Deuteronomy 15:16
And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee;
DEUTERONOMY 15:16
Verse 16 addresses a personal response: if the freed servant loves his master and the household, he may choose to stay. The act of piercing the ear with an awl (a signet of lifelong service) formalizes a voluntary, enduring bond—contrasted with the earlier obligation of release. It reflects the tension between freedom and attachment, between opportunity to move on and the comfort of predictable, stable relationships. This option recognizes genuine loyalty and mutual benefit—in some cases, continued service means ongoing protection, provision, and companionship within a trusted household. The cultural context uses symbolic acts to communicate governance over personal status and to honor longstanding trust. It also underscores the complexity of human relationships within covenant community, where not all departures are best for everyone, and where certain commitments can be virtuous when freely chosen.
Theologically, the voluntary bond illustrates the depth of covenantal obedience: love for a family can lead to a formed, lifelong service that honors both God and neighbor. It affirms the goodness of purposeful attachment and stewardship within relationships. The sign of the ear through iron marks a binding covenant, echoing God’s binding covenants with His people. It’s a reminder that faithfulness includes both freedom and fidelity—and that love can lead to committed service that is not coercive but chosen.
Today, this invites discernment about staying in roles or relationships that are healthy and mutually beneficial. For some, a long-term workplace, mentorship role, or community service may be a few years of service that deeply blesses others while providing personal growth and security. If you’re in a position of leadership, consider how you create space for voluntary long-term commitments that are truly voluntary and beneficial, not coercively binding. For those who choose to stay, cultivate a growth path: ongoing training, new responsibilities, and continued appreciation. If you choose to move on, ensure a generous, orderly transition that honors the relationships built.
Cross-References: Exodus 21:5-6; Ruth 1:16-17; Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Corinthians 9:18-19; 2 Thessalonians 3:10