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Leviticus 25:55 - Israel: Divine servants forever

Leviticus 25:55 - ויקרא 25:55

Hebrew Text

כִּי־לִי בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל עֲבָדִים עֲבָדַי הֵם אֲשֶׁר־הוֹצֵאתִי אוֹתָם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

For to me the children of Yisra᾽el are servants; they are my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Miżrayim: I am the Lord your God.

Transliteration

Ki-li v'nei-Yisrael avadim, avadai hem asher-hotzeiti otam mei'eretz Mitzrayim, ani Adonai Eloheichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־לִ֤י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ עֲבָדִ֔ים עֲבָדַ֣י הֵ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־הוֹצֵ֥אתִי אוֹתָ֖ם מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃
כִּֽי־לִ֤י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ עֲבָדִ֔ים עֲבָדַ֣י הֵ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־הוֹצֵ֥אתִי אוֹתָ֖ם מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Nature of Jewish Servitude to Hashem

The verse (Vayikra 25:55) emphasizes the unique relationship between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem, stating that they are His servants. Rashi explains that this servitude is not one of oppression but of privilege, as they were redeemed from Egypt specifically to serve Hashem. The Sforno adds that this servitude is eternal, distinguishing Jews from other nations who may serve human masters or idols.

Freedom Through Divine Service

Rambam (Hilchos Avodas Kochavim 1:3) teaches that true freedom is achieved only through service to Hashem. The Exodus from Egypt was not merely liberation from physical bondage but a transition to a higher purpose—accepting the yoke of Heaven. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 30:9) compares this to a slave freed by a king to serve the king himself, a far nobler station.

The Eternal Covenant

The phrase "I am the Lord your God" underscores the unbreakable bond. The Kli Yakar explains that Hashem’s ownership of Bnei Yisrael is rooted in His role as their Redeemer, creating an everlasting covenant. This idea is echoed in the Talmud (Kiddushin 22b), which states that a Jew who acquires a Hebrew servant is effectively acquiring a master, since both are ultimately servants of Hashem.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Service to Hashem is the highest form of freedom, as taught by Rambam and Rashi.
  • The Exodus was not an end in itself but the beginning of a divine mission (Sforno).
  • Jewish identity is intrinsically tied to being avdei Hashem (servants of God), a privilege that transcends all other affiliations (Kli Yakar).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 10a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the status of Jewish servants and the prohibition against treating them harshly, emphasizing that they are God's servants first.
📖 Kiddushin 22b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the laws of Jewish servitude, highlighting that Jews are ultimately servants of God and not to be treated as permanent slaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 25:55 mean when it says 'the children of Israel are My servants'?
A: This verse teaches that the Jewish people have a special relationship with Hashem as His servants. Rashi explains that this means we are obligated to serve Hashem exclusively and not be subservient to other masters. This servitude is a privilege that comes from being redeemed from Egypt.
Q: Why does the verse mention the Exodus from Egypt in Leviticus 25:55?
A: The mention of the Exodus reminds us that our service to Hashem is based on His redeeming us from slavery in Egypt. The Rambam teaches that remembering the Exodus is fundamental to our faith, as it establishes Hashem's authority over us and our obligation to serve Him.
Q: How does Leviticus 25:55 apply to Jews today?
A: This verse reminds us that as Jews, our primary allegiance is to Hashem. The Talmud (Kiddushin 22b) derives from this that a Jew cannot be permanently enslaved to another person, as we are fundamentally servants of Hashem. This influences many areas of Jewish law and daily practice.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'I am the Lord your God' at the end of Leviticus 25:55?
A: This declaration emphasizes that our service is directed to Hashem alone. The Sforno explains that this serves as both a reminder of Hashem's authority and a comfort - we serve a compassionate God who redeemed us from Egypt and continues to guide us.
Q: How does Leviticus 25:55 relate to the concept of Jewish identity?
A: This verse establishes that being Hashem's servants is an essential part of Jewish identity. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) connects this to the idea that our service to Hashem is what makes us truly free, as we were liberated from Egypt specifically to serve Him.