What is the meaning of "Acharei Cheros ha'Melech"?
Rashi (citing Seder Olam 26: "In the seventh year of his reign... men from Ziknei Yisrael came to seek Hashem" (Yechezkel 20:1). They asked Yechezkel, if a Kohen sold his slave, may the slave eat Terumah? They intended, we will not be punished for the Mitzvos, for we returned the slaves. Radak - the Bris was to free the slaves (verse 9).
For whom is the freedom?
Radak: It is for their slaves, like it says in verse 9. The pronoun (Lahem) precedes the noun (Es Avdo... Shifchaso), like "va'Tir'ehu Es ha'Yeled" (Shemos 2:6) and similar verses.
Malbim: Through the Bris, they themselves will have freedom. Until now, no one was secure for himself. Perhaps he will wax poor, and be sold for a slave! This was an enactment that they be free their entire lives. This is why Tzidkiyah called the Am, but not the Sarim. The Sarim did not want the enactment; they had no concern for becoming poor (and now they lose the opportunity to acquire slaves - PF).
