awl Summary and Overview
Bible Dictionaries at a Glance
awl in Easton's Bible Dictionary
an instrument only referred to in connection with the custom of boring the ear of a slave (Ex. 21:6; Deut. 15:17), in token of his volunteering perpetual service when he might be free. (Compare Ps. 40:6; Isa. 50:5).
awl in Smith's Bible Dictionary
a 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. #Ex 21:6; De 15:17|
awl in Fausset's Bible Dictionary
The boring of a slave's ear with it was the token of his volunteering perpetual service, when he might be free at the year of release (Exodus 21:6; Deuteronomy 15:17). So Messiah, volunteering to become God's servant by taking man's nature; "Mine ears hast Thou opened" (Psalm 40:6); Isaiah 1:5, "the Lord God hath opened Mine ear," i.e., hath made Me obediently attentive as a servant to his master. Hebrews 10:5-10 quotes it as Septuagint renders it: "a body hast Thou prepared Me," the strongest proof of willing obedience. The ear symbolizes obedience.