The Runaway Slave Who Flees to the Land of Israel

"They shall not dwell in your land" (Exodus 23:33). One might think Scripture speaks of a gentile who has accepted upon himself not to worship idols. Therefore the verse teaches, "You shall not hand over a slave" etc. (Deuteronomy 23:16). What is his remedy? "He shall dwell with you, in your midst" etc. (Deuteronomy 23:17). This was difficult for Rabbi Yoshiyah: this phrase "from his master" (Deuteronomy 23:16) should have said "from his god." Rather, Rabbi Yoshiyah said: it speaks of one who sells his slave outside the land. This was difficult for Rabbi Aha bar Yoshiyah: this phrase "who escapes to you" should have said "who escapes from you." Rather, Rabbi Yoshiyah said: it speaks of a slave who fled from outside the land to the land. It was taught: "You shall not hand over." Rabbi says: it speaks of one who acquires a slave on condition to set him free. How so? Where he wrote to him, "When I acquire you, behold you are acquired to yourself from now."