Exodus 21:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The individual who is genuinely liberated, who can be regarded as a true follower of God, is wholly devoted to the Divine, and everything he possesses embodies the essence of freedom. When one relinquishes this liberty, expressing: I cherish my master, my spouse, and my children; therefore, I choose not to be free, he does not merely submit to his master but also to his own frailty. By choosing attachment to worldly desires or the inclinations of his mind, which drives his will, he becomes ensnared. Likewise, the person who assumes the responsibilities of his household, drawn in by his affection for his spouse and the comforts of life, not only takes on worldly concerns but eternal burdens as well. It is at the threshold where the master whispers reminders, ensuring he recalls the choice he made to embrace servitude.

In an allegorical sense, a servant demonstrates his affection for his master by diligently holding the teachings of the preacher in his heart. When he cherishes his spouse and children, he chooses not to pursue freedom. His commitment to the vibrancy of earthly life and its rewards leads him to decline the offer of a contemplative existence. He believes his good deeds within the confines of servitude offer him purpose, causing him to turn away from the tranquility that freedom can provide.

It is believed that this practice has its roots in ancient times and gained validation through the ‘book of the covenant.’ When we examine this context alongside the narrative of the Israelites, as noted in Flavius Josephus' writings and Leviticus 25:40, 50, we find that these individuals were to be liberated along with their spouses and children in the subsequent jubilee year following the completion of the initial seven-year period. The Hebrew expression for presenting a case to a judge translates as ‘to bring before Elohim,’ indicating that such judges act as representatives of God.