Joe: Okay, so we're talking about Exodus 21, right? What's going on in this chapter?

Bible Expert: Yes, Exodus 21 deals with the laws of slavery and the rights of slaves. It outlines the punishments for various offenses, such as killing a slave, and the rules for the redemption of a slave. It also covers the responsibility of a master for the actions of a slave.

Joe: Whoa, whoa, whoa, slavery? Is this condoned in the Bible?

Jamie (Joe's sidekick): Hold on Joe, let me Google this. Okay, yeah, it looks like it's actually okay to own slaves in the Bible.

Joe: Interesting. So what are the punishments for killing a slave?

Bible Expert: Well, if someone kills a slave, the punishment is death, but if the slave survives for a day or two, then the master must pay the slave's owner compensation.

Joe: Wow, so is there anything else in this chapter?

Bible Expert: Yes, the chapter also outlines the responsibility of the master for the actions of the slave. If a slave causes damage, the master is responsible for the damage and must pay compensation.

Joe: Interesting. Anything else?

Bible Expert: Yes, the chapter also outlines the rules for the redemption of a slave. If a slave is sold, the master must not keep the slave for more than six years, after which the slave must be set free.

Joe: Whoa, so it sounds like the Bible is actually pretty progressive in terms of its treatment of slavery.

Bible Expert: Yes, it is certainly more progressive than many other ancient laws.