Deuteronomy 13 -15 (part 2)

The Awl In The Ear
The Hebrews were permitted to keep slaves - through capture in war and through voluntary servitude.  The slaves were to be treated humanely and with dignity and were not to be taken advantage of. If a fellow Hebrew sold themselves into slavery (or voluntary servitude) they were only bound to the agreement for six years (15:12).  In the seventh year the servant had to be set free (15:12).

I found the concept of voluntary servitude somewhat in contradiction with 15:4, "There should be no poor among you, for the Lord your God will greatly bless you in the land he is giving you as a special possession." So, if there were to be "no poor" what was the need for a Hebrew to sell himself into slavery?  Verse 5 provides a partial answer, "You will receive this blessing if you are careful to obey all the commands of the Lord."  So, if a Hebrew was disobedient to the point of financial indigence, then slavery was an option - but this still seems drastic to me.

When a slave was released they had to be provided with food, wine, and some animals from the flocks. The opportunity presented is overwhelming.  However, if a slave were to make the fateful decision to remain a slave, then he/she volunteered for a life sentence of slavery. This was confirmed by a hole in the earlobe - an awl was used to punched through the earlobe into a door.

The symbolism for the Christian of this entire scenario is telling.  The Hebrews represents the community of believers.  As believers we are to be living in the bountiful blessings of God. There should be no "poor in spirit" among us, provide we are following the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Like the Hebrews, some will backslide and disobey God's word and fall into slavery to sin for a season.  The Lord permits this to get a son/daughter of His to pay attention to Him.

Jesus, through the Holy Spirit offers a way of escape by accepting His sacrifice on Calvary and applying the blood to our life.  But, if a person is so enamored of sin and the sinful lifestyle that they consciously refuse to repent and turn their life towards Him, they volunteer for a life of slavery to sin.  This calls to mind Hebrews 6:4, "For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened-those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit." To reject the Holy Spirit and remain a slave to sin is the most pathetic condition one can experience.

Notice that once freedom was rejected, an awl was used to bore a hole in the ear lobe.  Once a person rejects Christianity, a hole is bored in their spiritual ear, i.e. they are unable to hear the Word of God and are forever enslaved to sin.  Lord help us to see and accept Your Way.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.