Exodus, Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Verses 1-30: Laws on Property and Moral Conduct

1. “If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed;
2. but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed. “Anyone who steals must certainly make restitution, but if they have nothing, they must be sold to pay for their theft.
3. If the stolen animal is found alive in their possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—they must pay back double.
4. “If anyone grazes their livestock in a field or vineyard and lets them stray and they graze in someone else’s field, the offender must make restitution from the best of their own field or vineyard.
5. “If a fire breaks out and spreads into thornbushes so that it burns shocks of grain or standing grain or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make restitution.
6. “If anyone gives a neighbor silver or goods for safekeeping and they are stolen from the neighbor’s house, the thief, if caught, must pay back double.
7. If the thief is not caught, the owner of the house must appear before the judges to determine whether they have laid hands on the other’s property.
8. “In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any other lost property about which someone says, ‘This is mine,’ both parties are to bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges declare guilty must pay back double to the other.
9. “If anyone gives a donkey, an ox, a sheep or any other animal to their neighbor for safekeeping and it dies or is injured or is taken away while no one is looking,
10. an oath before the LORD must be made by the two of them that the owner did not lay hands on the other person’s property. The owner is to accept this, and no restitution is required.
11. But if the animal was stolen from the neighbor, restitution must be made to the owner.
12. If it was torn to pieces by a wild animal, the neighbor shall bring in the remains as evidence, and they will not be required to pay for the torn animal.
13. “If anyone borrows an animal from their neighbor and it is injured or dies while the owner is not present, they must make restitution.
14. But if the owner is with the animal, the borrower does not have to make restitution; if it was hired, the loss is covered by the hiring fee.
15. “If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife.
16. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride-price for virgins.
17. “Do not allow a sorceress to live.
18. “Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal must be put to death.
19. “Whoever sacrifices to any god other than the LORD must be destroyed.
20. “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
21. “Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless.
22. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry.
23. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.
24. “If you lend money to my people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to them; you must not charge them interest.
25. “If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset,
26. because that cloak is the only covering your neighbor has. What else can they sleep in? When they cry out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.
27. “Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.
28. “Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats. “You must give me the firstborn of your sons.
29. Do the same with your cattle and your sheep. Let them stay with their mothers for seven days, but give them to me on the eighth day.
30. “You are to be my holy people. So do not eat the meat of an animal torn by wild beasts; throw it to the dogs.

Interpretation: Exodus 22 further elaborates on the societal laws aimed at fostering a community of justice, responsibility, and compassion. These laws cover a wide range of situations, from theft and property damage to moral and social obligations towards the vulnerable and the poor. The emphasis on restitution and fair compensation reflects a commitment to rectifying wrongs and maintaining social harmony. Prohibitions against sorcery, idolatry, and mistreatment of foreigners, widows, and orphans underscore the moral and spiritual values that are to characterize the community. The commands regarding lending and pledges highlight the importance of empathy and the welfare of the needy, reinforcing the covenant’s ethical dimensions. Through these laws, God establishes a framework for living that balances justice with mercy, reflecting His character and the values of the kingdom of God.