Exodus 21:5: “But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 21:5 introduces a scenario in which a Hebrew servant, after serving his required six years, has the option to go free. However, the verse describes a situation where the servant chooses to remain with his master instead of claiming his freedom. This decision is motivated by love—love for his master, as well as love for his wife and children. The servant’s declaration, “I do not want to go free,” is a voluntary choice that reflects deep bonds of affection and loyalty. In this case, the servant’s desire to stay reflects his satisfaction and commitment to the life he has built during his years of service.
Historical Context
In the context of ancient Israel, servitude was often a result of economic hardship. A man might sell himself into servitude to pay off debts or to provide for his family. The law required that a Hebrew servant be released after six years, but this verse provides an exception where the servant could choose to remain in service. This choice was significant because it was voluntary and driven by personal relationships rather than obligation. The practice of a servant choosing to stay was not unique to Israel but was seen in other ancient cultures as well, often indicating a mutually beneficial relationship between the servant and master.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 21:5 illustrates the principles of love, loyalty, and voluntary submission. The servant’s choice to stay with his master is not out of fear or compulsion but out of love. This reflects the nature of the relationship God desires with His people—one that is based on love and voluntary commitment. God does not coerce obedience; He invites it. Just as the servant willingly chooses to stay, believers are called to willingly submit to God out of love and gratitude for His provision and care.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 21:5 is part of a larger legal code in the Book of the Covenant. The verse serves as a narrative hinge, offering an alternative to the standard law of release. The structure of the verse emphasizes the servant’s declaration, highlighting the personal and emotional dimensions of the decision. The phrase “I do not want to go free” is particularly powerful, reflecting a profound choice that goes beyond mere obligation. This choice adds a layer of complexity to the laws surrounding servitude, showing that these laws were not just about regulation but also about human relationships and personal commitment.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other biblical passages can be related to the themes in Exodus 21:5:
- Deuteronomy 15:16-17: “But if your servant says to you, ‘I do not want to leave you,’ because he loves you and your family and is well off with you, then take an awl and push it through his earlobe into the door, and he will become your servant for life.”
- Ruth 1:16-17: “But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.'”
- John 10:14-15: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
These references highlight themes of love, loyalty, and the voluntary nature of commitment.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 21:5 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of love and voluntary commitment in our relationships, both with others and with God. It challenges believers to consider the motivations behind their actions and to strive for relationships built on love rather than obligation. The servant’s willingness to stay reflects the kind of dedication and loyalty that should characterize a Christian’s relationship with God. This verse also encourages Christians to reflect on the ways they can choose to serve others out of love, following the example set by the servant in this passage.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s loving nature in the way it allows for a choice driven by love. God’s laws were not meant to be burdensome, but to provide a framework within which love and loyalty could thrive. The servant’s declaration of love for his master and family mirrors the kind of loving relationship that God desires with His people. Just as the servant’s choice is honored and respected, so too does God honor the choices of His people when they choose to love and serve Him willingly. This verse showcases God’s desire for relationships based on love rather than compulsion.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate example of voluntary love and sacrifice. Just as the servant in Exodus 21:5 chose to stay with his master out of love, Jesus willingly chose to lay down His life for humanity out of love. In John 10:17-18, Jesus says, “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” Jesus’ voluntary sacrifice is the ultimate fulfillment of the love and loyalty described in this verse. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers believers the opportunity to enter into a relationship with God that is based on love, not obligation.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Exodus 21:5 challenge us to think about the role of love and voluntary commitment in our relationships?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of loyalty and dedication in our relationship with God?
- In what ways can Christians today choose to serve others out of love rather than obligation?
- How does Jesus’ voluntary sacrifice connect to the themes of love and commitment found in this verse?
- How can we apply the principles of this passage to our daily lives, particularly in how we relate to God and others?
This article explores the meaning of Exodus 21:5, offering insights into its relevance for modern Christian living and drawing connections to the broader biblical themes of love, loyalty, and voluntary commitment.