Deuteronomy 15:16

16 But and yf he saye vnto the, I will not goo awaye from the, because he loueth the and thine housse and is well at ease with the.

Deuteronomy 15:16 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 15:16

And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from
thee
Out of his house, nor quit his service:

because he loveth thee and thine house;
his master and his family, and so loath to leave them, but chooses rather to stay with them than have his liberty; hence the Jews say ^F11, if his master has not a wife and children, his ear is not to be bored:

because he is well with thee; lives well with him,
is well used by him, wants for nothing, and enjoys peace and quietness, and has everything to make him happy as such a state will admit of, and with the which he is well contented, and highly pleased. This is an emblem of the cheerful and constant obedience of the people of Christ to him their master, flowing from love to him; whom they love above all persons and things, with all their heart and soul, and his house also, the place of his worship, his ordinances, truths, ministers and children; and therefore choose to be where they are, finding that they are there well used, fare well, having bread enough and to spare, spiritual provisions in plenty; are well clothed with the righteousness of Christ, have the good company of the saints and excellent in the earth, in whom is all their delight; and, above all, the presence of their Lord and master, and the smiles of his countenance.

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FOOTNOTES:

F11 Maimon. in Misn. Kiddushin, c. 1. sect. 2.

Deuteronomy 15:16 In-Context

14 but shalt geue him of thy shepe and of thi corne and of thy wyne, and geue him off that where with the Lorde thi God hath blessed the.

15 And remembre that thou wast a seruaunte in the londe of Egipte, and the Lorde thi God delyuered the thence: wherfore I commaunde the this thinge to daye.

16 But and yf he saye vnto the, I will not goo awaye from the, because he loueth the and thine housse and is well at ease with the.

17 Then take a naule and nayle his eare too the doore there with ad let him be thi seruaunte foreuer and vnto thi mayde seruaunte thou shalt doo likewise.

18 And let it not greue thine eyes to lett him goo out from the, for he hath bene worthe a double hired seruaunte to the in his seruyce .vi. yeres. And the Lorde thi God shall blesse the in all that thou doest.