It shall not seem hard to you when you let him go free from you, for at half the cost of a hired worker he has served you six years. So the LORD your God will bless you in all that you do.
God reproves their mean and niggardly pride if they free their slaves grudgingly. The slave earned double what a hired hand would have cost over six years, either because his labor was harder and more compelled, or because he served twice as long as hirelings normally did. Justice alone demands his release; the promise of blessing should move them further.
AI summary
God's people must not be held in perpetual slavery; thus are His spiritual Israel called unto liberty. When released, masters must furnish them with stock to begin again, for they leave with nothing of their own. A servant who chooses to stay for life gets reputation among some as quiet and contented, among others as one without due sense of freedom's honor.
AI summary
Commenting on Deuteronomy 15:12-18
Do not grudge his liberty or what you give when dismissing him. His six years cost you double what a hired servant would have, you paid him nothing while a hired man demands wages. The Lord will bless those who treat servants well in this way.
AI summary