1 Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them.
2 If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.
3 If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.
4 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.
5 And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:
6 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 awl; and he shall serve him for ever.
7 And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.
8 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.
9 And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.
10 If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.
11 And if he do not these three unto her, then shall she go out free without money.
12 He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.
13 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.
14 But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbor, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
15 And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.
16 And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.
17 And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.
18 And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed:
19 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.
20 And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.
21 Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.
22 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.
23 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
24 Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
25 Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
26 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.
27 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.
28 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.
29 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.
30 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.
31 Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.
32 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.
33 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;
34 The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his.
35 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.
36 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.
Chapter 21 of the book of Exodus in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible is a continuation of the laws and commandments given by God to Moses for the Israelites. It primarily focuses on the laws regarding slavery, violence, and restitution for various offenses. This chapter also introduces the concept of the cities of refuge, which were designated as safe havens for those who had committed unintentional manslaughter. The main themes of this chapter include justice, mercy, and the importance of following God's laws.
The first section of chapter 21 discusses the laws regarding slavery and servanthood. In ancient times, it was common for people to become slaves as a means of paying off debts or as a form of punishment. However, God sets out specific guidelines for how slaves should be treated and gives them certain rights. For instance, if a Hebrew slave serves for six years, they must be released in the seventh year without having to pay any compensation. If they choose to remain with their master, they must have their ear pierced as a sign of their permanent servitude.
Furthermore, the laws also state that if a slave is injured by their master, they must be set free and compensated for their injuries. This highlights the importance of treating all human beings with dignity and respect, regardless of their social status. God values the lives of all people and wants them to be treated fairly and justly.
The next section of the chapter deals with laws regarding violence and restitution. It states that if someone strikes or kills another person, they must be punished accordingly. However, if it is an unintentional act, the offender can flee to one of the designated cities of refuge for protection. This shows that God is a God of justice and mercy. While He requires punishment for wrongdoing, He also provides a way for those who have committed unintentional offenses to find safety and forgiveness.
The laws also outline the concept of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." This does not mean that people should seek revenge, but rather it emphasizes the principle of fair and equal restitution. The punishment should fit the crime, and it should not be excessive or unjust.
The remainder of the chapter contains various laws and commandments regarding personal injury, property damage, and other offenses. These laws emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and making restitution for any harm caused. It also highlights the value of human life and the importance of preserving it.
One of the most well-known laws in this chapter is the law of "an ox that gores." If an ox kills someone, the owner of the ox must be put to death. This may seem harsh, but it serves as a warning to those who are responsible for dangerous animals to take proper precautions to prevent harm to others. It also shows that God values human life above material possessions.
Chapter 21 of Exodus emphasizes the importance of justice and mercy in God's laws. While He requires punishment for wrongdoing, He also provides a way for those who have committed unintentional offenses to find safety and forgiveness. It also highlights the value of human life and the importance of treating all people with dignity and respect.
Furthermore, this chapter shows that God is a God of order and fairness. He sets out specific guidelines for how to handle various offenses and expects His people to follow them. This reflects His nature of being a just and righteous God who desires for His people to live in harmony and peace.
Moreover, this chapter also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the laws and provide a way for forgiveness and redemption for all people. Just as the cities of refuge provided a place of safety and forgiveness for those who had committed unintentional offenses, Jesus provides a way for us to be reconciled to God and find forgiveness for our sins.
In conclusion, chapter 21 of the book of Exodus highlights the importance of justice, mercy, and following God's laws. It serves as a reminder for us to treat all people with dignity and respect, and to take responsibility for our actions. It also points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the laws and provided a way for us to be reconciled to God.
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