Contradiction with Exodus 21:2
This verse states that a Hebrew servant shall serve six years and be freed in the seventh, whereas Deuteronomy 15:15 emphasizes liberation because the Israelites were once slaves in Egypt.
Exodus 21:2: If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.
Contradiction with Leviticus 25:44-46
This verse permits keeping non-Israelite slaves as property forever, contrasting with Deuteronomy 15:15's promotion of release due to remembering past enslavement.
Leviticus 25:44-46: Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, [shall be] of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 15:12
This earlier verse in the same chapter offers a similar release of Hebrew servants in the seventh year, differing slightly in focus from the remembrance motivation stated in Deuteronomy 15:15.
Deuteronomy 15:12: [And] if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 23:15-16
These verses direct not to return escaped slaves to their masters and allow them to live freely, contrasting with the structured release and remembrance theme in Deuteronomy 15:15.
Deuteronomy 23:15-16: Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee:
Contradiction with Colossians 3:22
Advises servants to obey their earthly masters, which can be seen as contradicting the emancipatory context of Deuteronomy 15:15.
Colossians 3:22: Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction with Deuteronomy 15:15 could relate to the theme of slavery and servitude in the Bible. Some people point out that while Deuteronomy encourages kindness and fair treatment towards servants, other parts of the Old Testament (such as Leviticus and Exodus) provide laws that regulate slavery, which can be seen as contradictory from a moral perspective. This can lead to discussions about inconsistency in how the Bible addresses the institution of slavery.
Paradox #2
The verse may seem inconsistent with the practice of slavery in ancient times, as the broader context encourages fair treatment and release of Hebrew slaves, which could contrast with the acceptance of slavery elsewhere in the Bible. This may create confusion about the Bible's overall stance on slavery.
Paradox #3
Deuteronomy 15:15 talks about remembering past slavery and showing kindness. A contradiction could be that while it encourages compassion toward others, the broader context of the Bible includes rules that permit slavery. This could seem inconsistent, as it emphasizes kindness yet accepts an institution that can be seen as unkind or unjust.