then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall be his slave forever.
God gave Israel laws framed in infinite wisdom and equity, not left to human guessing. These were not arbitrary rules but a Theocracy's constitution, suited to make them happy. The Israelites had suffered under Egyptian cruelty; now that they held power over servants, provision was made to ensure they would not replicate that abuse. Those who have felt the whip themselves have no excuse to wield it.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 21:1-11
Then his master shall bring him unto the judges,.... To Elohim, to God, to the judgment seat of God, according to the Septuagint; to some person or persons to inquire of God what is to be done in such a case; but this seems needless, since it is here declared: no doubt civil magistrates or judges are meant by Elohim, or the gods, as in...
Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever. (d) Where the judges sat. (e) That is, to the year of Jubile, which was every fiftieth year.