June 7, 2017
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Reading along with us in Exodus? Here’s today’s reading:
Exodus 22 (ESV)
“If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. 2 If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, 3 but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. 4 If the stolen beast is found alive in his possession, whether it is an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.
5 “If a man causes a field or vineyard to be grazed over, or lets his beast loose and it feeds in another man’s field, he shall make restitution from the best in his own field and in his own vineyard.
6 “If fire breaks out and catches in thorns so that the stacked grain or the standing grain or the field is consumed, he who started the fire shall make full restitution.
7 “If a man gives to his neighbor money or goods to keep safe, and it is stolen from the man’s house, then, if the thief is found, he shall pay double. 8 If the thief is not found, the owner of the house shall come near to God to show whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor’s property. 9 For every breach of trust, whether it is for an ox, for a donkey, for a sheep, for a cloak, or for any kind of lost thing, of which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come before God. The one whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor… Continue Reading
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Today I am re-reading Hebrews 10. Noticing the word “heart” repeated: vs. 16 “I I will put my laws on their hearts and write them on their minds.” vs. 22 “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from and evil conscience…”
What an expression of care this chapter is for His people. When you think of all the situations that could arise from a large group of people living together and what decisions should be made when conflict arise, isn’t it nice to know God didn’t say “figure it our on your own”. He provides these standards to provide objectivity in an area where subjectivity could reign, He provides proper balance where extremes of mercy or judgement could prevail. What a wise God to recognize this was necessary.
And don’t miss what this says about private property and God’s protection of that. It would be an interesting conversation to have why this is part of God’s economy, ie how He does things. So let’s talk about this,,,,
I was really struck by v22-24, don’t mess with the widow and orphan. God is their protector. Also great protection here to make sure the strong don’t take advantage of the weak. What a radical concept and the exact opposite of the way societies particularly in that day functioned. And a primary reason we even have this just and merciful thinking in us, is because of standards like this throughout the word.
Restitution rules are so helpful to keep a fairness to life together. Interesting to see the wording of the death pronouncements in this passage. Sorceress and beastiality have death pronounced over them, but God says I will put to the sword those who abuse widows and orphans. It is comforting to see how passionate and compassionate He is.