"Slavery" in the Bible is not a simple subject by any means. The very word for slave in Hebrew is "Ebed" which is the same word for "worker". So, whenever the word "slave" is used in the Bible, it often has no resemblance to the concept we have in mind. The arrangements made between people in those days, based on their economic situation, could not possibly be considered slavery in the way we think of it; at least not in Israel. Even though abject slavery was very common in the ancient world, the Jewish treatment of workers, debters, war prisoners, indentured servants,laborers, slaves, etc. was incredibly lenient and even generous for the day. And, most importantly, these financial arrangements were temporary. For an in depth study of the subject go here:
