and deliverance God has provided through Jesus Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 25:55?
2.How does Leviticus 25:55 emphasize our identity as God's servants today?
3.What does being "servants of Mine" imply about our relationship with God?
4.How can Leviticus 25:55 guide our understanding of Christian freedom and servitude?
5.Connect Leviticus 25:55 with New Testament teachings on being God's servants.
6.How should Leviticus 25:55 influence our daily decisions and actions as believers?
7.What does Leviticus 25:55 reveal about God's ownership of the Israelites?
8.How does Leviticus 25:55 influence the concept of servitude in biblical times?
9.Why does Leviticus 25:55 emphasize the Israelites as God's servants?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 25?
11.Why does the Bible never explicitly condemn slavery?
12.What does the Bible say about letting go?
13.Numbers 31 compared to earlier laws in Exodus and Leviticus: Why does this narrative's approach to warfare seem inconsistent with other divine commandments?
14.Exodus 25:2 - How could a nomadic people realistically possess or acquire so much gold and other precious materials in the wilderness?What Does Leviticus 25:55 Mean
For the Israelites are My servantsGod states ownership in unmistakable terms. By calling Israel “My servants,” He reminds them that:
• They belong to Him exclusively (Exodus 19:5-6).
• Their identity and purpose flow from His will, not their own ambitions (Deuteronomy 7:6).
• Even their land and livelihoods are under His authority, which is why the surrounding passage regulates land redemption and Jubilee freedom (Leviticus 25:23-24).
Service to God is never optional; it is the core of covenant life (Joshua 24:15).
They are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of EgyptThe repetition reinforces how redemption secured their servanthood. The exodus was:
• A historic rescue from literal bondage (Exodus 20:2;Deuteronomy 5:6).
• Proof that God alone has the power to liberate and therefore the right to command (Leviticus 26:13).
• A pattern pointing forward to all future deliverances, including the ultimate redemption in Christ (1 Peter 2:9).
Because He paid the price, Israel could never claim self-ownership; every law about debt release and slave freedom in this chapter echoes that reality.
I am the LORD your GodThe verse closes with God’s covenant name and title, anchoring everything in His unchanging character. This declaration means:
• He possesses absolute authority (Exodus 3:15).
• He is personally present with His people (Leviticus 11:44; 19:2).
• His covenant faithfulness guarantees both blessing for obedience and discipline for rebellion (Jeremiah 31:33).
Knowing who commands transforms how commandments are received; reverence replaces mere rule-keeping (Matthew 22:32).
summaryLeviticus 25:55 teaches that Israel’s freedom, identity, and future are entirely God-owned. He purchased them out of Egypt, so their lives, land, and labor must serve His purposes. Recognizing the Lord as Redeemer and Master shapes every aspect of obedience, assuring His people that the One who commands them is also the One who saved them.
(55)
For unto me the children of Israel are servants.--See
Leviticus 25:38;
Leviticus 25:42.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
For
כִּֽי־(kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction
the Israelites
בְנֵֽי־(ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A son
are My servants.
עֲבָדִ֔ים(‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5650:Slave, servant
They
הֵ֔ם(hêm)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992:They
are My servants,
עֲבָדַ֣י(‘ă·ḇā·ḏay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servant
whom
אֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that
I brought out
הוֹצֵ֥אתִי(hō·w·ṣê·ṯî)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proxim
of Egypt.
מִצְרָ֑יִם(miṣ·rā·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714:Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa
I
אֲנִ֖י(’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589:I
am the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
your God.
אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃(’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative
Links
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Leviticus 25:55 Biblia Paralela
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Leviticus 25:55 French Bible
Leviticus 25:55 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Leviticus 25:55 For to me the children of Israel (Le Lv Lev.)
