In Exodus 21:6 and Deuteronomy 15:17, the 'ear bored by an awl' signifies that obedience is forever prescribed to people who are in truths, but not in corresponding good. (Arcana Coelestia 8990) This signifies a state of willing what is true from obedience and not from understanding. (Arcana Coelestia 3869[11])