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. (Exodus 22:1)
The command against theft was already stated in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:15). Here are more specific principles given to judges, so they could apply that principle in the day to day administration of justice among the people of Israel.
He should make full restitution; if he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft (Exodus 22:3)
If the person was unable to pay back what he stole, the thief was sold and the money from the sale went to the victim.
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. (Exodus 22:14)
The principles of responsibility and restitution also applied to borrowing and lending.
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. (Exodus 22:16)
This law emphasized the principle that there is no such thing as casual sex. Both Old and New Testaments state that sexual relations carry lasting consequences (1 Corinthians 6:15-16).
Whoever lies with an animal shall surely be put to death. (Exodus 22:19)
Bestiality was punishable by death. According to ancient documents, Bestiality was widespread in Canaan.
He who sacrifices to any god, except to the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed (Exodus 22:20)
In ancient Israel, it was strictly prohibited to sacrifice to the pagan gods. This law was often broken, and this penalty was rarely applied. One rare example of its application was when Elijah executed the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:40.
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; (Exodus 22:22-23)
The reverse is also true. When we treat the widows and the fatherless children properly then the LORD will surely hear and bless us.
Chapters
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 21
- Chapter 22
- Chapter 23
- Chapter 24
- Chapter 25
- Chapter 26
- Chapter 27
- Chapter 28
- Chapter 29
- Chapter 30
- Chapter 31
- Chapter 32
- Chapter 33
- Chapter 34
- Chapter 35
- Chapter 36
- Chapter 37
- Chapter 38
- Chapter 39
- Chapter 40