Thread:FrenchTouch/@comment-1777104-20160628182638/@comment-1777104-20160629183015

Hello,

Yes, it may be that "servant" is the better translation. I have not done a thorough study of ancient pre-mosaic civilizations. I do know from reading the Torah that the shiphchah was considered property in much the same way as were beasts of burden at that time. I am not aware of any controversy, so I assume this is the result of modern research. The "level of sophistication" of the Egypt of Abraham's day was nothing compared to that of Ur, from which Abraham had migrated a generation earlier.

Moses had grown up in the court of what had become very sophisticated, but it was only after a period of over 400 years since Abraham had been there. The text of the Bible indicates that part of the "deal" with Abram for his "sister" Sarai was a wealth of servants, both animal and human. It would not have been within the power of an employer to give men and women employees to a visiting dignitary.

The civilization of ancient Egypt most likely transitioned to a caste system under the administration of Zaphnath-paaneah (born: Joseph ben Jacob) as the government bought not just the land, but the services of the populace. Perhaps it was predictable that after that the people would demand relief from this bondage at the expense of the immigrant population that had grown so large in three or four generations.

It is evident to me that Hagar was at the disposal of Sarai, to "give" her services to Abram, and then to banish her from the household. Hagar became a member of the household staff as a consequence of Abram's whole tribe going down into Egypt during a famine. The fact that translators shy away from using the word "slave" is understandable, but it seems to me that the relationship between Sarai and Hagar precludes that of a her being a faithful "employee."

I'll leave it to you to defend your assertion that Greeks did not use slaves. According to this article, there were different levels of slavery, but it was certainly common.

Peace to you,

SouthWriter (talk) 18:30, June 29, 2016 (UTC)