Final answer:
The mark of a slave in Deuteronomy 15 is misunderstood; it doesn't refer to a physical mark but addresses conditions for the release of Hebrew servants. The actual practice of marking a slave is found in Exodus 21:5-6, where a slave's ear is pierced if they choose to remain with their master. These passages must be considered in the context of ancient societal norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mark of a slave mentioned in Deuteronomy 15 is not specifically about a physical mark, but the passage does address the treatment of slaves and the conditions for their release. The closest related passage that speaks about an actual mark being given to slaves is found in Exodus 21:5-6. If the slave chooses to stay with their master and not go free, then their ear is pierced with an awl as a sign of their commitment. Deuteronomy 15 mainly discusses the debt release for Hebrew servants, which took place every seven years during the Year of Release.
It is important to understand the social and historical context of these passages, as they reflect the legal and ethical norms of ancient societies. We find a mention of specific punishments for harming a slave in a different context, such as Code 199 from an ancient law code wherein it instructs that 'If a man put out the eye of a man's slave, or break the bone of a man's slave, he shall pay one-half of its value.' This reflects a societal valuation and sanction system for harm caused to slaves.