Deuteronomy 15:16-18

Expanded Bible

¹⁶ But if your slave says to you, “I don’t want to leave you,” because he loves you and your ·family [^Lhouse] and has a good life with you, ¹⁷ stick an awl [^Ca pointed tool for making holes] through his ·ear [earlobe] into the door; he will be your slave for life. Also do this to a female slave.

¹⁸ Do not think of it as a hard thing when you let your slaves go free. After all, they served you six years and did twice the work of a hired person. The Lord your God will bless you in everything you do [Ex. 21:2–6; Lev. 25:39–46].