Deuteronomy 15:17
then you shall take an awl, and put it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your slave forever. And to your female slave you shall do the same.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The striking image of piercing an ear to the doorpost wasn't just a mark of ownership; it symbolized the slave's willing obedience, making their "ear" the very organ through which they heard and followed their master's voice, like a servant dedicated to listening. This ritual also applied to female slaves, though with noted differences in their specific release conditions compared to men.
This passage follows laws about releasing Hebrew slaves after six years, emphasizing they shouldn't leave empty-handed. Here, it details a specific ritual for the slave who chooses to remain with their master permanently, signifying their willing and lifelong commitment through the piercing of their ear against the door. This mark of perpetual service applies to both male and female slaves, though the specifics of a female slave's permanent servitude differ from a male's.
Why would God ord down a ritual involving piercing an ear? This wasn't a casual act, but a public declaration of commitment.
The piercing of the ear with an awl was a powerful symbol.
A Sign of Hearing and Obedience:
The ear is the organ of hearing. Piercing it signified that the servant was willingly choosing to hear and obey their master's voice, not just for a season, but with their whole being. It was a public, physical sign of their dedication.
A Covenant of Belonging:
This act wasn't about punishment but about a covenant – a binding agreement. By piercing the ear and attaching the servant to the doorpost (a place of entry and permanence), the master was publicly acknowledging the servant's permanent place within their household. It was a sign of belonging, even in servitude.
Distinct from Casual Labor:
This ritual set these Hebrew servants apart from temporary hired workers. It marked a deeper commitment, a willing surrender of personal freedom for the security and provision of the household, signifying a lifetime of service.
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The word 'forever' in this verse might make us uncomfortable. What did it truly mean in the context of ancient Israelite law?
The Hebrew word translated as 'forever' in this context doesn't always mean endless eternity.
Until the Jubilee:
Scholars point out that for Hebrew slaves, 'forever' often meant until the Year of Jubilee, which occurred every 50 years. This was a time of release and restoration for all Israelites. The 'forever' signified the longest possible term under the law, not an unending condition.
A Contrast with Other Slaves:
This specific marking ritual was primarily for Hebrew slaves. Other slaves, often captured foreigners, might serve for life without the possibility of Jubilee release. The 'forever' here emphasizes the unique covenantal relationship and the eventual hope of freedom for Israelites.
A Commitment Under Law:
It signified a commitment for the full duration prescribed by the law, marking a distinct status from a mere hired hand who could leave at will. It was a commitment to the household's ongoing provision and the master's protection, within the framework of God's covenant.
The verse explicitly includes female slaves in this ritual. What does this tell us about God's concern for fairness, even within the structures of ancient society?
God's law consistently aimed for a measure of equity, even when dealing with difficult social realities like slavery.
Acknowledging Their Status:
While the specifics of female servitude sometimes differed (e.g., not being sold for theft, potential release upon reaching marriageable age if not yet wed), the principle of willing, committed service was extended to them. Doing 'likewise' meant acknowledging their unique situation while still recognizing their commitment.
Avoiding Exploitation:
The inclusion of female slaves in this ritual served as a safeguard. It prevented masters from treating them as mere property or dismissing them without due consideration, ensuring their commitment was formalized and their potential for release or dignified departure was respected under the law.
A Glimpse of God's Heart:
This directive shows God's awareness and concern for the vulnerable, including women in servitude. It wasn't about elevating them to modern standards overnight, but about ensuring that within the existing framework, they were treated with a degree of fairness and their covenants were honored.
Understand the original words
ebed · Hebrew Noun
A person bound in servitude to another, often implying loss of personal freedom. While the institution in ancient Israel was regulated, the term fundamentally describes a state of total belonging to and service of a master.
This passage describes the same ritual of piercing the ear for a Hebrew servant choosing perpetual servitude, providing further detail on the symbolic meaning of the ear as the organ of obedience.
Jeremiah 34:13-14This prophetic passage speaks of God's judgment against those who failed to uphold the covenant of releasing their Hebrew slaves, highlighting the spiritual significance of this law beyond a mere legal statute.
Psalm 40:6The psalmist speaks of God opening his ears, which resonates with the symbolic act of piercing the ear, representing a willing submission to God's will and teachings.
Isaiah 50:4-5These verses describe the Suffering Servant who willingly listens to God and obeys, with the Lord opening his ear, mirroring the profound act of commitment signified by the pierced ear of a servant.
Colossians 3:23This New Testament verse speaks to serving wholeheartedly as if serving the Lord, reflecting the spirit of willing and devoted service symbolized by the permanent marking of a slave who chose to remain.
gillDeuteronomy 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."
Then thou shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear unto the door,.... Not of his master's house, but of the sanhedrim, or court of judicature, according to the Targum of Jonathan, before whom he was to be brought, and declare his desire to continue with his master; See Gill on Exodus 21:6 , and he shall…
clarkeDeuteronomy 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."
Thou shalt take an awl - See the note on Exodus 21:6 .
The striking image of piercing an ear to the doorpost wasn't just a mark of ownership; it symbolized the slave's willing obedience, making their "ear" the very organ through which they heard and followed their master's voice, like a servant dedicated to listening. This ritual also applied to female slaves, though with noted differences in their specific release conditions compared to men.
This passage follows laws about releasing Hebrew slaves after six years, emphasizing they shouldn't leave empty-handed. Here, it details a specific ritual for the slave who chooses to remain with their master permanently, signifying their willing and lifelong commitment through the piercing of their ear against the door. This mark of perpetual service applies to both male and female slaves, though the specifics of a female slave's permanent servitude differ from a male's.
This passage follows laws about releasing Hebrew slaves after six years, emphasizing they shouldn't leave empty-handed. Here, it details a specific ritual for the slave who chooses to remain with their master permanently, signifying their willing and lifelong commitment through the piercing of their ear against the door. This mark of perpetual service applies to both male and female slaves, though the specifics of a female slave's permanent servitude differ from a male's.
"then you shall take an awl, and put it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your slave forever. And to your female slave you shall do the same." — The striking image of piercing an ear to the doorpost wasn't just a mark of ownership; it symbolized the slave's willing obedience, making their "ear" the very organ through which they heard and foll…
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