Exodus 21:1-6 ESV [1] “Now these are the rules that you shall set before them. [2] When you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve six years, and in the seventh he shall go out free, for nothing. [3] If he comes in single, he shall go out single; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him. [4] If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out alone. [5] But if the slave plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ [6] then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall be his slave forever.
Beginning in Exodus 21 and continuing through Exodus 23 we find ordinances which deal with the treatment of our neighbor. While they may differ from our culture and customs, there are lessons that apply to us. At first glace we may misunderstand the passage to justify slavery. This, infact, is dealing with debt and poverty and the obligations of the debtor and the lender. It is a contract between two parties that will govern the responsibility of the parties involved. First notice that this an Hebrew servant and an Hebrew master. In their culture six years service satisfied all debt and empowered the poor to be self sufficient. On the 7th year the servant could go free. Frankly, this was a great deal! A home mortgage alone is typically 15 or 30 years. In our culture we experience life long debt and to whom you are indebted you are slaves. Paul tells us in Romans 13:8-10 ESV [8] Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. [9] For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” [10] Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Our goal should be to live free from debt. But, our propensity to covet keeps us indebted. The lust of our flesh, the lust of our eyes, and the pride of life drive us to want more. Proverbs 22:7 ESV [7] The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. However, meeting our obligations as borrower is God’s will. When we pay our bills as agreed, we are living honestly and obtain a good report. However, we must learn to be content to avoid this trap. Philippians 4:11-13 ESV [11] Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. [12] I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. [13] I can do all things through him who strengthens me. We can learn contentment through Christ because he strengthens us.
The next thing we see is how the master is to treat his married servant. The servants who came into the house married was not hindered in their marriage. When the debt was satisfied they were set free together. But, when the Hebrew servant was given a wife, likely a non Hebrew, he could not take her if he left. Understand he was not compelled to leave. Provision was made for him to stay. You see in Exodus 21:5 ESV [5] But if the slave plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ This servant is motivated by his love. He is a willing slave to his master and his master has given him a wife and family. This servant is happy to serve his master and loves his family. He is willing to serve him forever!
What wonderful pictures we see here. A kind and loving master who treats his servants with respect. Who provides more than freedom from the debt. Who provides a home and family for his servant. My master, Jehovah, has provided me freedom from my sin debt and given me exceeding and precious gifts. A purpose in life to serve him willingly. Notice the servant is taken to the household door, the masters door, and nailed to the doorpost! Ouch. This ceremony was signicant for centuries in mideastern cultures. The servant would bear this mark for life. It was obvious to everyone that he was a willing slave. His ear was pierced through. His ear was opened to hear and obey his masters voice. Psalm 40:6 ESV [6] In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. The lord has given us an open ear. The mark that we bear for the world to see as willing slaves to him, is our love and obedience to him. He has given us ears to hear. Are we listening?