Definition: Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 21:6. It’s a really significant and somewhat surprising passage about God’s relationship with slaves. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a specific and incredibly harsh punishment for a slave who has been particularly disrespectful or rebellious to their master. It's essentially a severe, one-time, and permanent loss of freedom and autonomy. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then his master shall bring him unto the judges” : This means the master will bring the enslaved person before God’s judges (a group of officials). “He shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post” : The master will physically move the slave to a specific location – likely near the doorway. It's a symbolic placement, signifying being brought under observation and control. “And his master shall bore his ear through with an aul” : This is the most shocking part. “Aul” was a tool used for torture and flogging. The master will pierce the slave’s ear with this tool. It’s a brutal act of pain and humiliation designed to break their spirit. “And he shall serve him for ever” : This final phrase emphasizes the permanence of the punishment – the slave is now bound to serve their master eternally, without any possibility of freedom or return. What's the Significance? This verse highlights a few important things: God’s absolute control: It shows God has complete authority over his enslaved people and will not tolerate disobedience. The severity of slavery: It illustrates how deeply ingrained and damaging slavery could be, even to the point of being essentially owned by another person. A shift in perspective: It's a very unusual punishment for a slave; it wasn’t like other forms of abuse. It’s a powerful illustration of God’s judgment on those who defy him and show his unwavering commitment to justice. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of the original, more brutal practices of slavery in ancient times. It's important to remember that it doesn’t endorse or excuse slavery; rather, it describes an extremely harsh and unjust punishment. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Compare it to other biblical stories about slavery? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage?