Exodus 21 outlines a set of laws given to the Israelites, detailing how they should live and govern themselves. The chapter focuses primarily on civil law, addressing issues of slavery, personal injury, and property damage. 📜
Laws Concerning Slaves
The first part of the chapter, verses 1-11, deals with the treatment of Hebrew slaves. It establishes a seven-year limit on their servitude. A Hebrew man who sells himself into slavery must be freed in the seventh year. If he enters slavery unmarried, he leaves unmarried. However, if his master gives him a wife and they have children, the wife and children remain with the master when he is freed. The servant has the choice to stay with his family and become his master’s permanent slave, signified by a public ceremony where his ear is pierced with an awl against a doorpost. 👂
A different set of rules applies to a Hebrew woman sold into servitude by her father. She isn't freed after six years like a male slave. Instead, she is expected to either be a wife to her master or his son. If she doesn't please her master, she must be redeemed. If she is given to his son, she should be treated like a daughter. If the master takes another wife, he must not diminish her food, clothing, or marital rights. If he fails to provide these, she is to be freed without cost. This section highlights a level of protection for female slaves not seen for males, as they are not simply treated as property.
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Laws Concerning Violence and Personal Injury
Verses 12-32 cover various laws concerning personal injury and violence. The principle of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" is introduced here (lex talionis). This principle seeks to ensure that punishment fits the crime, preventing excessive retribution.
* Murder: A person who intentionally kills another must be put to death. However, if the killing is unintentional, the killer can flee to a designated place of refuge.
* Assault: A person who strikes his father or mother is to be put to death. Kidnapping is also punishable by death. Striking another person in a fight, causing injury, requires the assailant to pay for the victim’s loss of work and medical expenses.
* Slave Injury: If a master strikes his slave and the slave dies immediately, the master must be punished. If the slave survives for a day or two, the master is not punished because the slave is considered his property. This law is controversial, showing a clear distinction between the value of a slave's life and a freeman's. However, if a master strikes out a slave’s eye or tooth, the slave must be set free in compensation.
Laws Concerning Property and Animals
The final section, verses 28-36, deals with property damage and liability, particularly involving animals.
* Goring Ox: If an ox gores a person to death, the ox must be stoned, and its meat must not be eaten. If the owner knew the ox was dangerous and did nothing, he is also to be put to death, or pay a ransom if it's offered. If the ox gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox must be stoned.
* Open Pits: A person who digs a pit and fails to cover it is responsible if an ox or donkey falls into it. They must pay the owner and keep the dead animal.
* Animal Damage: If one person’s ox injures another’s, the live ox is sold, and the money is divided between the owners, with the dead ox also being divided. If the owner knew their ox was dangerous, they must replace the dead ox.
These laws provided a framework for a just and orderly society, showing how the Israelites were to handle disputes and maintain social harmony as a fledgling nation.
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