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 you should take a sharp tool and pierce his ear against the door, and he will be your servant for life. You should do the same thing for your female servant.
This verse describes a ceremony where a servant who chooses to stay with their master permanently has their ear pierced as a sign of lifelong commitment.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, under the Mosaic Law given through Moses, Hebrew slaves were required to be released every seven years as part of the Year of Jubilee, which aimed to prevent perpetual poverty and promote social justice. However, if a slave chose to remain with their master out of affection and loyalty, a ceremonial piercing of the ear with an awl against the doorpost symbolized a lifelong commitment. This practice reflected the cultural norms of the ancient Near East, where slavery was regulated by God's laws to ensure humane treatment and voluntary service.
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