There was a woman from a small village.

Her people were poor, and her family was held in great debt to a wealthy man.

Seeing that her parents could not work, she said,

“I will redeem them.”

She went to the wealthy man and said,

“Let me serve you six years, and the debt will be paid.”

And he agreed. He sent her to the grain house where she prayed,

"Lord, what you have taken from my family in weakness, you give back to me in strength."

Each day she rose before the light and labored until night.

When her day ended, she slept, and when she rose, she labored again.

Because the work did not fail, the burden was lifted from the other servants.

They rested, and were glad. The wealthy man increased their portion. But the woman continued working.

At the end of the six years she said,

“Release me, for my time is fulfilled.”

The wealthy man was bound by the law, so he released her.

She returned to her household and said,

“Your debt is paid, and I am free.”

Her house rejoiced, and the sickness departed from them.

But the grain house fell silent and the portions waned.

The measure was short, the stone uneven, and the servants’ gladness vanished.

What had been given was taken away.