Exodus 22

Exodus 22 continues the laws given by God to Israel, focusing on personal responsibility and restitution for wrongs committed against others. This chapter outlines rules regarding theft, property damage, moral transgressions, and social justice. The purpose of these laws is to guide the community in maintaining justice and fairness in their interactions with each other, reflecting God’s principles of equity and righteousness.

Exodus 22:1 (NKJV)
“If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep.”

The law regarding theft demands restitution greater than the original value of what was stolen. The principle here is not just compensation but deterrence and the restoration of what was wrongfully taken. By requiring the thief to restore more than what was stolen, the law ensures that the victim is compensated for their loss and inconvenience, while the thief experiences a penalty that discourages future theft.

Exodus 22:2-3 (NKJV)
“If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed. If the sun has risen on him, there shall be guilt for his bloodshed. He should make full restitution; if he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.”

These verses distinguish between a thief caught in the act at night and one caught during the day. The law allows for self-defense if a thief is breaking in during the night, but if the thief is killed during the day, it is considered excessive force. The thief is required to make restitution for his crime, and if unable to do so, he would face servitude until the debt is paid.

Exodus 22:4 (NKJV)
“If the theft is certainly found alive in his hand, whether it is an ox or donkey or sheep, he shall restore double.”

When stolen property is recovered, the thief is required to restore double the amount. This law ensures that restitution is proportional to the offense, providing both justice for the victim and a corrective measure for the offender. It also discourages theft by making the consequences clear.

Exodus 22:5 (NKJV)
“If a man causes a field or vineyard to be grazed, and lets loose his animal, and it feeds in another man’s field, he shall make restitution from the best of his own field and the best of his own vineyard.”

This law addresses property damage caused by negligence. The offender is required to compensate for the loss by giving the best of his own property. This principle emphasizes personal responsibility and fairness in addressing harm done to others, promoting a sense of justice in community life.

Exodus 22:6 (NKJV)
“If fire breaks out and catches in thorns, so that stacked grain, standing grain, or the field is consumed, he who kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.”

This verse addresses unintentional damage caused by fire. Even if the fire spreads accidentally, the person who started it is responsible for the damage. This law upholds the principle of accountability, ensuring that those who cause harm, even unintentionally, must make amends.

Exodus 22:7-8 (NKJV)
“If a man delivers to his neighbor money or articles to keep, and it is stolen out of the man’s house, if the thief is found, he shall pay double. If the thief is not found, then the master of the house shall be brought to the judges to see whether he has put his hand into his neighbor’s goods.”

These verses deal with entrusted property and the responsibility that comes with it. If a thief is caught, they must repay double, but if the thief is not found, the custodian of the goods must prove their innocence before the judges. This law protects both the owner and the keeper, ensuring fairness and accountability.

Exodus 22:9 (NKJV)
“For any kind of trespass, whether it concerns an ox, a donkey, a sheep, or clothing, or for any kind of lost thing which another claims to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whomever the judges condemn shall pay double to his neighbor.”

This law provides a legal process for disputes over property ownership. The judges determine who is at fault, and the guilty party must pay double. The principle here is to resolve disputes with fairness and ensure that justice is served for wrongful claims or actions.

Exodus 22:10-13 (NKJV)
“If a man delivers to his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep, and it dies, is hurt, or driven away, no one seeing it, then an oath of the Lord shall be between them both, that he has not put his hand into his neighbor’s goods; and the owner of it shall accept that, and he shall not make it good. But if, in fact, it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to the owner of it. If it is torn to pieces by a beast, then he shall bring it as evidence, and he shall not make good what was torn.”

These verses lay out responsibilities when someone cares for another’s livestock. If the animal is harmed or disappears without witnesses, the caretaker swears an oath of innocence. If stolen, the caretaker must repay. If killed by a wild animal, evidence must be provided to avoid repayment. This promotes trust and accountability.

