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Exodus 22

Life Application Study BibleExodusChapter 22

Exodus 22

New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 131, 132

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22Exodus 22

1“A thief who is caught must pay in full for everything he stole. If he cannot pay, he must be sold as a slave to pay for his theft. 4If someone steals an ox or a donkey or a sheep and it is found in the thief’s possession, then the thief must pay double the value of the stolen animal. 5“If an animal is grazing in a field or vineyard and the owner lets it stray into someone else's field to graze, then the animal's owner must pay compensation from the best of his own grain or grapes. 6“If you are burning thornbushes and the fire gets out of control and spreads into another person’s field, destroying the sheaves or the uncut grain or the whole crop, the one who started the fire must pay for the lost crop. 7Suppose someone leaves money or goods with a neighbor for safekeeping, and they are stolen from the neighbor's house. If the thief is caught, the compensation is double the value of what was stolen. 9But if the thief is not caught, the neighbor must appear before God,* who will determine if he stole the property. “Suppose there is a dispute between two people who both claim to own a particular ox, donkey, sheep, article of clothing, or any lost property. Both parties must come before God, and the person whom God declares* guilty must pay double compensation to the other. 10“Now suppose someone leaves a donkey, ox, sheep, or any other animal with a neighbor for safekeeping, but it dies or is injured or gets away, and no one sees what happened. 11The neighbor must then take an oath in the presence of the LORD. If the LORD confirms that the neighbor did not steal the property, the owner must accept the verdict, and no payment will be required. 12But if the animal was indeed stolen, the guilty person must pay compensation to the owner. 13If it was torn to pieces by a wild animal, the remains of the carcass must be shown as evidence, and no compensation will be required. 14“If someone borrows an animal from a neighbor and it is injured or dies when the owner is absent, the person who borrowed it must pay full compensation. 15But if the owner was present, no compensation is required. And no compensation is required if the animal was rented, for this loss is covered by the rental fee.

Social Responsibility

1616“If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged to anyone and has sex with her, he must pay the customary bride price and marry her. '’But if her father refuses to let him marry her, the man must still pay him an amount equal to the bride price of a virgin. 18“You must not allow a sorceress to live. 19“Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal must certainly be put to death. 20" Anyone who sacrifices to any god other than the LORD must be destroyed.* 21”You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. 22"You must not exploit a widow or an orphan. 23If you exploit them in any way and they cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry. 24My anger will blaze against you, and I will kill you with the sword. Then your wives will be widows and your children fatherless. 25“If you lend money to any of my people who are in need, do not charge interest as a money lender would. 26If you take your neighbor's cloak as security for a loan, you must return it before sunset. 2”This coat may be the only blanket your neighbor has. How can a person sleep without it? If you do not return it and your neighbor cries out to me for help, ee OTe then I will hear, for 1am merciful. Acts 23:5 28”You must not dishonor God or curse any of your rulers. 22:29 26"You must not hold anything back when you give me offerings from your crops and Exod Oe your wine. Deut 26:2 “You must give me your firstborn sons. eT Ae 30“You must also give me the firstborn of your cattle, sheep, and goats. But leave the new- Lev 12:3; 22:27 born animal with its mother for seven days; then give it to me on the eighth day. 22:31 19:6 31You must be my holy people. Therefore, do not eat any animal that has been torn Up Ley 7:24; 17:15; and killed by wild animals. Throw it to the dogs. 22:8

Textual footnotes

  1. Hebrew term used here refers to the complete consecration of things or people to the LORD, either by destroying
  2. them or by giving them as an offering.
  3. 22:1b Or bull, or cow; also in 22:4, 9, 10.
  4. 22:2 Verses 22:2-31 are numbered 22:1-30 in Hebrew text.
  5. 22:8 Or before the judges.
  6. 22:9 Or before the judges, and the person whom the judges declare. 22:20 The
  7. 22:29 The Israelites were to be prompt in giving God their offer-

Life Application Notes 4 notes

22:18Why did God’s laws speak so strongly against sorcery (Leviticus 19:31; 20:6, 27; Deuteronomy 18:10-12)? Sorcery was punishable by death because it was a crime against God himself. To invoke evil powers violated the first commandment to not worship any other god. Sorcery was rebellion against God and his authority, in essence, it was teaming up with Satan instead of with God.

22:21God warned the Israelites not to treat foreigners unfairly because they themselves were once foreigners in Egypt. It is not easy coming into a new environment where you feel alone and Out of place. Are there foreigners in your corner of the world? refugees? new arrivals at school? immigrants from another country? Be sensitive to their struggles, and express God's love by your kindness and generosity.

22:22-27The Hebrew law code is noted for its fairness and social responsibility toward the poor. God insisted that the poor and powerless be well treated and given the chance to restore their fortunes. We should reflect God’s concern for the poor by giving and by helping those less fortunate than ourselves.

22:26Why did the law insist on returning a person's cloak before sunset? The cloak was one of an Israelite’s most valuable possessions. Making clothing was difficult and time-consuming. As a result, cloaks were expensive, and most people owned only one. The cloak was used as a blanket, a sack to carry things in, a place to sit, a pledge for a debt, and, of course, clothing.

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