"When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she shall not go out as the male slaves do. If she does not please her master, who has designated her for himself, then he shall let her be redeemed. He shall have no right to sell her to a foreign people, since he has broken faith with her. If he designates her for his son, he shall deal with her as with a daughter. If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, or her marital rights. And if he does not do these three things for her, she shall go out for nothing, without payment of money.
Exodus 21:7-11
The rights of a maid sold to be a slave were even more carefully guarded than those of a manservant. Not only was she to go free after six years, if unmarried, but if married, she was entitled to the same rights as a free wife (10). The 'these three' in 11 probably refers to the possible courses open to the slave owner with her: either that he marry her himself, or give her to his son in marriage, in both of which cases she would have all wifely rights and privileges, or sell her to another Hebrew ('redeemed', 8). If none of these courses was followed, she must be allowed to go out free. The point that is made, however, is that whichever course might be followed, she would be protected, and her interests safeguarded. This is something that was quite unknown in the ancient world, where women had no rights at all. Once again, there is no discussion about the institution of slavery, as such; it is taken for granted. But within its context, everything is wonderfully gracious and merciful, with human rights defended and human dignity safeguarded. In no way was the maid to be taken advantage of. What strikes one most forcibly here is the reality of a God Who cares for the weak and the defenceless, and undertakes to watch over their interests. And that is a lesson worth learning.