Exodus 22:14-15 (NKJV)
“And if a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it becomes injured or dies, the owner of it not being with it, he shall surely make it good. If its owner was with it, he shall not make it good; if it was hired, it came for its hire.”

These laws deal with borrowed property. If the borrower causes damage while using it without the owner present, he must repay the owner. However, if the owner is with it or if it was hired, no repayment is necessary. This reinforces fairness in the borrowing and lending of goods, respecting both the owner’s rights and the borrower’s responsibility.

Exodus 22:16-17 (NKJV)
“If a man entices a virgin who is not betrothed, and lies with her, he shall surely pay the bride-price for her to be his wife. If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money according to the bride-price of virgins.”

These verses address moral and social obligations regarding seduction. The man must take responsibility by paying the bride-price and marrying the woman. If the father refuses, the man is still required to pay compensation. This law protects the honor of the woman and family, ensuring that wrongful actions have consequences.

Exodus 22:18 (NKJV)
“You shall not permit a sorceress to live.”

Sorcery is forbidden in Israel as it opposes the worship of God and leads people into spiritual deception. This strong command reflects the seriousness of spiritual purity in the community, as sorcery involves demonic practices that defy God’s sovereignty.

Exodus 22:19 (NKJV)
“Whoever lies with an animal shall surely be put to death.”

Bestiality was strictly prohibited in Israel, as it was seen as a grievous moral offense and an abomination. The severe punishment emphasizes the importance of sexual purity and the boundaries God set for human behavior, reflecting a deeper spiritual and moral law.

Exodus 22:20 (NKJV)
“He who sacrifices to any god, except to the Lord only, he shall be utterly destroyed.”

Idolatry is condemned, as worship is due to God alone. Sacrificing to other gods violates the first commandment and brings destruction upon the person. This law reinforces Israel’s monotheistic faith and the exclusivity of their covenant with God.

Exodus 22:21 (NKJV)
“You shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”

Israel is reminded not to mistreat or oppress foreigners, as they themselves were once oppressed in Egypt. This law instills compassion and fairness towards others, especially the vulnerable, and reflects God’s care for justice and mercy.

Exodus 22:22-24 (NKJV)
“You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry; and My wrath will become hot, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.”

These verses show God’s deep concern for the vulnerable, particularly widows and orphans. If they are mistreated, God Himself promises to intervene in judgment. This reflects God's justice and His protective nature over those who are defenseless.

Exodus 22:25-27 (NKJV)
“If you lend money to any of My people who are poor among you, you shall not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him interest. If you ever take your neighbor’s garment as a pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down. For that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What will he sleep in? And it will be that when he cries to Me, I will hear, for I am gracious.”

These verses regulate the lending of money, especially to the poor. Interest must not be charged, and even if collateral is taken, it must be returned by nightfall. This law shows God’s mercy and concern for the poor and vulnerable, emphasizing the importance of generosity and compassion in community life.

Exodus 22:28 (NKJV)
“You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.”

This law reinforces respect for both God and the leaders He appoints. Blasphemy against God and disrespect towards rulers are offenses against God’s authority. The verse teaches the importance of honoring those in positions of spiritual and civil authority.

Exodus 22:29-30 (NKJV)
“You shall not delay to offer the first of your ripe produce and your juices. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to Me. Likewise you shall do with your oxen and your sheep. It shall be with its mother seven days; on the eighth day you shall give it to Me.”

These laws reinforce the principle of offering the first and best to God, including the firstborn of humans and animals. The offering of the firstborn symbolizes dedication to God, acknowledging His provision and blessing. This practice reflects gratitude and worship towards God for His continual care.

Exodus 22:31 (NKJV)
“And you shall be holy men to Me: you shall not eat meat torn by beasts in the field; you shall throw it to the dogs.”

The final verse emphasizes the call to holiness, reminding Israel to maintain purity in their practices. Eating meat from animals killed by other animals was prohibited as it violated ritual cleanliness. This law represents the broader concept of being set apart for God, both in daily life and worship.