Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Deuteronomy 15:17 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Bible offers timeless wisdom, often revealed through the laws, parables, and stories it contains. One such verse that holds rich meaning and insight is Deuteronomy 15:17. This verse may seem unusual at first, as it talks about a physical act involving an ear and a door, but when studied deeply, it carries powerful spiritual significance.
The Context of Deuteronomy 15:17 KJV
The Book of Deuteronomy: A Reminder of God’s Law
The book of Deuteronomy is a repetition and reinforcement of God’s laws given to Israel. The name “Deuteronomy” literally means “second law.” Moses speaks to the new generation of Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. He reminds them of their responsibilities under God’s covenant and urges them to obey the laws that will lead to life and blessing.
The Theme of Chapter 15
Deuteronomy 15 is focused on mercy, justice, and human dignity. It discusses the year of release, a practice where debts were canceled and Hebrew servants were set free after six years of service. This system protected the poor and prevented long-term oppression. The chapter shows God’s deep concern for freedom, equity, and compassionate living.
But not every servant wanted to leave after six years. Some developed a strong bond with their master. If the servant willingly chose to stay, there was a special procedure to mark that choice. That is where verse 17 comes in.
Deuteronomy 15:17 (KJV)
“Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.” — Deuteronomy 15:17, KJV
This verse describes what happens when a servant does not want to be released in the seventh year. Instead of going free, the servant chooses to remain with the master permanently. The process of making this decision official involves a symbolic act—piercing the servant’s ear with an awl at the doorpost.
Deuteronomy 15:17 Meaning
“Then thou shalt take an aul…”
An awl is a pointed tool used for piercing holes. In this context, it was used to pierce the servant’s ear. This act was not meant to cause pain or punishment but to symbolize a permanent choice.
“…and thrust it through his ear unto the door…”
The ear was pierced at the door of the master’s house. The doorpost represents the entrance to the home, the family, and the household. By piercing the ear there, it symbolized that the servant was now willingly part of that household for life.
This action was public and symbolic. It was not hidden. The servant’s commitment was seen by the community. He was saying, “I belong here. I serve not because I have to, but because I choose to.”
“…and he shall be thy servant for ever.”
The word “forever” here does not necessarily mean for eternity. It means for the rest of the servant’s life or until a Jubilee year, depending on historical context. But the key idea is that the servant is no longer temporary—he or she has made a lifelong commitment.
This was not slavery in the modern, cruel sense. It was a chosen, voluntary bond. It reflected love, loyalty, and devotion to the master. The servant had found peace and provision and chose to stay under the master’s care.
“And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.”
This rule applied to both men and women. If a female servant also wanted to remain in the household permanently, the same procedure applied. God’s law included women and protected their choices as well.
Deuteronomy 15:17 Application in Life
1. A Picture of Devotion
This verse gives us a beautiful picture of voluntary devotion. The servant was free to leave but chose to stay. This mirrors the believer’s relationship with Jesus. We were once slaves to sin, but Jesus set us free. Now, in our freedom, we can choose to serve Him forever out of love.
Just as the servant found a good master and a place to belong, we find our home in Christ. He is the good shepherd, and when we choose to follow Him, we are making a lifelong commitment to His lordship.
2. The Ear: Symbol of Listening and Obedience
The ear was the body part chosen for piercing. This has deep meaning. In the Bible, the ear is often associated with listening and obedience. By piercing the ear, the servant was saying, “I will listen to and obey my master all my life.”
Psalm 40:6 says, “Mine ears hast thou opened.” This verse likely refers to this same tradition of the pierced ear, symbolizing a heart willing to obey God.
As Christians, we must ask: Do we have “pierced ears” for God? Are we committed to listening to His voice and obeying His word daily?
3. The Doorpost: A Place of Covenant
The piercing happened at the doorpost. This is not a random location. In Exodus 12, during the first Passover, the Israelites placed the lamb’s blood on the doorposts of their homes. That act marked their homes as protected by God.
The doorpost was a place of covenant, identity, and belonging. By piercing the ear at the doorpost, the servant was saying, “I belong here. This is my family. This is my master.” Spiritually, we declare the same when we commit our lives to Christ.
4. Freedom to Choose Service
The servant was not forced to stay. God gave the servant a choice. If the person chose freedom, they were released with blessings. If they chose to stay, they were honored for that choice.
God gives us the same freedom. He never forces us to serve Him. He invites us, loves us, and lets us choose. When we choose Him freely, He welcomes us into His house forever.
5. Lifelong Commitment
This verse challenges our modern view of temporary service. Many people today want short-term commitments. But true faith involves a lifelong decision. Just as the servant pierced his ear as a sign of forever service, we are called to give our whole lives to Jesus—not just a season.
Luke 9:62 says, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Christianity is not a trial—it is a transformation. It is not just belief; it is devotion.
6. Living as a Bondservant of Christ
In the New Testament, Paul calls himself a bondservant of Jesus Christ. This word means a willing slave. It connects directly to the idea in Deuteronomy 15:17. Paul wasn’t forced to serve Jesus. He chose to, joyfully and fully.
Romans 1:1 says, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle…” The Greek word for “servant” here is doulos, meaning a bondservant—one who has given up his rights to serve a master he loves.
We too are called to be bondservants of Christ. It is not a position of shame, but of honor.
7. Application in the Church
This verse also applies to how we view serving in the Church. Serving God’s people is not a burden—it is a privilege. Whether we are pastors, volunteers, teachers, or encouragers, our service should come from love, not obligation.
When we serve joyfully, it reflects the heart of the servant in Deuteronomy 15:17. We are saying, “I love my Master. I love His house. I choose to serve.”
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 15:17 may seem strange at first glance, but when we study it, we discover a rich message about love, devotion, and service. As believers, we are called to live as bondservants of Christ. Not out of fear, but out of love. Not because we must, but because we choose to. May our ears be “pierced” by God’s truth, and may our hearts always remain at His door, willing and ready to serve forever.
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