Deuteronomy 2:20

2:20 (That also is considered to be a land of the Rephaites. ¹  The Rephaites lived there originally; the Ammonites call them Zamzummites. ² 

Deuteronomy 15:17

15:17 you shall take an awl and pierce a hole through his ear to the door. ³  Then he will become your servant permanently (this applies to your female servant as well).

Deuteronomy 33:28

33:28 Israel lives in safety,

the fountain of Jacob is quite secure, ⁴ 

in a land of grain and new wine;

indeed, its heavens ⁵  rain down dew. ⁶ 

[2:20]  ¹ sn Rephaites. See note on this word in Deut 2:11.

[2:20]  ² sn Zamzummites. Just as the Moabites called Rephaites by the name Emites, the Ammonites called them Zamzummites (or Zazites; Gen 14:5).

[15:17]  ³ sn When the bondslave’s ear was drilled through to the door, the door in question was that of the master’s house. In effect, the bondslave is declaring his undying and lifelong loyalty to his creditor. The scar (or even hole) in the earlobe would testify to the community that the slave had surrendered independence and personal rights. This may be what Paul had in mind when he said “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Gal 6:17).

[33:28]  ⁵ tn Heb “all alone.” The idea is that such vital resources as water will some day no longer need protection because God will provide security.

[33:28]  ⁶ tn Or “skies.” The Hebrew term שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) may be translated “heaven(s)” or “sky” depending on the context.

[33:28]  ⁷ tn Or perhaps “drizzle, showers.” See note at Deut 32:2.