◄ Exodus 21 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary Personal Injury Laws These ordinances, while contextual to the time, reflect God's unwavering desire for justice, respect for human dignity, and responsibility in society. They serve as an ancient reminder that every individual, regardless of their social standing, is worthy of respect and fair treatment. Ordinances on Servitude (Verses 1-11) The treatment of Hebrew servants and women servants are outlined, including rules for release and obligations of the masters. Capital Punishment and Crimes against Parents (Verses 12-17) God declares that anyone who kills another or strikes or curses their parents must be put to death. Compensation for Injuries (Verses 18-27) The law stipulates compensation for injuries, following the "eye for an eye" principle, and stresses the rights of servants. Responsibility for Property and Life (Verses 28-36) This section lays out the rules concerning liability for injuries or death caused by one's livestock or property, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for one's possessions. This chapter presents a series of ordinances laid down by God to guide social interactions and justice in Israelite society. The laws delve into issues of servitude, respect for parents, protection of life and property, and fair compensation for injury or loss, asserting that justice and accountability are integral to maintaining social order. Teaching Points The Value of Human Life Exodus 21:12-14 emphasizes the sanctity of life, prescribing severe consequences for murder while distinguishing between intentional and unintentional acts. Justice and Restitution Verses 18-19 and 22-25 outline principles of restitution, highlighting the importance of making amends and restoring what has been lost or damaged. Protection for Servants The chapter begins with laws regarding Hebrew servants (Exodus 21:1-11), underscoring the need for fair treatment and the protection of vulnerable individuals. Equality Before the Law The eye for an eye principle (Exodus 21:23-25) underscores the idea of proportional justice, ensuring that punishment fits the crime without excess. Responsibility and Accountability Verses 28-36 address the responsibility of individuals for their property and actions, emphasizing accountability in community life. Practical Applications Value Human Life In our daily interactions, we should uphold the sanctity of life, treating others with respect and dignity. Seek Justice and Reconciliation When wronged or when we wrong others, we should strive for reconciliation and restitution, reflecting God's justice. Protect the Vulnerable Advocate for fair treatment of those who are marginalized or in positions of servitude, ensuring their rights and dignity are upheld. Practice Fairness In our judgments and decisions, aim for fairness and proportionality, avoiding excessive or unjust responses. Be Responsible Take responsibility for our actions and their impact on others, being mindful of how we manage our resources and relationships. People 1. Hebrew Servant A male Hebrew servant is mentioned in Exodus 21:2-6. He is to serve for six years and be released in the seventh year without payment. If he enters service single, he leaves single; if married, his wife leaves with him. If he chooses to stay with his master, he undergoes a ritual to become a servant for life. 2. Master The master is the person who owns the Hebrew servant. The master is responsible for the servant's well-being and must release him in the seventh year (Exodus 21:2-6). 3. Wife and Children of the Servant If a servant is given a wife by his master and she bears children, the wife and children remain the master's property if the servant chooses to leave after six years (Exodus 21:4). 4. Female Servant A female servant is mentioned in Exodus 21:7-11. She is not to be released as male servants are. If she does not please her master, she must be redeemed, and not sold to foreigners. If betrothed to the master's son, she is to be treated as a daughter. 5. Owner of an Ox The owner of an ox is mentioned in the context of an ox that gores a person to death. The owner is held responsible if the ox was known to be dangerous and not confined (Exodus 21:28-32). 6. Victim of an Ox The person who is gored by an ox, resulting in death, is mentioned in Exodus 21:28-32. The law provides for the ox to be stoned and the owner to be punished if negligence is proven. 7. Father of a Daughter In Exodus 21:7-11, the father of a daughter who is sold as a servant is implied. The laws ensure her protection and rights within her master's household. 8. Man Who Strikes Another A man who strikes another person, leading to injury or death, is mentioned in Exodus 21:12-27. Various laws dictate the consequences based on the severity and intent of the act. 9. Pregnant Woman A pregnant woman is mentioned in Exodus 21:22-25 in the context of men fighting and causing her to give birth prematurely. The law prescribes compensation if there is no serious injury, but life-for-life if there is harm. 10. Slave A slave is mentioned in Exodus 21:20-21, where the law addresses the punishment of a master who beats a slave to death. The slave is considered property, but the master is punished if the slave dies immediately. Places Exodus 21 in the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention any geographical places. This chapter primarily deals with laws and ordinances given to the Israelites, focusing on topics such as the treatment of servants, personal injury laws, and property rights. Since there are no specific locations mentioned in this chapter, a numbered list of places cannot be provided. If you have any other questions or need further information on a different topic, feel free to ask! Events 1. Laws Regarding Hebrew Servants (Exodus 21:1-6) Hebrew servants are to serve for six years and be released in the seventh year without payment. If a servant enters alone, he leaves alone; if married, his wife leaves with him. If the master gives him a wife and she bears children, the wife and children remain with the master. If the servant declares love for his master and family and wishes to stay, he is to be brought before God, and his ear is pierced as a sign of lifelong servitude. 2. Rights of Female Servants (Exodus 21:7-11) A man selling his daughter as a servant does not allow her to go free as male servants do. If she does not please her master, he must allow her to be redeemed. If betrothed to his son, she is to be treated as a daughter. If he marries another, he must not deprive her of food, clothing, or marital rights. Failure to do so allows her to go free. 3. Laws on Personal Injury (Exodus 21:12-27) Various laws concerning personal injury are outlined, including the death penalty for murder, cities of refuge for accidental killings, and penalties for striking or cursing parents. The principle of "life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth" is established for injuries. 4. Laws on Animal Control and Responsibility (Exodus 21:28-36) If an ox gores a person to death, the ox is to be stoned, and its meat not eaten. If the ox was known to gore and the owner did not restrain it, the owner is also to be put to death or pay a ransom. If an ox gores a slave, the owner pays thirty shekels of silver to the master. Laws also cover compensation for animals falling into uncovered pits and for oxen injuring each other. Connections to Additional Scriptures Matthew 5:38-42 Jesus' teaching on turning the other cheek offers a deeper understanding of justice and mercy beyond the eye for an eye principle. Micah 6:8 This verse encapsulates the call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, reflecting the heart of the laws in Exodus 21. James 2:8-13 The call to love our neighbor as ourselves and the warning against favoritism align with the principles of justice and equality found in Exodus 21. Prayer Points Pray for wisdom to understand and apply God's principles of justice in our lives. Ask for a heart that values and respects all human life, reflecting God's love and compassion. Seek God's guidance in advocating for the vulnerable and marginalized in our communities. Pray for the strength to take responsibility for our actions and to seek reconciliation where needed. Ask for the Holy Spirit's help in practicing fairness and mercy in all our dealings. As we reflect on Exodus 21, may we be inspired to live out these timeless principles in our daily lives, honoring God and serving others with justice and love. Bible Study Questions 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? Topics 1. Laws Regarding Hebrew Servants (Exodus 21:1-11) This section outlines the regulations for Hebrew servants, including the duration of service (six years), the conditions for release, and provisions for female servants. The Hebrew term "עֶבֶד" (eved) is used for servant, indicating a form of servitude that is distinct from modern conceptions of slavery. 2. Laws Concerning Personal Injury (Exodus 21:12-27) These verses provide guidelines for dealing with cases of personal injury, including murder, manslaughter, and bodily harm. The principle of "life for life, eye for eye" (Exodus 21:23-24) is introduced, emphasizing justice and proportional retribution. 3. Laws About Animal Control and Liability (Exodus 21:28-36) This section addresses the responsibility of animal owners, particularly in cases where an ox gores a person. The laws specify the consequences for the owner if the animal was known to be dangerous, highlighting the importance of accountability and prevention of harm. Themes 1. Laws Concerning Hebrew Servants This section outlines the treatment and rights of Hebrew servants. It emphasizes fair treatment and the eventual release of servants. ^“If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year he shall go free, without paying anything.”^ (Exodus 21:2) The Hebrew word for servant, עֶבֶד ('eved), can also mean slave or bondservant, indicating a form of servitude that was regulated by law. 2. Regulations for Female Servants Specific protections and rights are given for female servants, highlighting the importance of their dignity and welfare. ^“If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do.”^ (Exodus 21:7) The text provides conditions under which a female servant could be redeemed or married, ensuring her protection. 3. Capital Punishment and Crimes The chapter details various offenses that warrant the death penalty, reflecting the seriousness of certain crimes. ^“Whoever strikes a man so that he dies must surely be put to death.”^ (Exodus 21:12) The Hebrew root נָכָה (nakah) for "strikes" implies a deliberate act of violence leading to death. 4. Personal Injury Laws These laws address compensation and justice for personal injuries, emphasizing restitution and fairness. ^“If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband demands and as the court allows.”^ (Exodus 21:22) The principle of lex talionis, or "an eye for an eye," is introduced here, underscoring proportional justice. 5. Animal Control and Liability Regulations concerning the responsibility of animal owners for the actions of their animals are provided. ^“If an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox must surely be stoned, and its meat may not be eaten. But the owner of the ox will not be held responsible.”^ (Exodus 21:28) The laws ensure accountability and prevent negligence, with the Hebrew word שׁוֹר (shor) for "ox" representing domesticated animals in general. 6. Property Damage and Restitution The chapter includes laws about property damage and the necessary restitution, promoting justice and responsibility. ^“If a man opens or digs a pit and fails to cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it, the owner of the pit shall make restitution.”^ (Exodus 21:33-34) The emphasis is on making amends for negligence, with the Hebrew word בּוֹר (bor) for "pit" indicating a hazard that must be managed. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions