Deuteronomy 15:17

pierce it through his ear: Piercing the servant’s ear was a public sign. It showed that the bondservant had chosen to serve his master for life.

This mark identified him as permanently belonging to that household. Some believe this background may help explain Paul’s words, “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Galatians 6:17).

The law of Moses included rules about borrowing and lending. Here, God commanded Israel to cancel debts in the seventh year and to lend generously to the poor.

These laws helped poor people survive times of need. They also placed limits on the wealthy so they would not take advantage of those who were vulnerable.