Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them.
If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.
If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.
If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself.
And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:
Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.
And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.
If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.
And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.
If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.
And if he do not these three unto her, then shall she go out free without money.
He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.
And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.
But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.
And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.
And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.
And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed:
If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.
And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.
Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.
If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye’s sake.
And if he smite out his manservant’s tooth, or his maidservant’s tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth’s sake.
If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit.
But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.
If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.
Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.
If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.
And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;
The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his.
And if one man’s ox hurt another’s, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide.
Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.
Exodus 21, a crucial chapter following the Ten Commandments, delves into specific laws and ordinances that demonstrate the practical application of those foundational principles in ancient Israelite society. These laws provide a framework for resolving disputes, ensuring justice, and reflecting God's character in their interactions with one another. This chapter reveals God's heart for justice, protection of the vulnerable, and the value He places on human life.
The Treatment of Servants (Exodus 21:2-11)
The chapter begins by addressing the issue of indentured servitude, a common practice in the ancient world due to debt or financial hardship. An Israelite could sell himself into service for a period of six years, after which he was to be set free (Exodus 21:2). However, a unique provision allowed the servant to choose to remain in permanent servitude out of love for his master and family (Exodus 21:5). This highlights the potential for relational bonds even within the context of servitude.
Recognizing the vulnerability of slaves, especially female slaves, God established specific protections. Exodus 21:7-11 outlines provisions to ensure their proper treatment and prevent exploitation. These laws were unprecedented in the ancient Near East, demonstrating God's concern for the marginalized and oppressed.
Laws Concerning Personal Injury (Exodus 21:12-36)
Homicide (Exodus 21:12-14)
The laws concerning personal injury begin with the most serious offense: homicide. Intentional homicide was punishable by death. However, in cases of unintentional homicide, the person could flee to a designated "city of refuge" (Exodus 21:13). These cities, mentioned in Numbers 35:9-34, Deuteronomy 4:41-43, 19:1-13, and Joshua 20:1-9, provided sanctuary from those seeking vengeance. This distinction between intentional and unintentional acts underscores the importance of justice tempered with mercy. There was no refuge, however, for premeditated murder.
Other Injuries and Offenses (Exodus 21:15-19)
Respect for parents was paramount. Physical or verbal abuse against one's parents was considered a capital crime (Exodus 21:15, 17). Kidnapping, a form of human trafficking, was also a capital offense (Exodus 21:16), emphasizing the sanctity of human freedom.
For personal injuries not resulting in death, the law required compensation to the injured party (Exodus 21:18-19). This ensured that victims were cared for and that justice was served.
Responsibility for Slaves (Exodus 21:20-27)
Owners had the right to discipline their slaves, but this right was not absolute. Violence resulting in the slave's death was punishable (Exodus 21:20). Furthermore, causing permanent physical harm to a slave resulted in the slave's freedom and the owner's financial loss (Exodus 21:26-27). These limitations on the owner's power and the protection of slaves' rights were groundbreaking in the ancient world, reflecting God's concern for justice and human dignity.
Protection of the Unborn (Exodus 21:22-25)
Compensation was mandatory for accidentally causing a premature birth, even if no injury resulted (Exodus 21:22). This demonstrates that even an unborn infant is considered a person with basic rights. Negligence resulting in injury or death to an unborn baby incurred consequences, highlighting the value God places on life from conception.
The principle of "life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth" (Exodus 21:23-24), known as lex talionis, was not intended as a call for barbaric revenge. Rather, it served to limit excessive punishment and ensure that penalties were proportionate to the crime. The goal was to prevent escalation of hostilities and provide fair retribution.
Responsibility for Animals (Exodus 21:28-36)
Owners were held accountable for injuries or deaths caused by their animals (Exodus 21:28-32, 35-36). Compensation was required. If an animal had a history of causing harm and the owner failed to restrain it, the owner would pay with his life (Exodus 21:29). This emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to protect others from harm caused by their property.
These laws in Exodus 21, while specific to the context of ancient Israel, reveal timeless principles of justice, compassion, and the value of human life. They challenge us to consider how we can apply these principles in our own lives and communities, striving to create a more just and equitable world. They also point us to the ultimate fulfillment of justice and compassion in Jesus Christ.
Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them.
If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.
If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.
If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself.
And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:
Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.
And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.
If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.
And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.
If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.
And if he do not these three unto her, then shall she go out free without money.
He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.
And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.
But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.
And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.
And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.
And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed:
If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.
And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.
Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.
If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye’s sake.
And if he smite out his manservant’s tooth, or his maidservant’s tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth’s sake.
If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit.
But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.
If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.
Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.
If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.
And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;
The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his.
And if one man’s ox hurt another’s, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide.
Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.
Exodus 21, a crucial chapter following the Ten Commandments, delves into specific laws and ordinances that demonstrate the practical application of those foundational principles in ancient Israelite society. These laws provide a framework for resolving disputes, ensuring justice, and reflecting God's character in their interactions with one another. This chapter reveals God's heart for justice, protection of the vulnerable, and the value He places on human life.
The Treatment of Servants (Exodus 21:2-11)
The chapter begins by addressing the issue of indentured servitude, a common practice in the ancient world due to debt or financial hardship. An Israelite could sell himself into service for a period of six years, after which he was to be set free (Exodus 21:2). However, a unique provision allowed the servant to choose to remain in permanent servitude out of love for his master and family (Exodus 21:5). This highlights the potential for relational bonds even within the context of servitude.
Recognizing the vulnerability of slaves, especially female slaves, God established specific protections. Exodus 21:7-11 outlines provisions to ensure their proper treatment and prevent exploitation. These laws were unprecedented in the ancient Near East, demonstrating God's concern for the marginalized and oppressed.
Laws Concerning Personal Injury (Exodus 21:12-36)
Homicide (Exodus 21:12-14)
The laws concerning personal injury begin with the most serious offense: homicide. Intentional homicide was punishable by death. However, in cases of unintentional homicide, the person could flee to a designated "city of refuge" (Exodus 21:13). These cities, mentioned in Numbers 35:9-34, Deuteronomy 4:41-43, 19:1-13, and Joshua 20:1-9, provided sanctuary from those seeking vengeance. This distinction between intentional and unintentional acts underscores the importance of justice tempered with mercy. There was no refuge, however, for premeditated murder.
Other Injuries and Offenses (Exodus 21:15-19)
Respect for parents was paramount. Physical or verbal abuse against one's parents was considered a capital crime (Exodus 21:15, 17). Kidnapping, a form of human trafficking, was also a capital offense (Exodus 21:16), emphasizing the sanctity of human freedom.
For personal injuries not resulting in death, the law required compensation to the injured party (Exodus 21:18-19). This ensured that victims were cared for and that justice was served.
Responsibility for Slaves (Exodus 21:20-27)
Owners had the right to discipline their slaves, but this right was not absolute. Violence resulting in the slave's death was punishable (Exodus 21:20). Furthermore, causing permanent physical harm to a slave resulted in the slave's freedom and the owner's financial loss (Exodus 21:26-27). These limitations on the owner's power and the protection of slaves' rights were groundbreaking in the ancient world, reflecting God's concern for justice and human dignity.
Protection of the Unborn (Exodus 21:22-25)
Compensation was mandatory for accidentally causing a premature birth, even if no injury resulted (Exodus 21:22). This demonstrates that even an unborn infant is considered a person with basic rights. Negligence resulting in injury or death to an unborn baby incurred consequences, highlighting the value God places on life from conception.
The principle of "life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth" (Exodus 21:23-24), known as lex talionis, was not intended as a call for barbaric revenge. Rather, it served to limit excessive punishment and ensure that penalties were proportionate to the crime. The goal was to prevent escalation of hostilities and provide fair retribution.
Responsibility for Animals (Exodus 21:28-36)
Owners were held accountable for injuries or deaths caused by their animals (Exodus 21:28-32, 35-36). Compensation was required. If an animal had a history of causing harm and the owner failed to restrain it, the owner would pay with his life (Exodus 21:29). This emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to protect others from harm caused by their property.
These laws in Exodus 21, while specific to the context of ancient Israel, reveal timeless principles of justice, compassion, and the value of human life. They challenge us to consider how we can apply these principles in our own lives and communities, striving to create a more just and equitable world. They also point us to the ultimate fulfillment of justice and compassion in Jesus Christ.