Exodus 21:5 meaning
In exploring the concept of voluntary servitude, this verse emphasizes the notable institution within ancient Israelite society where a servant could choose to remain in servitude beyond the typical six-year limit. Such a decision could be rooted in love and attachment to family or the master’s household, reflecting deep relational dynamics. The act of boring a servant's ear as a physical marking of this choice symbolizes an enduring commitment, making the servitude binding until a specified time, often linked to the Year of Jubilee.
This law illustrates not only the rights afforded to servants but also conveys God's intent for freedom and dignity, contrasting the harsh realities of slavery in other cultures of that era. The underlying message promotes a society built on principles of justice and mercy, as reflected in the notion that even within servitude, the individual's identity as a person created in God's image remains intact. As believers who are also servants to Christ, this passage resonates with the broader New Testament themes of voluntary service motivated by love and devotion.
Exodus 21:5
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Exodus 21:2-11 meaning. The first section of the Book of the Covenant concerns how male and female servants (or slaves) were to be treated.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Exodus 5:15-21 meaning. The burden of the new work rules was so bad that the Israelite foremen came before Pharaoh himself to inquire as to why this added work of gathering their own straw was imposed on them. Pharaoh told them they were lazy for and commanded them to go back to work. They then confronted Moses and Aaron, wishing the LORD's judgment upon them. Moses then inquired of the LORD about this apparent failure.
- Exodus 10:21-29 meaning. Verses 21 – 29 describe the ninth plague. As with the third and sixth plagues, it was unannounced. There was no bartering between Moses and Pharaoh, so there was no warning given. It involved a darkness that has never been seen in a country where the sun almost shines every day. As in previous plagues, Israel was not affected by this plague.
- Exodus 18:5-12 meaning. Verses 5 – 12 describe the time when Jethro came to visit Moses in the wilderness near Mount Sinai. He was accompanied by Moses’ wife Zipporah and Moses’ two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. After joyfully greeting Jethro, Moses described all of the events from the deliverance to the Red Sea onward. Jethro responded by praising the LORD and offering sacrifices to the God of Israel.
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