Slavery and Beating

In 2021, a mother and daughter duo pled guilty to 48 charges of abuse, including severe beating, of their domestic help, a 24-year-old citizen from Myanmar. The mother was given 14 years of imprisonment, while the daughter was given 30 years. Another lady was given ten years of imprisonment and a fine of S$ 4,500 for punching her maid severely and blinding one of her eyes.

In modern cultures, domestic and foreign workers have several rights, and the law punishes those who violate and harm the workers. The same was not true of the ancient cultures, especially against the lowest class of workers and slaves, whether in Egypt, Rome, Greece, India (with Brahmins and Dalits), or pre-revolutionary Europe and America. Slaves were beaten and ill-treated.

Even the Mosaic law allowed the beating of a slave, but with constraints and regulations. If the slave died because of the master’s beating, the master was to be punished – a life for a life. But if the slave didn’t die, the master wouldn’t be punished (Exod 21:20–21).

The Lord Jesus had been talking about the “Chief of Staff” or Head Steward (oikonomos) in a household. While the master was gone, if he withheld fellow servant’s food and living expenses, he would be punished and demoted to an ordinary slave or someone worse than a foreigner with no rights (in those days) (Luke 12:41–46).

The Lord continued that conversation about “that slave” (ekeinos doulos). As such, this lesson goes along with our previous lesson.

“That slave, who, while knowing the will of his master, did not prepare or do the will of his master will receive many beatings. But, if he didn’t know but would have done just punishments, he would have received fewer beatings.” (Luke 12:47–48a)

He was punished with beatings because he ill-treated his fellow servants. The master was just and fair to punish him. But the amount of punishment was based on his awareness of the master’s heart or will. He knew his master wanted him to be responsible for his fellow servants and treat them well. That was the heart and will of the master. Even after knowing that, he ill-treated his fellow servants. That was why his punishment was severe. If he hadn’t known the master’s will, his punishments would have been less. This master had clearly expressed his desires, will, and heart. As such, the oikonomos' punishments were severe.

The principle was this:

“All who were given much, much were sought from them. All who were set in authority over others much were asked of their roles.” (12:48b)

It’s like the Spiderman’s uncle saying, “With great power comes great responsibility.” When a master selected from the slaves one and appointed him as the oikonomos, chief of staff, he was to live up to that standard and reflect the heart and will of the master. This was why Joseph refused to lie down with his master’s wife (in addition to his fear of God).

God has given us all responsibilities, works, and ministries. In everything we do, we must represent God – reflect his heart, will, standards, kindness, and gentleness.