But if the servant declares, 'I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,' But if the servant declares,A Hebrew servant ordinarily served six years and was released in the seventh year (Exodus 21:2). Debt, poverty, or loss of economic security commonly led to such service. The law required a public and deliberate declaration before a servant could surrender the right of release, guarding against coercion and making the decision accountable before God and the community. Jos 24:15 But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD,… ‘I love my master Loving loyalty could arise where a master governed with justice rather than harshness, as Israel’s laws required (Leviticus 25:43). The servant’s continued service was not to rest on fear or necessity, but on a freely stated devotion. Such willing service anticipates the believer’s relationship to Christ, whose lordship is marked by mercy, righteousness, and redeeming love. 2Sa 15:21 But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives… and my wife and children; If the master had provided the servant with a wife during his term of service, she and the children remained attached to the master’s household when the servant’s six years ended (Exodus 21:4). The servant’s choice therefore involved costly love for his family and a desire to remain united with them. His decision recognized that freedom without those he loved would bring grief rather than joy. Lev 25:41-42 Then he and his children are to be released,… I do not want to go free,’ The servant chose permanent attachment to his master’s household rather than the legal freedom available to him. Exodus 21:6 records the covenant-like public act that followed, when his ear was pierced at the doorpost before God. The pierced ear marked a life committed to hearing and obeying his master. Paul’s description of himself as a bondservant of Christ reflects the higher spiritual reality of willing devotion to the One who purchased His people at the cost of His own life (Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Deu 15:16-17 But if your servant says, ‘I do not want to leave you,’… Persons / Places / Events 1. Servant (Hebrew: ?????, 'ebed')In the context of ancient Israel, a servant could be a Hebrew who sold himself into servitude due to debt or poverty. This verse addresses the situation where a servant chooses to remain with his master after his term of service. 2. Master (Hebrew: ??????, 'adon') The master is the one who has authority over the servant. In this context, the relationship is depicted as one that can be based on mutual respect and love. 3. Wife and Children The servant's family, which he may have acquired during his time of service. The decision to stay is often motivated by love and the desire to remain with them. 4. Declaration of Love The servant's voluntary declaration to remain with his master, which is a significant act of loyalty and love. 5. Event of Choosing Bondage This is a legal and personal decision where the servant chooses to remain in servitude out of love, rather than obligation. Teaching Points Voluntary Servitude as an Act of LoveThe decision of the servant to remain with his master is a profound act of love and loyalty. It reflects a relationship that transcends mere duty and enters into a covenant of love. The Role of Family in Decision-Making The servant's choice is heavily influenced by his love for his family. This highlights the importance of family bonds and the sacrifices one might make for their well-being. Freedom in Choosing Service True freedom is found in choosing whom or what we serve. The servant's choice to remain is a powerful metaphor for the Christian life, where believers choose to serve Christ out of love. Symbolism of Ear Piercing The act of piercing the ear symbolizes a permanent commitment. In a spiritual sense, it represents the believer's commitment to Christ, marked by a public declaration of faith. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the servant's decision to stay with his master reveal about the nature of their relationship?2. How does the concept of voluntary servitude in Exodus 21:5 relate to the New Testament teachings on being a servant of Christ? 3. In what ways can the servant's love for his family inform our understanding of Christian family values and responsibilities? 4. How does the act of ear piercing as a sign of permanent servitude parallel the Christian's commitment to Christ? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a decision based on love and loyalty. How did your faith influence that decision? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 15:16-17This passage provides further instructions on the procedure when a servant chooses to stay with his master, including the ritual of piercing the servant's ear as a sign of permanent servitude. John 15:15 Jesus speaks of no longer calling His followers servants, but friends, highlighting a relationship based on love and choice rather than obligation. Romans 6:16-18 Paul discusses being slaves to righteousness, drawing a parallel to choosing servitude out of love and commitment to God.
People MosesPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Bondman, Clearly, Dear, Declares, Depart, Desire, Distinctly, Free, Love, Loved, Master, Plainly, Really, Says, Servant, Slave, Sons, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 21:2-6 5358 judges 5148 ear Library The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are … Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Kinsman Redeemer Non-Resistance A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of the House of God; with Counsels and Directions to the Inhabitants Thereof. Appeal to the Christian Women of the South The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed by a Minority of Men from the Very Foundation of Christianity. Of the Book "What The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic Teaching. The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes - Examination of their Distinctive Doctrines. The Sixth Commandment That Deep Things Ought not to be Preached at all to Weak Souls. In Death and after Death Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia. The Section Chap. I. -iii. The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) Exodus Links Exodus 21:5 NIVExodus 21:5 NLT Exodus 21:5 ESV Exodus 21:5 NASB Exodus 21:5 KJV Exodus 21:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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