The Ohr HaChaim (21:4) shows how this parsha is dealing with a totally different realm. We know that man is a dual being. We are essentially a spiritual being, a part of Hashem Himself, joined together with a physical body, a 'guf'. The purpose of the 'guf' is to serve the neshama, because only through the 'guf' can the neshama perform various mitzvos.
"Ki sikneh eved ivri...". When you, the neshama, a part of the true Master, acquire a servant that is 'ivri'. The word, 'ivri', is from the root 'ovar', meaning transient. The neshama acquires a 'guf' for its stint in olam hazah. There is a set, predestined time, ordained for this 'servitude', after which there is a 'release'.
"If he is the husband of a wife, the wife will go out with him (21:3)." The 'husband of a wife', refers to the way that the 'guf' (husband) serves the wife (neshama). If the guf is totally devoted, that all of it's dealings and interests in this world, are completely dedicated to the advancement of the neshama, as a husband is to his wife, (all chossonim and husbands please note!), then "the wife will go out, but, with him". Meaning, that even when the neshama leaves, the 'guf' will have been purified to the degree that this union of the physical and spiritual will not be contradictory. The two remain bonded, even after the transition to the next world. Tzadikim, even in their death, are considered alive.
"If the 'eved' proclaims his love for his master, wife, and children, refusing to go free... he will serve him forever (until yovel)." If the person has such a strong desire to serve Hashem (his master), to extend and expand his spirituality (his wife), to devote himself to Mitzvos (his children, the progeny of this union), that he has no desire to leave this world, then "he will serve Him forever". Hashem will choose him to be one of those who have the closest bond to Him for all eternity. Not in this limited finite world as he had blindly desired, but rather in the infinite spiritual palace of the world to come!
