In order to provide structure and stability for the nation of Israel, God gave them the Mosaic Law, which also taught them concerning proper worship of God and proper relationships with others. There are three parts that comprise the Law: The Ten Commandments (20:1-21), civil/religious ordinances (20:22-24:11), and ceremonial regulations (24:12-31:18). In Exodus 20:22-21:36 God gave some practical civil/religious laws such as 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). These laws were not given to restrict the Israelites, but to help them live in accordance with God’s ways which would bring blessing. In Exodus 22:1-31 God continues to expand on the details of the civil/religious laws and covers the following areas: laws regarding thieves (22:1-4), laws regarding damage to property (22:5-6), laws regarding safekeeping of property (22:7-13), laws regarding borrowing (22:14-15), laws regarding sexuality (22:16-17, 19), laws regarding idolatrous practices (22:18, 20), laws regarding treatment of the poor and needy (22:21-27), and laws regarding respect and reverence (22:28-31).
Laws regarding thieves (22:1-4). This law was an expansion of the eighth commandment. An individual caught stealing was required to repay more than he had stolen (22:1). Thieves who stole during the night were subject to the retaliation of the homeowner and if the thief was killed the owner would not be held responsible; however, if the thief was killed during the day, the owner would be guilty of murder (22:2-3). The difference between night and day thievery concerned the ability of the homeowner to see what was happening. Laws regarding damage to property (22:5-6). If a fire or animal destroyed another man’s field, the responsible individual was required to make restitution. Laws regarding safekeeping of property (22:7-13). In this culture, property or possessions were given to others for safekeeping and the loss of any entrusted items were to be restored double (22:7-9) or if it was an animal the one responsible would pay for the loss (22:10-13). Laws regarding borrowing (22:14-15). A borrower was responsible for an item borrowed. If anything happened to the item while in his possession, he was required to pay for the loss (22:14); however, if the owner was present when the item was damaged or lost, the borrower was not required to pay (22:15). Laws regarding sexuality (22:16-17, 19). Any unmarried male who sleeps with a virgin is required to compensate the father for her loss of value (22:16-17). This law also prohibited bestiality (22:19). Laws regarding idolatrous practices (22:18, 20). A woman who practiced sorcery (occultism) was to be put to death (22:18); furthermore, anyone who worshiped other gods would be put to death (22:20). Laws regarding treatment of the poor and needy (22:21-27). Foreigners (22:21), widows, (22:22) and orphans (22:22) were never to be mistreated and God would punish anyone who treated them wrongly (22:21-24). The poor were not to be charged interest and any down payment (such as a garment) made should be returned to him by evening (22:25-27). Laws regarding respect and reverence (22:28-31). The name of God nor a ruler was to be cursed (22:28). God should also be respected by dedicating the first fruits of crops, sons, and animals (22:29-30). Israel was to abstain from eating animals killed by another animal because God considered the meat to be unclean (22:31).
God desired the people of Israel to be holy and this holiness could be accomplished when their conduct was distinct from the pagan nations surrounding them. Obedience to these regulations and laws would help Israel become a “special treasure…a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:5-6).
Dear God, I desire to obey Your ways so help me to walk in them.
