If the ox gores a manservant or maidservant, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that servant, and the ox must be stoned. If the ox goresThe phrase "if the ox gores" introduces a scenario of injury caused by an animal, specifically an ox, which was a common domestic animal in ancient agrarian societies. The Hebrew word for "gores" is "nagach," which implies a violent thrust or attack. This reflects the seriousness of the incident, as oxen were typically used for labor and not aggression. The law addresses the responsibility of the owner in controlling their animals, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the protection of human life. a male or female slave
The mention of "a male or female slave" highlights the social structure of ancient Israel, where slavery was a recognized institution. The Hebrew terms "eved" (male slave) and "amah" (female slave) denote individuals who were in servitude, often due to debt or poverty. This law acknowledges the value of slaves as human beings, deserving of protection and justice, even within their societal status. It reflects a moral and ethical concern for all individuals, regardless of their social standing. the owner must pay
The requirement that "the owner must pay" indicates a legal and financial responsibility for the actions of one's property, in this case, the ox. The Hebrew word "shalem" means to make restitution or compensation. This principle of restitution is foundational in biblical law, emphasizing that justice involves not only punishment but also restoration and compensation for loss or injury. thirty shekels of silver
The specified amount, "thirty shekels of silver," is significant both economically and symbolically. In ancient times, a shekel was a standard unit of weight and currency. The amount reflects the perceived value of a slave's life in that cultural context. Interestingly, this same amount is later mentioned in the New Testament as the price for which Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus (Matthew 26:15), adding a layer of prophetic symbolism and foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. to the master of the slave
The payment is directed "to the master of the slave," acknowledging the legal ownership and economic loss suffered by the master. This reflects the societal norms of the time, where slaves were considered property. However, the law also implicitly recognizes the humanity of the slave by mandating compensation, thus balancing the rights of the owner with the dignity of the individual. and the ox must be stoned
The command that "the ox must be stoned" serves as a form of capital punishment for the animal, ensuring that it cannot cause further harm. The Hebrew word "sakal" means to stone, a common method of execution in ancient Israel. This action serves as a deterrent and a means of public justice, reinforcing the seriousness of the offense and the community's role in upholding safety and order. Persons / Places / Events 1. OxA domesticated animal often used for labor in ancient agrarian societies. In this context, it represents property that can cause harm. 2. SlaveA person in servitude, often due to debt or as a result of war. In ancient Israel, slaves had certain rights and protections under the law. 3. OwnerThe person responsible for the ox. This individual is held accountable for the actions of their property. 4. Master of the SlaveThe person who holds authority over the slave and receives compensation for the loss or injury of the slave. 5. Thirty Shekels of SilverA specific amount of money that serves as compensation for the loss of a slave, reflecting the value placed on human life and labor. Teaching Points Value of Human LifeThe compensation of thirty shekels of silver underscores the intrinsic value of human life, even in a servitude context. It reminds us of the importance of valuing every individual as created in the image of God. Accountability and ResponsibilityThe owner of the ox is held accountable for the actions of their property, teaching us the importance of responsibility for our possessions and their impact on others. Justice and RestitutionThe law provides a system of justice and restitution, reflecting God's desire for fairness and the restoration of wrongs. This principle can guide us in seeking justice in our own lives. Symbolism of SilverThe use of silver as compensation can be seen as a foreshadowing of the price paid for Jesus' betrayal, inviting reflection on the cost of sin and redemption. Protection of the VulnerableThe law's provision for slaves highlights God's concern for the vulnerable and marginalized, encouraging us to advocate for and protect those who are powerless. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the requirement of thirty shekels of silver as compensation reflect the value placed on human life in ancient Israel, and how can this inform our view of human dignity today? 2. In what ways does the accountability of the ox owner for the animal's actions teach us about responsibility in our own lives? 3. How does the concept of justice and restitution in this passage relate to modern legal systems, and what biblical principles can we apply to our understanding of justice today? 4. Considering the parallel between the thirty shekels of silver in Exodus and the price of Judas' betrayal, what insights can we gain about the cost of sin and the value of redemption? 5. How can we apply the principle of protecting the vulnerable, as seen in this passage, to our interactions with marginalized individuals in our communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 9:5-6This passage discusses the sanctity of human life and the accountability for shedding human blood, emphasizing the value God places on life. Matthew 26:15Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, drawing a parallel to the value of a slave and highlighting themes of betrayal and worth. Leviticus 25:39-43These verses provide additional context on the treatment of slaves in Israel, emphasizing fair treatment and the recognition of their humanity. People MosesPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Bondman, Bondwoman, Bull, Caused, Death, Female, Gore, Gores, Handmaid, Maidservant, Maid-servant, Male, Manservant, Man-servant, Master, Owner, Ox, Pay, Push, Servant, Shekels, Silver, Slave, Stoned, Thirty, Woman-servantDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 21:32 4363 silver
