What is the meaning of Exodus 21:5? But if the servant declares • A deliberate, verbal choice—much like Joshua’s “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). • Scripture portrays spoken commitment as binding; see Romans 10:9, where confessing with the mouth signals genuine allegiance. • The servant’s words reveal a heart response, echoing Psalm 116:16: “O LORD, surely I am Your servant… You have loosed my bonds.” I love my master • Love motivates this decision, not fear or compulsion, reflecting 1 John 4:18 where perfect love casts out fear. • In Deuteronomy 15:16–17 the same law is repeated, showing that love can transform a temporary arrangement into a lifelong bond. • The master’s character matters; Psalm 34:8 calls us to “taste and see that the LORD is good,” mirroring the servant’s experience of a good earthly master. and my wife and children • God values family unity; the servant’s priority aligns with 1 Timothy 5:8, which upholds caring for one’s household. • The law protected wives and children acquired during servitude; remaining ensures their welfare (Exodus 21:3–4). • This mirrors Christ’s love for His bride, the church, and His children (Ephesians 5:25; Hebrews 2:13). I do not want to go free • Freedom is willingly surrendered for a greater relationship—paralleling Paul’s joyful “bond-servant of Christ” language (Philippians 1:1). • True liberty is found in devoted service: “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness” (Romans 6:22). • John 8:36 reminds us that the Son sets us free; yet that freedom is exercised in glad submission, not autonomy. summary Exodus 21:5 reveals a servant who, tasting the goodness of his master and cherishing his family, chooses lifelong allegiance over personal independence. Love, loyalty, and responsible care outweigh the lure of freedom, modeling the believer’s voluntary, joyful surrender to Christ—where true liberty is found in devoted service. |
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