Exodus 21:6

“Then his master shall bring him unto the judges, etc.] 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 (<198201>Psalm 82:1,6), and so Jarchi interprets it of the house of judgment, or sanhedrim, the court that had convicted the servant of theft, and had sold him to him, it was proper he should acquaint them with it, have their opinion about it; and especially it was proper to have him to them, that he might before them, even in open court, declare his…”

“Forever - That is, most probably, until the next Jubilee, when every Hebrew was set free. See Leviticus 25:40, Leviticus 25:50. The custom of boring the ear as a mark of slavery appears to have been a common one in ancient times, observed in many nations. Unto the judges - Literally, “before the gods אלהים 'ĕlohı̂ym.” The word does not denote “judges” in a direct way, but it is to be understood as the name of God, in its ordinary plural form, God being the source of all justice. The name in this connection always has the definite article prefixed. See the marginal references. Compare Psalms 82:1, Psalms 82:6; John 10:34. return to 'Top of Page'”

“For ever - As long as he lives, or till the year of Jubilee. Exodus 21:8”

“the judges: Exo 21:22, Exo 12:12, Exo 18:21-26, Exo 22:8, Exo 22:9, Exo 22:28; Num 25:5-8; Deu 1:16, Deu 16:18; Deu 19:17, Deu 19:18; Sa1 8:1, Sa1 8:2; Isa 1:26; Zep 3:3 bore his ear: This significant ceremony was intended as a mark of permanent servitude, and was calculated to impress the servant with the duty of hearing all his master's orders, and obeying them punctually. Psa 40:6-8 for ever: Lev 25:23, Lev 25:40; Deu 15:17; Sa1 1:22, Sa1 27:12, Sa1 28:2; Kg1 12:7 Exodus 21:7”