If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you. (Deuteronomy 24:7)
See Ex. 21:16. Kidnaping a man to make a slave of him was a crime punishable by death. A man’s personal freedom is precious in God’s sight. Slavery is an inexcusable sin against God and against society, as well as against the slave. Yet slavery has existed in some form or other in Eastern lands from time immemorial. The laws of God gave Israel were designed to eliminate slavery, in time. Slavery violates every human right and decency.