Exodus 22:1-31
Q.1. What were the laws of trespassing? Why would God demand that someone be required to pay more than he stole or damaged? Why was restitution of losses built into the law? – (Exo.22:1-15)
Today we constantly hear on the news, cries from victims who want justice. The further we have moved from the Judeo-Christian ethic upon which our western laws were based, the greater the outcry. Under the Law God established for His people: (i) Victims were fairly compensated for losses – even if it meant the perpetrator had to be sold into slavery to repay his debt. (ii) The lawbreaker was punished. It may cost his life, or the offender may be required to repay double … or more. God made it unattractive for lawbreakers to commit a crime: (i) A thief had to repay five oxen for a stolen ox or four sheep for a stolen sheep, if they had been slaughtered or sold (see Exo.22:1). (ii) A thief had to repay double a stolen ox, donkey, or sheep (see Exo.22:4). (iii) For letting animals graze in a neighbour’s field, the victim had to be repaid with the best field or vineyard (see Exo.22:5). (iv) A ‘firebug’ or anyone who started a fire that damaged a neighbour’s property, had to make restitution (see Exo.22:6). (v) Those who stole the property of a neighbour had to repay double (see Exo.22:7). How could the truth be determined between feuding parties? (i) The parties – shall appear before the judges (Exo.22:8). (ii) Also – the case of both parties shall come before the judges; he whom the judges condemn shall pay double to his neighbour (Exo.22:9). (iii) Further – an oath before the Lord shall be made by the two of them (Exo.22:11). (iv) To prevent false claims – let him bring as evidence; he shall not make restitution for what has been torn to pieces (by wild animals) (Exo.22:13). People were properly compensated for their losses. Excuses and blame-shifting was resisted.
Q.2. How was seduction recompensed? When was the death penalty applied? What protection did God prescribe for the defenseless, sojourners, widows, orphans, and debtors? Why? – (Exo.22:16-27)
A man could not seduce a virgin without serious consequences. He was ordered to pay a dowry to the father, and to marry her. If the father refused to let his daughter marry him, the fornicator had to pay the equivalent of a dowry (see Exo.22:16-1). Israel was to apply the death penalty for gross breaches of God’s law that would corrupt God’s people: (i) Those involved in witchcraft and sorcery must forfeit their lives (see Exo.22:19). (ii) Those who had sex with an animal were to be put to death (see Exo.22:20). (iii) Those who sacrificed to idols and other gods were to die (see Exo.22:21). Israel knew what it was to be mistreated as slaves in Egypt. Consequently, they were to treat the defenseless with compassion: (i) Israel was not to oppress any widow or orphan, or God would punish them (see Exo.22:21-24). (ii) They should lend to the poor in Israel, without charging interest (see Exo.22:25). (iii) A pledge was to be returned by sundown (see Exo.22:26-27). (iv) God promised the defenseless – when he cries out to Me, I will hear him, for I am gracious (Exo.22:27).
Q.3. How were leaders to be treated? What offerings did God demand to ensure that Israel kept their allegiance to Him? Why were the people to refrain from eating some meats? – (Exo.22:28-31)
Because Israel’s leaders were to uphold the law, they were to be respected, even as they respected God (see Exo.22:28). All the firstborn of Israel, the first fruits of the crops, and the firstlings of the flocks belonged to God and were to be offered (or redeemed) to God (see Exo.22:29-30). This was a token that underscored the fact that God is the Owner of everything. The Laws were given to enable God’s people to be holy, and a unique nation, for – you shall be holy to Me (Exo.22:31).