1 If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
2 If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
3 If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
4 If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
5 If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man's field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution.
6 If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.
7 If a man shall deliver unto his neighbor money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man's house; if the thief be found, let him pay double.
8 If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbor's goods.
9 For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbor.
10 If a man deliver unto his neighbor an ass, or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing it:
11 Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbor's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.
12 And if it be stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof.
13 If it be torn in pieces, then let him bring it for witness, and he shall not make good that which was torn.
14 And if a man borrow ought of his neighbor, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.
15 But if the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make it good: if it be an hired thing, it came for his hire.
16 And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.
17 If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.
18 Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.
19 Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death.
20 He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.
21 Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
24 And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
26 If thou at all take thy neighbor's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:
27 For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.
28 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
29 Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.
30 Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, and with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me.
31 And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.
Chapter 22 of the book of Exodus in the KJV Holy Bible continues the narrative of the laws and regulations given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. This chapter primarily focuses on the laws and principles of justice and fairness in various aspects of life, including property rights, social responsibility, and the treatment of strangers. The main themes of this chapter include the importance of treating others with kindness and fairness, the consequences of breaking God's laws, and the concept of restitution and making amends for wrongdoings. Through these laws, God not only sets guidelines for the Israelites but also reveals His character and expectations for His people.
The first section of chapter 22 addresses the treatment of others, particularly those who are vulnerable and marginalized in society. Verse 21 begins with the commandment, "Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." This verse sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, emphasizing the importance of showing kindness and compassion to those who are different or in need. The Israelites are reminded that they were once strangers in a foreign land and should, therefore, treat others with empathy and understanding.
The following verses expand on this principle by addressing specific situations where kindness and fairness are required. For example, verse 22 states, "Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child." This verse emphasizes the vulnerability of widows and orphans in society and the responsibility of the Israelites to protect and care for them. Similarly, verse 25 commands the Israelites not to charge interest on loans to their fellow Israelites, as this would only add to their financial burden. These laws reveal God's heart for the vulnerable and marginalized and His desire for His people to show compassion and generosity towards them.
Throughout chapter 22, God gives specific instructions for various situations and the consequences of breaking His laws. The severity of the consequences reveals the seriousness of disobeying God's commandments. For example, verse 18 states, "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." This verse, along with others in the Old Testament, has been a source of controversy and debate. However, the underlying principle is that God does not tolerate the practice of witchcraft, which goes against His holiness and authority.
Furthermore, verses 26-27 outline the consequences for those who mistreat their animals. This may seem insignificant, but it reveals God's concern for all His creation and the responsibility of humans to care for and treat animals with kindness and respect. These consequences also serve as a reminder that God sees and holds people accountable for their actions, even towards animals.
Overall, the consequences outlined in this chapter emphasize the importance of obedience to God's laws and the severity of sin. They also serve as a warning to the Israelites and future generations that breaking God's laws will result in punishment and separation from Him.
The final section of chapter 22 focuses on the concept of restitution and making amends for wrongdoings. Verses 1-15 outline specific situations where restitution is required, such as stealing, damaging property, or borrowing without permission. In these cases, the guilty party is expected to make amends by repaying what they have taken or damaged, often with an added penalty. This emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and making things right with those who have been wronged.
Verse 15 also introduces the concept of atonement, which involves offering a sacrifice to God to make amends for sin. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would later die on the cross to atone for the sins of humanity. This concept of atonement and restitution highlights God's desire for His people to reconcile with Him and with one another.
Chapter 22 of Exodus reveals God's heart for justice, fairness, and compassion. Through these laws, God sets guidelines for how His people should treat one another and shows His character as a just and merciful God. These laws also serve as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience to God's commandments.
Furthermore, this chapter foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the concept of atonement, which is central to the Christian faith. It also emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and making amends for wrongdoings, both with God and with others.
Overall, chapter 22 of Exodus serves as a reminder of God's expectations for His people and the importance of living in accordance with His laws. It also reveals His character and His desire for His people to reflect His love and justice in their actions and interactions with others.
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