Exodus 21:5 - But if the servant shall plainly say, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children. I will not go out free;’
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What does "Exodus 21:5" mean?
This verse from Exodus 21:5 describes a scenario within the laws regarding Hebrew servants. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context of the surrounding verses in Exodus 21:2-6.
Here's a breakdown:
The Premise (Exodus 21:2-4): A Hebrew man could be sold into servitude to another Hebrew for a period of six years. In the seventh year, he was to be set free without any payment. If he came into service alone (without a wife), he would leave alone. However, if his master gave him a wife while in servitude, and she bore him children, the wife and children would remain with the master when the man was set free.
The Choice (Exodus 21:5): This verse describes the servant's choice. It's the exception to the rule of automatic freedom in the seventh year. The servant, facing the prospect of leaving his wife and children behind, can declare:
"I love my master, my wife, and my children." This expresses a genuine affection and loyalty. It indicates a desire to remain in the household, possibly because the master has treated him well, and he wants to stay with his family.
"I will not go out free." This is the key decision. He's willingly forgoing his right to freedom.
The Consequence (Exodus 21:6): If the servant makes this declaration, he is brought before God (or, more likely, the judges acting in God's name). His master then takes him to the door or the doorpost and pierces his ear with an awl. This act signifies that the servant has chosen to remain in perpetual servitude—he is now a servant "for life."
In essence, the verse describes a voluntary and permanent servitude motivated by love and family connection.
Key interpretations and considerations:
Love as a Motivator: The verse highlights that the servant's decision isn't forced. It's based on a genuine affection for his master, wife, and children. This suggests a situation where the master has treated the servant and his family well, and the servant feels a sense of belonging and loyalty.
Family Unit: The importance of family is emphasized. The servant is willing to give up his personal freedom to remain with his wife and children.
Limited Freedom: It reveals a complicated system of servitude. While the initial law aimed to provide freedom after six years, it also recognized the complexities of family ties and allowed for a voluntary extension of servitude.
Symbolic Act: The ear piercing symbolizes a permanent commitment. The servant is marking himself as belonging to the master's household for life.
Protection of Vulnerable: Some scholars argue that this system, while involving servitude, was also designed to protect vulnerable individuals (wives and children) in a society that lacked a robust social safety net. Remaining with the master might have provided a more secure future than freedom with limited resources.
Not Slavery: It's crucial to understand that this form of servitude, while not ideal, was different from the kind of chattel slavery often found in other cultures. It was often a way for people to pay off debts or survive difficult circumstances. It also had limitations and protections built into the law.
In conclusion, Exodus 21:5 offers a glimpse into the complexities of ancient Hebrew law. It shows a society grappling with the balance between freedom and the responsibilities of family and community, and it highlights the power of love as a driving force behind a profound decision.
Exodus 21:5 - But if the servant shall plainly say, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children. I will not go out free;’
What does "Exodus 21:5" mean?
This verse from Exodus 21:5 describes a scenario within the laws regarding Hebrew servants. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context of the surrounding verses in Exodus 21:2-6.
Here's a breakdown:
The Premise (Exodus 21:2-4): A Hebrew man could be sold into servitude to another Hebrew for a period of six years. In the seventh year, he was to be set free without any payment. If he came into service alone (without a wife), he would leave alone. However, if his master gave him a wife while in servitude, and she bore him children, the wife and children would remain with the master when the man was set free.
The Choice (Exodus 21:5): This verse describes the servant's choice. It's the exception to the rule of automatic freedom in the seventh year. The servant, facing the prospect of leaving his wife and children behind, can declare:
"I love my master, my wife, and my children." This expresses a genuine affection and loyalty. It indicates a desire to remain in the household, possibly because the master has treated him well, and he wants to stay with his family.
"I will not go out free." This is the key decision. He's willingly forgoing his right to freedom.
The Consequence (Exodus 21:6): If the servant makes this declaration, he is brought before God (or, more likely, the judges acting in God's name). His master then takes him to the door or the doorpost and pierces his ear with an awl. This act signifies that the servant has chosen to remain in perpetual servitude—he is now a servant "for life."
In essence, the verse describes a voluntary and permanent servitude motivated by love and family connection.
Key interpretations and considerations:
Love as a Motivator: The verse highlights that the servant's decision isn't forced. It's based on a genuine affection for his master, wife, and children. This suggests a situation where the master has treated the servant and his family well, and the servant feels a sense of belonging and loyalty.
Family Unit: The importance of family is emphasized. The servant is willing to give up his personal freedom to remain with his wife and children.
Limited Freedom: It reveals a complicated system of servitude. While the initial law aimed to provide freedom after six years, it also recognized the complexities of family ties and allowed for a voluntary extension of servitude.
Symbolic Act: The ear piercing symbolizes a permanent commitment. The servant is marking himself as belonging to the master's household for life.
Protection of Vulnerable: Some scholars argue that this system, while involving servitude, was also designed to protect vulnerable individuals (wives and children) in a society that lacked a robust social safety net. Remaining with the master might have provided a more secure future than freedom with limited resources.
Not Slavery: It's crucial to understand that this form of servitude, while not ideal, was different from the kind of chattel slavery often found in other cultures. It was often a way for people to pay off debts or survive difficult circumstances. It also had limitations and protections built into the law.
In conclusion, Exodus 21:5 offers a glimpse into the complexities of ancient Hebrew law. It shows a society grappling with the balance between freedom and the responsibilities of family and community, and it highlights the power of love as a driving force behind a profound decision.