Exo 21:5-6 | MHM | STEP | v. 5 : If the servant openly says he loves his master, wife, and children and does not want to go free, he can choose to stay. This shows that serving out of love is more meaningful than being forced. It also teaches about loyalty and commitment .

‏ Exodus 21:5-6

v. 5: If the servant openly says he loves his master, wife, and children and does not want to go free, he can choose to stay. This shows that serving out of love is more meaningful than being forced. It also teaches about loyalty and commitment .

v. 6: To make this choice permanent, the master brings the servant to the judges and then to the door or doorpost. The master pierces the servant’s ear as a sign, and the servant stays for life. This law puts a mark on servants who refuse freedom to remind everyone that God values liberty. This idea is echoed in the New Testament where Christians are reminded that they are “bought with a price” and should not be slaves to anyone (1 Corinthians 7:23 ^a). It also shows that masters must not abuse their servants, as one day their roles could be reversed (Philemon 16 ^b).