Israel: The Birthplace of Indentured Servitude.

A Short Historical Narration.

In ancient Israel, the prevailing socio-economic structure was distinguished by a practice known as "Indentured Servitude", which we now recognize as "Slavery."

Individuals, mostly from the poor homes, willingly entered into contractual agreements, binding themselves to serve their masters for a period of six years. This period allowed them the opportunity to cultivate their own livelihoods and build a foundation for their future.

Upon the seventh year, these servants were declared free men, and their contractual obligations were terminated. Subsequently, many among them chose to integrate themselves into the prevailing social fabric, perpetuating the very system that had once provided them a platform for self-establishment.

This Israeli system of indentured servitude played a pivotal role in establishing ancient Israel as a formidable powerhouse during its time, effectively mitigating the pervasive affliction of poverty that characterized developing societies. The careful implementation of this principle helped curtail destitution to its utmost extent, elevating the nation to a position of prosperity and stability.

An Important Deduction:
The founding principle of the Igbo ‘Igba-boy’ system can be traced back to the enduring legacy of Israel’s indentured servitude model, as it provided the conceptual framework and inspiration for the establishment of a similar system within the Igbo society.

Biblical References for the Indentured Servitude system in Ancient Israel can found in Exodus 21:1–20.