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When is a slave no longer a slave? He is no longer a slave when he has the option to leave his master. It doesn’t matter what he chooses. The very introduction of a choice completely alters the relationship of master and slave. He may remain and serve out of a sense of loyalty or affection but he is no longer a captive.
At times it has bothered me that the Bible gives instructions on the proper handling of slaves and the proper way for a slave to behave. I would prefer that it simply condemned the concept of one person owning another person. But in Bible times, the wealthy could purchase people as servants. Or if an individual’s debt became too great, they could become a slave to pay off their debt. If you have a big mortgage and credit card debt, you may think nothing has changed in 2000 years but that’s another story.
In the book of Exodus, chapter 21, rules were outlined for proper treatment of servants. One of the rules specified the duration and proper closure of the servant’s responsibility. The Jews were taught to work, build and store up goods for six years and then take the seventh year off. In the seventh year, the fields would be left fallow and the people would rest and live off the stored surplus and whatever would grow naturally in the fields and vineyards.
Consistent with the six on and one off plan, servants were purchased with the expectation that they would work for their masters for six years. In the seventh year they would be set free. The rules in Exodus even cover the treatment of the servant’s family members. If they brought a wife with them, they took the wife with them when they were set free.
An unusual contingency follows the section on the treatment of wives and children. It covers the situation in which the servant does not want to leave his master. What does the master do if, after the six years are up, he grants the servant his freedom but the servant chooses to stay? It sounds unlikely but apparently the situation arose or they wouldn’t have addressed it. The master is told to take that loyal servant to the door post and pierce his ear with an awl. The pierced ear would serve as a symbol of the servant’s choice and he would become that master’s servant for life.
In the 40 th Psalm, the writer uses the master-servant relationship as a metaphor for the choice God places before us:
“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, "Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." (Psalm 40:6-8 NIV)
When he wrote Psalm 40, David recognized that God doesn’t ask for good deeds, money or any legalistic attempts to win His favor. God simply wants our heart. He demonstrates His love for us and then gives us the freedom to choose. He doesn’t overwhelm us or demand that we choose Him. He reveals a little of Himself and then sets us free.
Sometimes we walk away completely. Sometimes we try to compromise. We seek our own path, while tossing some offerings or good deeds to God in an attempt to buy His favor. I believe those choices break God’s heart and I’m ashamed of the times I’ve chosen poorly. But I think He is delighted when we come to Him and say “I don’t want to go. Pierce my ear. Write your law on my heart. I want to be your servant for life."
Steve Radford was born in Virginia and currently resides in North Texas. He writes mostly about personal experiences that have shaped his view of the world.
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» left by Barbara Fuqua from Roanoke, VA (1 year 96 days ago.)
This was a wonderful article. As usual, it brought tears to my eyes. Respond to this comment
» left by Steve Radford(806) Steve Radford (1 year 91 days ago.)
Thanks for your encouragement. When are you going to get registered on Searchwarp? You need to submit some of your poetry! Respond to this comment
» left by April Lorier(0) April Lorier (1 year 95 days ago.)
Good job, Steve! You nailed it right on the head! We live in such a self-fulfillment, achievement oriented world...Maybe that's why God has chosen the simple things to confound the wise. It really is so simple that many people stumble over it, isn't it? God bless you, Steve! Respond to this comment
» left by Steve Radford(806) Steve Radford (1 year 91 days ago.)
April,
Youare so right. We often make our relationship with God more complicated than it needs to be. Thanks for taking time to read and comment. Steve Respond to this comment
» left by April Lorier(0) April Lorier (1 year 94 days ago.)
I reread your article tonight, and determined I shall drag out my Hebrew Bible and do some research on the scripture you used:
“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, "Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." (Psalm 40:6-8 NIV)
I'm wondering if the pierced ear part of it is a metaphor for opening up his ear to hear the voice of God? I know there are scriptures in the Old Testament that forbid what we call "tatoos" today. I'll get back to ya! Respond to this comment
» left by April Lorier(0) April Lorier (1 year 94 days ago.)
OK, different versions say it differently:
"My ears You have opened..." NKJV
"but you have given me an open ear." ESV
"but you have given me an open ear." The Message
"Ears Thou hast prepared for me," Youngs Literal Translation
"But you have made a hole in my ear
to show that my body and life are yours." New Century Version
"You have given me the capacity to hear and obey..." Amplified Bible
"My ears You have opened.." NAS
"mine ears hast thou opened..." NKJ
"You open my ears to listen." Literally: You hollow out ears for me Holman Christian Standard Bible
"ears hast thou prepared me." DARBY
"mine ears hast Thou opened;" 21st Century King James Version
» left by Steve Radford(806) Steve Radford (1 year 94 days ago.)
Thanks April. Depending on the translation, it could go either way. I think the piercing metaphor makes more sense in context but that's just my opinion.
I'm not sure about the tatoo connection. Leviticus 19:28 is sometimes quoted as a modern day command against tatoos but it is usually quoted by a man with short sideburns while eating a rare steak (see verses 26 and 27) which leads me to believe that they are using scripture selectively to serve their own purposes. Maybe that's a good topic for a future discussion.
» left by Dave Tanguay (1 year 92 days ago.)
Steve, I'm not very well informed on the teachings of the Bible. However I believe I've always been a slave of my Lord Jesus. Even when I was led astray I believe I have always done his work. My heart has been pierce with his love you might say. I would never want freedom from serving him, he is my reason for living. "good article" Respond to this comment
» left by Steve Radford(806) Steve Radford (1 year 91 days ago.)
David,
Thanks for reading and commenting. Thanks too for that positive statement of faith. Steve Respond to this comment
» left by L.E.R. (309 days 19 hours ago.)
I think you brought this scripture lesson to life in a very touching and helpful way. Who says a meaningful sermon can't be presented in a short time! Pastors, take note! :-) I enjoyed it, as I have all of your articles I have read so far. Respond to this comment
» left by Steve Radford(806) Steve Radford (309 days 16 hours ago.)
LER,
Thank you so much for taking time to read my articles and for the encouragement. It means a lot to me. Steve
» left by M (293 days 19 hours ago.)
Since the symbol of the pierced ear (for men or women) is instructive in Scripture, I find it hard to be hostile to the real thing. Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa Ortiz(4,776) Teresa Ortiz (283 days 13 hours ago.)
Hi Steve, thanks for joining my fan club, I wouldn't have found your articles otherwise. You did a wondeful job explaining the Biblical definition of a slave - in today's terms its pretty much like employee/employer. God bless you and yours! I will read more. Teresa Respond to this comment
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