Topical Bible: Servant: Bond: Voluntary Servitude of

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In the biblical context, the concept of voluntary servitude, or choosing to become a bondservant, is a significant theme that reflects both cultural practices of the ancient Near East and spiritual principles found throughout Scripture. Voluntary servitude is distinct from involuntary slavery, as it involves an individual's choice to serve another, often motivated by love, loyalty, or economic necessity.

Old Testament Context

The practice of voluntary servitude is addressed in the Mosaic Law, which provided guidelines for the treatment of servants. In Exodus 21:5-6 , the law outlines the procedure for a servant who chooses to remain with his master out of love: "But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’ then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life."

This passage highlights the voluntary nature of the bondservant's decision, emphasizing the servant's affection and commitment to his master and family. The act of piercing the ear symbolizes a lifelong dedication and is a public declaration of the servant's choice.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of voluntary servitude is elevated to a spiritual metaphor for the believer's relationship with Christ. The Apostle Paul frequently refers to himself as a "bondservant of Christ" (e.g., Romans 1:1, Philippians 1:1), indicating a willing and devoted service to the Lord. This servitude is not out of compulsion but is a response to the grace and love received through Christ.

In Philippians 2:7 , Jesus Himself is described as taking "the form of a servant," demonstrating the ultimate example of humility and voluntary servitude. This act of becoming a servant is central to the Christian understanding of service and sacrifice.

Cultural and Spiritual Implications

Voluntary servitude in the biblical sense is deeply rooted in the cultural practices of the time, where servitude could provide security and provision for individuals and families. However, it also carries profound spiritual implications, illustrating themes of love, loyalty, and commitment.

The decision to become a bondservant was not taken lightly, as it involved a lifelong commitment. This mirrors the Christian call to discipleship, where believers willingly submit to Christ's lordship, motivated by love and gratitude for His redemptive work.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of voluntary servitude serves as a powerful metaphor for the believer's relationship with God, characterized by willing submission and devoted service. It underscores the transformative power of love and the profound commitment required in following Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 25:47
And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by you, and your brother that dwells by him wax poor, and sell himself to the stranger or sojourner by you, or to the stock of the stranger's family:
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Deuteronomy 15:16,17
And it shall be, if he say to you, I will not go away from you; because he loves you and your house, because he is well with you;
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Joshua 9:11-21
Why our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say to them, We are your servants: therefore now make you a league with us.
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Library

Every Thing Proceeding from the Corrupt Nature of Man Damnable.
... free necessity, both bond and free; bond in respect ... it accompanies preventing grace
as a voluntary attendant. ... Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 every thing proceeding.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... Jerusalem with a gift; here the bond and the ... to deliver unto his master the servant
that is ... the last absolutely forbade even voluntary servitude being perpetual ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

Election and Ordination of Bishops: Form of Service on Sundays.
... hearts of all, grant that this Thy servant whom Thou ... to Thy injunction, to loose
every bond according to ... them all their offences, both voluntary and involuntary ...
/.../constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii election and ordination of.htm

Book xi. The Apostle in his Letter to the Ephesians, Reviewing in ...
... in Him the whole nature of the servant, which He ... though He was obedient, it was a
voluntary obedience, for He ... by His fatherly love into a mutual bond with His ...
/.../the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book xi the apostle in.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... to recompense with a large reward the voluntary promptitude which ... and assumed the
form of a servant," could not ... the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT, the bond of that ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

Psalm LXVIII.
... the context, grace itself is understood to be the voluntary rain, [2726 ... ye shall
be lifted up, adhering however to the bond of the ... What saith the evil servant? ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxviii.htm

Confessio Augustana.
... mandatum Dei. Proinde etiam Cyprianus suadet, ut mulieres nubant, qu?? non
servant promissam castitatem. Verba ejus sunt h??c, Lib. I ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/confessio augustana.htm

The General Conference of 1840
... South Carolina Conference: Charles Betts, Bond English, Hugh AC Walker ... to bring both
master and servant under the ... were not to care for their servitude when they ...
/.../chapter 15 the general conference.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... [Illustration: 262.jpg FEMALE SERVANT BARE TO ... title except that of concubine, and
forced her to wear a distinctive mark, perhaps that of servitude, namely, the ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... frame which is its home and may be either its servant or master"a ... Brief was the
independence, soon followed by inglorious servitude; but its sufferings and ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm