Reference: Awl
Easton
Fausets
The boring of a slave's ear with it was the token of his volunteering perpetual service, when he might be free at the year of release (Ex 21:6; De 15:17). So Messiah, volunteering to become God's servant by taking man's nature; "Mine ears hast Thou opened" (Ps 40:6); Isa 1:5, "the Lord God hath opened Mine ear," i.e., hath made Me obediently attentive as a servant to his master. Heb 10:5-10 quotes it as Septuagint renders it: "a body hast Thou prepared Me," the strongest proof of willing obedience. The ear symbolizes obedience.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Hastings
A boring instrument, named only in connexion with the ceremony whereby a slave was bound to perpetual servitude (Ex 21:6; De 15:17).
Morish
A piercing instrument, only spoken of as being thrust through the ear: its form is not known. Ex 21:6; De 15:17.
Smith
Awl,
a tool of which we do not know the ancient form. The only notice of it is in connection with the custom of boring the ear of the slave.
Ex 21:6; De 15:17