Laws regarding Hebrew Servants. Exodus 21:2-11 The Israelites could never make any of their own people into permanent slaves. If someone owed a debt and a Hebrew became a servant, they were allowed a six-year period of service to pay off the debt. If the Hebrew was married when he became a servant, after six years of work, he and his family were free to leave. If, during his service, he was married to another servant, he was free to go after six years, but his wife, who legally belonged to the master, had to stay with any children they might have had.
Serving God is a personal choice we make when we realize how much we owe Him. “Gladly, let us render to Him all we are and have.” To be a servant means being subject to another person and obeying that person or authority. Our Lord has called us to serve those around us. He said, “I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done unto you… If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.” A servant of the Lord responds to His directives as a slave would to his master.
By nature, we resent being told what to do because it infringes on our personal freedom. When we become servants of God by surrendering ourselves to Him out of love, we will experience the blessing of true liberty. True freedom requires a willing commitment to serve God without reservations. Being a servant is not easy, nor is it meant to be. Labor, time, discomfort, weariness, and hardships come with loving and living for God and others.
Another option was available to the Hebrew servant, who could go free and live independently after six years. He could choose to stay a servant and remain with his wife, children, and master. If he decided to continue serving, it would be clearly demonstrated and openly known. He publicly declared his decision to stay by saying, “I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free.” This was confirmed by having a hole made through his ear against a doorpost, where everyone could see it, and the drops of blood showed that this decision was genuine and sincere. His love would be marked on his life. His responsibility then would be to his master, wife, and children for his lifetime because of his love for them. The Lord Jesus Christ fully fulfilled this law for God, His bride, and the sinners He would save through His sacrifice.
The law of the Hebrew servant is a powerful symbol of Jehovah's Perfect Servant, our Lord Jesus Christ. He was a Hebrew Servant - "The Lion of the tribe of Judah." He came on His own - "He took upon Him the form of a servant." He was given a bride, the Church - "All that the Father giveth Me, shall come to Me." He publicly declared His love for His Master, His wife, and His children - "The Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." He had to be marked as a testimony at the door - "The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin." He had to be pierced with an awl - "They pierced My hands and My feet." He would serve forever - "I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish."