If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 21:20? 2. How does Exodus 21:20 guide us in understanding justice and accountability today? 3. What does Exodus 21:20 reveal about God's view on human life and dignity? 4. How can Exodus 21:20 inform our approach to modern legal and ethical issues? 5. In what ways does Exodus 21:20 connect with Jesus' teachings on love and mercy? 6. How should Exodus 21:20 influence our treatment of others in positions of authority? 7. How does Exodus 21:20 align with the concept of a loving and just God? 8. Why does Exodus 21:20 permit punishment of slaves without immediate consequence? 9. How should modern Christians interpret the treatment of slaves in Exodus 21:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21? 11. In Exodus 21:20–21, why is beating a servant with impunity permitted if the servant survives a day or two? 12. Is it right to desire what others possess? 13. If the law in Exodus 20 represents a divine moral standard, how do we reconcile it with passages (like Exodus 21) that regulate slavery and allow seemingly oppressive practices? 14. Why does the Old Testament law forbid mixing fabrics and eating shellfish but allow slavery? Discussion Questions 1. How does the principle of the sanctity of life in Exodus 21:20 apply to modern-day issues of justice and human rights?2. In what ways can we ensure that we are treating those under our authority with dignity and respect, as outlined in this passage? 3. How does the accountability of the master in Exodus 21:20 reflect God's justice, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives? 4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate God's concern for the vulnerable in our communities today? 5. How do the teachings in Exodus 21:20 connect with the New Testament instructions for masters and servants, and what can we learn from these connections?1. What does the principle of releasing a Hebrew servant in the seventh year teach us about God's view of freedom? 2. How might the practice of a servant choosing to serve their master for life relate to our commitment to God? 3. How can we understand the seemingly harsh laws about treating servants in the context of the ancient Near East? 4. What insights can we gain about God's view of women from the laws concerning female servants? 5. What can the punishment for striking or cursing parents teach us about God's value of family relationships? 6. How does the "eye for an eye" principle balance justice with mercy? 7. What do the laws regarding accidental and premeditated murder teach us about intent in our actions? 8. How do the laws concerning property ownership and liability speak to our responsibility for our actions and possessions? 9. How can we apply the principle of compensation for injury or loss in our relationships today? 10. In what ways might the ordinances about treating servants challenge our understanding of fairness and justice? 11. Why do you think God included specific laws about damage caused by livestock? 12. What implications might the laws regarding pits and uncovered hazards have on our responsibility for public safety today? 13. How does the "ox for ox" compensation rule reflect fairness in dealing with property damage? 14. How might the laws regarding capital punishment for crimes like murder and kidnapping be understood in today's legal context? 15. What principles can we draw from these laws that might guide our conduct and interactions with others today? 16. How can the law regarding the striking of a pregnant woman and the subsequent premature birth inform our views on the sanctity of life? 17. How does the principle of the master's liability for the actions of his livestock translate into today's context of responsibility? 18. Why do you think God included such specific laws for societal living among the Israelites? 19. How can we reconcile the harsher laws in this chapter with our understanding of God's love and mercy? 20. How might the laws in this passage be relevant in shaping the ethics of a Christian today? Links Exodus 21:20 NIVExodus 21:20 NLT Exodus 21:20 ESV Exodus 21:20 NASB Exodus 21:20 KJV Exodus 21:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |



