Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia An awl is a pointed tool used for piercing holes, typically in leather or wood. In biblical times, it was a common implement, particularly in the context of craftsmanship and servitude. The awl is mentioned specifically in the context of Hebrew servitude laws, illustrating its cultural and legal significance in ancient Israelite society.Biblical Reference: The primary biblical reference to an awl is found in the Book of Exodus, where it is used in the context of a servant's voluntary decision to remain with his master. According to the Mosaic Law, a Hebrew servant was to serve for six years and be released in the seventh year. However, if the servant loved his master and wished to remain in his service permanently, a ceremonial act involving an awl was prescribed: "But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’ then his master is to bring 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." (Exodus 21:5-6) This act of piercing the ear with an awl symbolized the servant's lifelong commitment to his master, marking a voluntary and permanent bond. The use of the awl in this context underscores the importance of personal choice and loyalty within the framework of servitude, as well as the legal and social structures of ancient Israel. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, tools like the awl were essential for daily life, particularly in trades such as leatherworking and carpentry. The mention of the awl in the context of servitude reflects the broader societal norms and legal practices of the time. The act of piercing the ear was a public declaration of the servant's decision, witnessed by the community and sanctioned by the legal authorities. The use of the awl in this ceremony also highlights the significance of the ear in biblical symbolism. The ear, as a symbol of obedience and attentiveness, reinforced the servant's commitment to listen to and serve his master faithfully. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the use of the awl in the servitude ceremony can be seen as a foreshadowing of the New Testament concept of willing servitude to Christ. Just as the servant willingly chose to remain with his master, Christians are called to willingly submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ, serving Him out of love and devotion. The awl, therefore, serves as a powerful symbol of commitment, choice, and the transformative nature of service, both in the ancient context and in the spiritual life of believers. Smith's Bible Dictionary Awla tool of which we do not know the ancient form. The only notice of it is in connection with the custom of boring the ear of the slave. (Exodus 21:6; 15:17) Easton's Bible Dictionary An instrument only referred to in connection with the custom of boring the ear of a slave (Exodus 21:6; Deuteronomy 15:17), in token of his volunteering perpetual service when he might be free. (Comp. Psalm 40:6; Isaiah 50:5). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A pointed instrument for piercing small holes, as in leather or wood; used by shoemakers, saddlers, cabinetmakers, etc. The blade is differently shaped and pointed for different uses, as in the brad awl, saddler's awl, shoemaker's awl, etc.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AWLol martsea`: "Bore his ear through with an awl" (Exodus 21:6 Deuteronomy 15:17). The ear was pierced as being the organ of hearing, thus signifying the servant's promise of obedience. See BORE. Strong's Hebrew 4836. martsea -- a boring instrument, awl... 4835, 4836. martsea. 4837 . a boring instrument, awl. Transliteration: martsea Phonetic Spelling: (mar-tsay'-ah) Short Definition: awl. ... /hebrew/4836.htm - 6k 7776. shual -- fox, perhaps jackal 3636. Kelal -- an Israelite 4611. maalal -- a deed, practice 3978. maakal -- food 8279. sered -- a stylus 5096. Nahalal -- a place in Zebulun 2705. Chatsar Shual -- "village of the fox," a place in S. Judah 7777. Shuw'al -- "fox," a district in Isr. 4515. minal -- a bolt Library How, by the Contrivance of the Devil, Brother Juniper was ... The Scar-Marks of Surrender. Follies of the Greek Mythology. The Caroline Settlement Outward and Inward Morality Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish. Appendix J. Whereunto Art Thou Like? Let Thy Stillness Speak to one that Hears The Early Life of Malachy. Having Been Admitted to Holy Orders He ... Review Thesaurus Awl (2 Occurrences)... The blade is differently shaped and pointed for different uses, as in the brad awl, saddler's awl, shoemaker's awl, etc. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AWL. ... /a/awl.htm - 8k Tools (3 Occurrences) Ear (670 Occurrences) Pierce (30 Occurrences) Slavery (31 Occurrences) Bore (221 Occurrences) Slave (148 Occurrences) A-whoring (35 Occurrences) Bondman (108 Occurrences) Ochre Resources What is a bondservant / bond-servant? | GotQuestions.orgAwl: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Awl (2 Occurrences)Exodus 21:6 Deuteronomy 15:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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