Deuteronomy 15:17
“then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also to your female servant you shall do likewise.”
What does Deuteronomy 15:17 mean?
In ancient Israel, when a slave chose to stay with their master rather than go free in the jubilee year, this piercing ritual marked that permanent commitment. It was a visible, lasting sign that this person had willingly bound themselves to service, and it created a mutual obligation of care between master and servant. The passage then adds something striking for its time: the same permanent status applied equally to female servants, giving them the same choice and rights as male servants—a detail that suggests protections worth noting in that ancient world. This law speaks to questions many of us face about commitment and belonging. It acknowledges that sometimes people choose to stay in relationships or situations because they've found something valuable there, and it honors that choice as valid and binding. For readers walking through difficult seasons, it might prompt reflection on where we've made genuine commitments and whether those bonds are mutual and protective on both sides.