Pisqa’ 259²⁸⁷

1. “Do not return a slave to his master” (Dt. 23:16). On this basis, they taught: one who sells his [Hebrew] slave to gentiles or [to an owner] beyond the Land— the slave goes forth a free man.

footnotes: ²⁸⁷ H:257-258;JN2:188.

“When he has sought refuge with you from his master” (Dt .23:16)— this includes as well a resident alien.

“He may live with you” (Dt. 23:17)— but not in the city itself. “In your midst” (Dt. 23:17)— but not on the border lands.

“In the place he shall choose” Dt. 23:17)— in the place where he earns his living.

“In one of your gates” (Dt. 23:17)— he may live in [any] of your gates, but not in Jerusalem, [which falls outside the tribal inheritances]. ²⁸⁸ 218.4), whose trial and execution may occur “anywhere but Jerusalem, to publicize that it belongs to all Israel [and not to any one tribe].” 2. When He says: “In one of your gates” (Dt. 23:17)— this implies that he shouldn’t wander from city to city.

footnotes: ²⁸⁸ Cf. T. Neg. 6:2 in re: the incorrigible son (Dt. 21:18ff., Pisqa’

“If he is doing well” (Dt. 23:17)— that is, if he moves from a poor area to a fine area.

3. “Do not oppress him” (Dt. 23:17)— with verbal oppression, in particular.²⁸⁹ 18.

footnotes: ²⁸⁹ Cf. M. BM. 4:10, in re: verbal oppression of the resident alien and the child of converts: “A person shall not say to him: Recall the deeds of your ancestors!” See also T. BM. 3:25 and Mechilta Ishmael, neziqin,

Another word: “Do not return a slave to his master” (Dt. 23:16)— this verse concerns a gentile escaping enslavement to a foreign cult.