Exodus 21:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Freedom is justly given to the enslaved as a price for freedom from suffering, a practice permitted by tradition instead of the law of recompense. It is notable that the demise of a servant who perished due to a beating was inadequately addressed, especially when compared to current standards, which are much more elevated than the pagan laws, even those addressing later offenses. However, as we've pointed out previously, Israel could not quickly ascend to the depth of contemporary Christian understandings, and the enslaved are still viewed as possessions, akin to ‘silver.’