7447 slavery, in OT Exodus 21:28-32 1680 types
6714 ransom Exodus 21:28-36 4615 bull Exodus 21:32-36 5264 compensation Library The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old TestamentThe Kinsman Redeemer
'After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him.'--LEV. xxv. 48. There are several of the institutions and precepts of the Mosaic legislation which, though not prophetic, nor typical, have yet remarkable correspondences with lofty Christian truth. They may be used as symbols, if only we remember that we are diverting them from their original purpose. How singularly these words lend themselves to the statement of the very central truths of Christianity--a slavery …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Non-Resistance
'Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.'--MATT. v. 38-42. The old law …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of the House of God; with Counsels and Directions to the Inhabitants Thereof.
BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. 'Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.'--Psalm 26:8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Beautiful in its simplicity is this treatise on the Church of Christ, by John Bunyan. He opens, with profound knowledge and eminent skill, all those portions of sacred writ which illustrate the nature, excellency, and government of the house of God, with the personal and relative duties of its inhabitants. It was originally published in …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king, …
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed by a Minority of Men from the Very Foundation of Christianity. Of the Book "What
CHAPTER I. THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE TO EVIL BY FORCE HAS BEEN PROFESSED BY A MINORITY OF MEN FROM THE VERY FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIANITY. Of the Book "What I Believe"--The Correspondence Evoked by it-- Letters from Quakers--Garrison's Declaration--Adin Ballou, his Works, his Catechism--Helchitsky's "Net of Faith"--The Attitude of the World to Works Elucidating Christ's Teaching--Dymond's Book "On War"--Musser's "Non-resistance Asserted"--Attitude of the Government in 1818 to Men who Refused to …
Leo Tolstoy—The Kingdom of God is within you The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic Teaching.
It was probably on one of those mountain-ranges, which stretch to the north of Capernaum, that Jesus had spent the night of lonely prayer, which preceded the designation of the twelve to the Apostolate. As the soft spring morning broke, He called up those who had learned to follow Him, and from among them chose the twelve, who were to be His Ambassadors and Representatives. [2500] [2501] But already the early light had guided the eager multitude which, from all parts, had come to the broad level …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes - Examination of their Distinctive Doctrines.
APART from the repulsively carnal form which it had taken, there is something absolutely sublime in the continuance and intensity of the Jewish expectation of the Messiah. It outlived not only the delay of long centuries, but the persecutions and scattering of the people; it continued under the disappointment of the Maccabees, the rule of a Herod, the administration of a corrupt and contemptible Priesthood, and, finally, the government of Rome as represented by a Pilate; nay, it grew in intensity …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments That Deep Things Ought not to be Preached at all to Weak Souls.
But the preacher should know how to avoid drawing the mind of his hearer beyond its strength, lest, so to speak, the string of the soul, when stretched more than it can bear, should be broken. For all deep things should be covered up before a multitude of hearers, and scarcely opened to a few. For hence the Truth in person says, Who, thinkest thou, is the faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord has appointed over his household, to give them their measure of wheat in due season? (Luke xii. 42). …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia.
Part I. History of the Councils. Reason why two Councils were called. Inconsistency and folly of calling any; and of the style of the Arian formularies; occasion of the Nicene Council; proceedings at Ariminum; Letter of the Council to Constantius; its decree. Proceedings at Seleucia; reflections on the conduct of the Arians. 1. Perhaps news has reached even yourselves concerning the Council, which is at this time the subject of general conversation; for letters both from the Emperor and the Prefects …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 21:32 NIVExodus 21:32 NLTExodus 21:32 ESVExodus 21:32 NASBExodus 21:32 KJV
Exodus 21:32 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
