Introduction
Exodus 21 is part of the Book of Exodus, which documents the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to their covenantal relationship with God. This chapter specifically belongs to the section known as the Covenant Code (Exodus 20:22–23:33), which expands upon the Ten Commandments by providing detailed civil, moral, and religious laws.
The laws in Exodus 21 regulate social justice, personal injury, and ethical treatment of others, reflecting divine justice in Israelite society. The principles behind these laws remain relevant today, teaching values such as fairness, responsibility, and human dignity.
1. Laws Concerning Hebrew Servants (Exodus 21:1-11)
The chapter begins with regulations concerning Hebrew servants, demonstrating God's concern for social justice.
Verse 2: A Hebrew servant was to serve for six years but be freed in the seventh year without debt. This law prevented perpetual servitude and ensured economic balance.
Verses 3-4: If a man was single when he became a servant, he left alone; if he had a wife, she left with him. If his master gave him a wife, she and any children remained with the master.
Verses 5-6: If a servant loved his master and family, he could voluntarily commit to lifelong service, symbolized by having his ear pierced.
Verses 7-11: Special provisions protected female servants, ensuring they were not mistreated, sold unfairly, or denied basic rights.
Theological Insights: This section emphasizes dignity, justice, and protection for the vulnerable. Unlike slavery in many historical contexts, Hebrew servitude had limits and ethical considerations.
2. Laws Concerning Personal Injury (Exodus 21:12-27)
These laws regulate cases of homicide, assault, and personal harm:
Verses 12-14: Premeditated murder was punishable by death, but unintentional manslaughter allowed for refuge (foreshadowing the cities of refuge in Numbers 35).
Verse 15: Striking a parent was a capital offense, showing the severity of dishonoring one's family.
Verse 16: Kidnapping was punishable by death, reinforcing the dignity of individuals.
Verse 17: Cursing parents was considered a grievous offense, meriting severe punishment.
Verses 18-19: If two men fought and one was injured but recovered, the offender had to compensate for lost time and medical expenses.
Verses 20-21: If a servant died due to severe beating, the master faced consequences. If the servant survived a day or two, it was presumed the master had not intended murder.
Verses 22-25: If a pregnant woman was harmed during a fight and she miscarried, compensation was required. The famous “eye for an eye” (lex talionis) principle ensured justice but prevented excessive revenge.
Verses 26-27: Masters who permanently injured their servants had to grant them freedom.
Theological Insights: These laws established justice, proportionality, and human dignity. The principle of lex talionis ensured that punishment matched the crime, preventing personal vengeance.
3. Laws Concerning Property and Animals (Exodus 21:28-36)
Verses 28-30: If an ox gored a person to death, it was to be killed. If the owner had prior knowledge of the ox’s aggression but failed to act, he was held responsible.
Verses 31-32: The same rules applied whether the victim was a child, adult, or servant. The compensation for a servant’s death was thirty shekels of silver (ironically, the price later paid to betray Jesus in Matthew 26:15).
Verses 33-34: If a person dug a pit and left it uncovered, causing an animal to fall in, the owner of the pit had to compensate the animal's owner.
Verses 35-36: If one person’s ox injured another’s, the two parties shared losses. If an ox was known to be aggressive, the negligent owner bore full responsibility.
Theological Insights: These laws emphasize personal accountability and restitution. The well-being of both humans and animals was considered in God's justice system.
Conclusion and Modern Application
Exodus 21 illustrates God’s concern for justice, human dignity, and personal responsibility. Though given to ancient Israel, these principles remain valuable today. They teach that laws should be just, proportionate, and protective of the vulnerable. Jesus later summarized such laws in principles of love and justice (Matthew 22:37-40).
By studying Exodus 21, we learn that true justice is not merely punitive but also redemptive, aiming to protect and restore society. Understanding these laws can inspire us to pursue justice in our personal and communal lives.
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