Exodus 21:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The law given to Israel cannot compare to the perfection of Christ's law, yet it clearly indicates the early stirrings of noble intentions. These intentions were notably reflected in Christian communities just a century ago, particularly through the prohibition of the slave trade. Anyone who, through theft, has turned an Israelite into a servant and sold him, or planned to sell him, shall face the death penalty. Such offenses, as illustrated by Joseph's story, were likely common and mirrored in the account of Joseph’s sale. The itinerant merchants from the family of Ishmael and the Midianites likely participated in this commerce, similar to the activities of the Phoenicians during their maritime journeys (see Herod. 1:1).