“Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door or unto the doorpost, and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall serve him forever.”
In this verse, we find a provision that outlines the procedure when a Hebrew slave voluntarily chooses to remain in servitude to his master even after the time of release. Let’s explore its context and significance.
Context:Exodus 21 deals with various laws given by God to Moses regarding social justice, civil matters, and personal rights within the community of Israel. It covers regulations concerning Hebrew slaves, personal injuries, property rights, and other aspects of daily life.
Voluntary Servitude:In ancient Israel, slavery was a reality, but the regulations laid out by God sought to establish a more humane and just treatment of slaves compared to the practices of surrounding nations. Exodus 21:6 specifically addresses a unique situation where a slave desires to remain in servitude beyond the typical term of six years (as specified in Exodus 21:2-5).
Legal Procedure:When a Hebrew slave willingly chose to remain in lifelong servitude, the master was required to bring the slave before the judges, who acted as impartial arbiters. This step ensured that the decision was made voluntarily and without coercion.
Symbolic Act:As part of the process, the master would take the slave to the door or doorpost of the house. Then, with an awl (a pointed tool), the master would pierce the ear of the slave. This act had symbolic significance, representing the slave’s lifelong dedication and submission to his master. It marked the slave as a willing servant, bound to serve his master indefinitely.
Perpetual Service:The verse concludes by stating that after this symbolic act, the slave would serve his master forever. It means that the slave had committed himself to lifelong servitude, willingly choosing to remain with his master even when freedom was available.
While the concept of slavery in the Bible raises ethical questions and concerns in the modern context, it is important to note that the regulations in Exodus 21 aimed to mitigate the harshness of the practice prevalent during that time. These laws sought to establish some measure of protection and fairness for Hebrew slaves within their society.
Understanding this verse requires considering the historical and cultural context, as well as the overall message of the Bible, which emphasises love, justice, and the value of every human life.
