Slavery in the Bible

Slavery can be nothing less than troubling. One can argue (as many do) that the slavery of the Bible was nothing like the slavery of the Americas. No doubt true. But it still was bad. True a slave in ancient times could rise to a high rank in a household, even inherit and marry into the family. But it's not a position anyone willingly sought (except for the prodigal son, I think).

Paul admonishes slaves to be obedient and even returns a slave to the owner he ran away from. More on that much later when I get to Philemon. Masters are exhorted to be kind to their slaves. Could it be that this was the best that could be done at that time? For an all-powerful God?

It's a tough nut to crack. No answers. Just questions.