Awl

An awl was a pointed metal or bone instrument used for boring holes, mentioned in Scripture primarily in connection with the law of voluntary permanent servitude. When a Hebrew slave, offered freedom in the seventh year, chose instead to remain permanently in his master's household, his master was to bring him to the door or doorpost and bore through his ear with an awl—a mark of willing, lifelong service (Exodus 21:6; Deuteronomy 15:17). Psalm 40:6 (cited in Hebrews 10:5 in its LXX form as a body you have prepared for me) may allude to the ear-boring rite in the context of willing obedience to God.