SCRIPTURE: EXODUS 22
BIBLE VERSES:
“Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people. “Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats. “You must give me the firstborn of your sons. Do the same with your cattle and your sheep. Let them stay with their mothers for seven days, but give them to me on the eighth day. “You are to be my holy people. So do not eat the meat of an animal torn by wild beasts; throw it to the dogs. (Exodus 22:28-31)
PROTECTION OF PROPERTY (vs. 1-15)
If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells, it, he must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep. If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck and died, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed. But it it happens after sunrise, he is guilty of bloodshed. A thief must make restitution, but if he has nothing, he must be sold to pay for his theft. If the stolen animal is found alive in his possession – whether ox or donkey or sheep – he must pay back double. Instances of property damage caused by animals who ate in another man’s field or by uncontrolled fire or loss of property entrusted to others are dealt with in specific manner. Some needed the judge to help them decide.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES (vs. 16-31)
- A man who seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her must pay the bride price and she shall be his wife. If her father refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride-price .
- Do not allow sorceress to live
- Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal must be put to death.
- Whoever sacrifices to any other god other than the Lord must be destroyed.
- Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him.
- Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan
- If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not charge him interest.
- If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it to him by sunset.
- Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.
- Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats.
- You must give me the first born of your sons, cattle, and sheep.
- Do not eat the meat of an animal torn by wild beasts.
THOUGHTS:
Basic rules on property were given so that they could receive equal justice. People has to respect personal property and show restitution. The laws help to control people’s conduct and give order to the nation. The law protected people from excessive extortion, oppression and affliction. God cared for the widows, orphans and poor strangers. He also emphasized the responsibility of our offering to the Lord. We should reflect God’s concern for the poor by helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
The Israelites should be prompt in giving God their offerings. The first of the harvest was to be dedicated to him. Giving to God first out of what he has allowed us to have demonstrates that He is the priority of our lives.