Deuteronomy 15:16-18

International Children’s Bible

¹⁶ But your slave might say to you, “I don’t want to leave you.” He might love you and your family. He might have a good life with you. ¹⁷ If he does this, stick an awl^[a] through his ear into the door. He will be your slave for life. Also do this to a woman slave.

¹⁸ Do not think of it as a hard thing when you let your slave go free. After all, he served you six years. You paid him only half what a hired person would cost. The Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.