32. Laws about animals and property (Ex 21:28-22:15)

From these laws, we can say that God cares for human lives over animal lives. And the penalty is proportional to the size of the guilt.

πŸ‘‰ Read Exodus 21:28-22:15

When an ox gored a man to die, in what case was its owner responsible for the death? (29)

 

If a thief is caught and struck to die, in what condition is the house owner guilty?

 

If an animal was stolen and found alive, the thief should pay back (             ), if the animal was killed or sold, the thief should pay back (           ) oxen for an ox, (               ) sheep for one sheep.

What was the method for unresolvable disputes? (11)

 

Answers and Meditation

The owner didn’t take precautions, knowing the habit of goring.

The owner didn’t care about the lives of his neighbors. It is not love. This is the reason for guilt.

 

In daylight

It is an overactive defense. Such violence comes from human rage, not from justice. God also cares for the sinner’s life.

 

Double, five, four

Theft is a violation of his conscience. Killing or selling stolen goods is another violation of his conscience. After selling it, he could not put things back. So, the penalty is heavier if the animal has been killed or sold.

Punishment is more correlated with the size of guilt in the thief’s conscience, more than the amount of the owner’s loss.

P.Sam's understanding of why ox-theft calls for heavier punishment than sheep-theft. Ox is bigger than sheep. The bigger animal, the bigger guilt and the heavier punishment. 


Make an oath before the Lord

God doesn’t want his people to keep doubting their neighbors, whom they need to love, or to waste their time trying to settle unresolvable disputes. Entrust unresolvable disputes to the Lord and move on, seeking His kingdom and His righteousness.

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