Exodus 21:5

Context of Exodus 21:5

Exodus chapter 21 introduces a series of civil laws given by God to Moses immediately after the Ten Commandments, often referred to as the "Book of the Covenant." These laws govern various aspects of Israelite society, including the treatment of servants. The preceding verses establish that a Hebrew servant was generally to be set free after six years of service (Exodus 21:2). However, if the master had given the servant a wife during his service, and they had children, the wife and children would remain with the master upon the servant's release (Exodus 21:4). Verse 5 presents a specific, heartfelt exception to this rule of automatic freedom.

Key Themes and Messages

• Voluntary Commitment: This verse highlights a remarkable instance of choice within the ancient Israelite legal system. The servant's decision to remain was entirely voluntary, driven by personal affection and loyalty rather than obligation. This stands in contrast to forced servitude.
• Love and Loyalty: The explicit declaration, "I love my master, my wife, and my children," underscores the deep emotional bonds that could form within a household, even under a system of servitude. The servant values his relationships more than his personal freedom.
• The Value of Family: The primary motivation for the servant's choice is his family—his wife and children, who would otherwise remain with the master. This reflects the high value placed on family unity and continuity in Israelite society.
• Sacrifice for Relationship: The servant willingly sacrifices his legal right to freedom for the sake of maintaining his family and his bond with his master. This is a powerful illustration of choosing relational security over individual liberty.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "servant" here is 'ebed, which can refer to a slave, servant, or bondservant. In the context of Hebrew law, an 'ebed was often someone who entered service due to debt or poverty, and their rights were protected. The word for "love" is 'ahab, a common biblical term indicating deep affection, commitment, and loyalty. The phrase "plainly say" emphasizes that this declaration must be clear, unambiguous, and publicly stated, leaving no doubt about the servant's genuine desire.

Practical Application

While the concept of servitude is far removed from modern society, the principles embedded in Exodus 21:5 remain highly relevant:

• Valuing Relationships: The verse reminds us of the profound importance of human relationships—family, friends, and even professional bonds. It challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for the well-being and unity of those we love.
• The Power of Voluntary Commitment: True commitment, whether in marriage, work, or spiritual life, is most meaningful when it is freely chosen out of love and loyalty, not compulsion. This echoes the concept of Christ's voluntary sacrifice motivated by love.
• Finding Freedom in Service: Paradoxically, the servant chooses to remain in service, finding a different kind of "freedom" in the security and love of his established relationships. This can be a metaphor for finding purpose and contentment within chosen responsibilities and loving commitments, rather than ceaseless pursuit of absolute independence.

This passage sets the stage for the ceremonial act described in Exodus 21:6, where the servant's ear would be pierced as a public sign of his lifelong commitment to his master and household.