By Dr. Noreen Jacks

Although the concept of ear piercing at the doorpost of the master’s home is foreign to contemporary westerners, it was common practice in antiquity throughout the eastern world, including the land of Israel. Contrary to the laws of Gentile nations, the laws of Israel demonstrated mercy and compassion to the slave, limiting his service to six years before freedom was mandated by divine law, a type of Sabbath blessing that granted liberty and rest to the indentured servant (Ex 21:2). If, however, a slave loved and respected his master, he was free to remain in his service permanently.

“But if the slave plainy says, ‘I love my master, my wife and my children; I will not go out as a free man,’ then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently.”  Ex 21:5-6

The willing piercing of the earlobe occurred at the master’s threshold, the sacred place where sacrifices were offered to the household deity, and marriages, adoptions and covenants were ratified.  The slave and master became covenant partners through the bloody ritual, bound for life by unselfish love.  The pierced earlobe and bloody doorpost bore witness of the enduring bond that granted the former slave the status and privileges of family fellowship.

After vowing to serve his master for life, the slave was rewarded with the security of the master’s home and the bounty of his table for the remainder of his days.  No longer would the slave fear the uncertain future that accompanied a freed slave…the urgent need for adequate food, shelter, clothing and protection, as well as the dreaded grief of separation from his loved ones.  Bond servanthood offered enviable benefits for the slave who served a righteous, loving master. 

Perhaps the apostle Paul was contemplating this exceptional type of master when he declared himself a bondservant of Yeshua.  From the moment of his conversion, Paul never wavered in His commitment to serve His Lord.  His humble ministry was spent encouraging others in the most holy faith, in spite of the numerous trials and tribulations he experienced along the way. No prison, hostile mob, beating, shipwreck, sleep deprivation, hunger, or danger discouraged him from fulfilling his God-given mission (2 Cor 11:23-27). 

Paul’s exemplary life of sacrifice and self-deprivation demonstrates the eternal security of bond servanthood to Yeshua.  No wonder he has been renowned as the “apostle of joy” for the past two thousand years! The same joy awaits all who discover freedom from bondage through willing servitude.  I hope you are counted among that great number.

Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God… Rom 1:1

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