Exodus 21:6

Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.

Then his master {H113} shall bring {H5066} him unto the judges {H430}; he shall also bring {H5066} him to the door {H1817}, or unto the door post {H4201}; and his master {H113} shall bore {H7527} his ear {H241} through with an aul {H4836}; and he shall serve {H5647} him for ever {H5769}.

then his master is to bring him before God; and there at the door or doorpost, his master is to pierce his ear with an awl; and the man will be his slave for life.

then his master is to bring him before the judges. And he shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he shall serve his master for life.

then his master shall bring him unto God, and shall bring him to the door, or unto the door-post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl; and he shall serve him for ever.

Commentary

Exodus 21:6 details a specific legal provision within the ancient Israelite society concerning a Hebrew servant who, after a period of service, voluntarily chooses to remain with his master and household permanently. This statute is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), which outlines the civil and social laws given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai, providing a framework for justice and order in the nascent nation of Israel.

Context

The preceding verses, particularly Exodus 21:2, establish that a Hebrew servant was generally to be set free after six years of service. However, Exodus 21:5 presents a unique scenario: if the servant genuinely loved his master, his wife, and children, and explicitly declared, "I will not go out free," then the process described in verse 6 would be enacted. This law highlights a system that, while involving servitude, also respected personal choice and enduring commitment within the household structure.

Key Themes

  • Voluntary Commitment and Loyalty: The central theme is the servant's free and heartfelt decision to remain with his master, driven by love and attachment to the family. This was a choice, not an obligation, transforming a temporary arrangement into a lifelong bond.
  • Symbolism of the Bored Ear: The act of boring the ear through with an aul to the doorpost was a public and indelible mark. The ear, being the organ of hearing, symbolized a lifelong commitment to listening to and obeying the master's commands, signifying a permanent dedication to that particular household. The doorpost represented the threshold of the home, emphasizing belonging and permanence.
  • Lifelong Service: The phrase "serve him for ever" uses the Hebrew term l'olam (ืœึฐืขื•ึนืœึธื), which in this context typically means for the remainder of the servant's life. It signified a permanent status within the existing social structure, distinct from the temporary nature of typical servitude.
  • Legal and Divine Sanction: The requirement to bring the servant "unto the judges" (often interpreted as meaning before God or before those authorized to represent divine law) underscored the seriousness and legal validity of this lifetime commitment, ensuring it was a recognized and binding act within Israelite society.

Linguistic Insights

The tool used for piercing the ear is called an "aul," from the Hebrew word martsea (ืžึทืจึฐืฆึตืขึท), which is a sharp, pointed instrument like a bodkin. The phrase "serve him for ever" translates the Hebrew l'olam (ืœึฐืขื•ึนืœึธื). While l'olam can mean "eternally," in this context, it signifies a permanent commitment for the duration of the servant's life, or until the Jubilee year, though the latter application for this specific type of servant is a matter of scholarly debate.

Practical Application

While the specific practice of ear-boring is no longer observed, the principles embedded in this ancient law hold profound spiritual and practical relevance:

  • The Beauty of Chosen Service: This passage highlights the profound difference between forced labor and voluntary service. True commitment, whether in marriage, professional dedication, or spiritual devotion, is most meaningful when it stems from love, loyalty, and a free choice.
  • Spiritual Allegory of Christ: Many theologians see this law as a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. As the ultimate servant, Christ willingly entered into perfect obedience to God the Father, not under compulsion, but out of love and devotion. The psalmist prophetically states, "mine ears hast thou opened" (Psalm 40:6 KJV), which is often interpreted as a reference to Christ's perfect willingness to hear and obey God's will (Philippians 2:7). Believers are likewise called to be willing servants of God, dedicating their lives to Him out of love and gratitude.
  • Honoring Commitments: The public nature of the ceremony emphasized the importance of honoring one's word and commitments. It serves as a reminder that solemn vows and declarations should be taken seriously and upheld.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 15:17

    Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust [it] through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.

  • Leviticus 25:40

    [But] as an hired servant, [and] as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, [and] shall serve thee unto the year of jubile:

  • Deuteronomy 19:17

    Then both the men, between whom the controversy [is], shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;

  • Deuteronomy 19:18

    And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, [if] the witness [be] a false witness, [and] hath testified falsely against his brother;

  • 1 Samuel 28:2

    And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.

  • Exodus 22:8

    If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, [to see] whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour's goods.

  • Exodus 22:9

    For all manner of trespass, [whether it be] for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, [or] for any manner of lost thing, which [another] challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; [and] whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
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