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for there will always be poor people in the land. That is why I am giving you this order, 'You must open your hand to your poor and needy brother in your land.'
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"If your kinsman, a Hebrew man or woman, is sold to you, he is to serve you for six years; but in the seventh year, you are to set him free.
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Moreover, when you set him free, don't let him leave empty-handed;
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but supply him generously from your flock, threshing-floor and winepress; from what ADONAI your God has blessed you with, you are to give to him.
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Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and ADONAI your God redeemed you; that is why I am giving you this order today.
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But if he says to you, 'I don't want to leave you,' because he loves you and your household, and because his life with you is a good one;
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then take an awl, and pierce his ear through, right into the door; and he will be your slave forever. Do the same with your female slave.
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Don't resent it when you set him free, since during his six years of service he has been worth twice as much as a hired employee. Then ADONAI your God will bless you in everything you do.
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"All the firstborn males in your herd of cattle and in your flock you are to set aside for ADONAI your God; you are not to do any work with a firstborn from your herd or shear a firstborn sheep.
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Each year you and your household are to eat it in the presence of ADONAI your God in the place which ADONAI will choose.
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But if it has a defect, is lame or blind, or has some other kind of fault, you are not to sacrifice it to ADONAI your God;