God had miraculously delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 12:29-51) and promised to bring them into the land of Canaan; however, their initial exodus from Egypt tested their faith in God and they failed miserably (Exodus 16-17). Although God was disappointed in their lack of trust in Him, He gently tried to strengthen their confidence in Him by protecting and providing for them on their journey. Three months after leaving Egypt Israel encamped at Mount Sinai and God commanded Moses to prepare the people for an encounter with Him (Exodus 19). God’s words to the people established what is known as the Mosaic Law and can divided into three parts: the Ten Commandments/Decalogue (20:1-21), civil/religious ordinances (20:22-24:11), and ceremonial regulations (24:12-31:18). The first part of the Law, the Ten Commandments, are direct commands given by God to the people. Keeping these commands would result in true worship of God and meaningful relationships with others.
In the second part of the Law God established the civil and religious ordinances (Exodus 20:22-24:11). It is often referred to as the Book of Covenants and these words expand on the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 24:7). Here are the Laws described in Exodus 20:22-21:36: laws regarding worship (20:22-26), laws regarding the treatment of servants (21:1-11), laws regarding capital punishment (21:12-17), laws regarding violence (21:18-27), and laws regarding animal control (21:28-36).
The laws regarding worship (20:22-26). Referencing the first and second commandments (20:2-6), God commanded Israel not to make any idols (including silver and gold images) to dwell with Him (20:23). Although an altar would be used in worshiping God, He commanded that a stone or earthen altar not be adorned or shaped to represent anything else (20:24-25). The altar used in worship was also prohibited from using steps so that the priests would not be exposed in any way (20:26). The laws regarding the treatment of servants (21:1-11). Servants were to be released after serving their master for six years (21:1-2) and the slave was permitted to choose if he wanted to stay or go (21:11). The laws regarding capital punishment (21:12-17). Punishment by death was prescribed when a person committed premeditated murder (21:12, 14), exhibited physical violence toward parents (21:15), kidnapped (21:16), or verbally abused his parents (21:17). If a person accidentally killed another person, they would not be put to death but sent away to a city of refuge (21:13). The laws regarding violence (21:18-27). An injured person involved in a physical fight should be compensated accordingly by the one who caused the injury (21:18-19). Slaves were not to be treated with cruelty and any master who caused the death of a slave would be punished; however, he would probably not be punished by death since slaves were considered property (21:20-21). If a physical fight between two men caused a nearby woman to have a premature birth, compensation was required even if no injury took place and the punishment was to fit the crime (21:22-25). A master who injured a servant causing permanent damage was commanded to let that servant go free (21:26-27). The laws regarding animal control (21:28-36). Since many of the Israelites owned animals, God set up laws to protect and compensate those whose animals caused death or injury through negligence.
All of these laws were not given to restrict the Israelites, but to provide a foundation for true worship of God and maintaining proper relationships with others. These laws would provide guidelines for this young nation and separate them from many of the pagan people surrounding them.
Dear God, thank You for establishing boundaries to keep Your people in a right relationship with You and others.
