1 If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
2 If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, [there shall] no blood [be shed] for him.
3 If the sun be risen upon him, [there shall be] blood [shed] for him; [for] he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
4 If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
5 If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man’s field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution.
6 If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed [therewith]; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.
7 If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man’s house; if the thief be found, let him pay double.
8 If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, [to see] whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods.
9 For all manner of trespass, [whether it be] for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, [or] for any manner of lost thing, which [another] challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; [and] whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
10 If a man deliver unto his neighbour an ass, or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing [it]:
11 [Then] shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods; and the owner of it shall accept [thereof], and he shall not make [it] good.
12 And if it be stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof.
13 If it be torn in pieces, [then] let him bring it [for] witness, [and] he shall not make good that which was torn.
14 And if a man borrow [ought] of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof [being] not with it, he shall surely make [it] good.
15 [But] if the owner thereof [be] with it, he shall not make [it] good: if it [be] an hired [thing], it came for his hire.
16 And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.
17 If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.
18 Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.
19 Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death.
20 He that sacrificeth unto [any] god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.
21 Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
24 And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
25 If thou lend money to [any of] my people [that is] poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
26 If thou at all take thy neighbour’s raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:
27 For that [is] his covering only, it [is] his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I [am] gracious.
28 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
29 Thou shalt not delay [to offer] the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.
30 Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, [and] with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me.
31 And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat [any] flesh [that is] torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.
Overview of Exodus Chapter 22
Exodus 22 is a significant chapter in the biblical text that outlines various laws and regulations pertaining to social justice, property rights, and ethical behavior within the community of Israel. This chapter serves as a continuation of the legal codes provided to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, emphasizing the importance of justice and moral conduct in their new society.
Key Themes
- Restitution and Justice: The chapter emphasizes the need for restitution when one person wrongs another, highlighting the importance of accountability.
- Property Rights: The laws address issues related to theft, damage to property, and the responsibilities of individuals to safeguard their belongings.
- Social Responsibility: The text underscores the need for compassion and ethical treatment of others, particularly the vulnerable members of society.
Detailed Analysis of the Laws
- Theft and Restitution (Verses 1-4):
The chapter begins with a series of laws regarding theft. It stipulates that if a thief is caught stealing livestock, they must repay multiple times the value of the stolen item. This principle of restitution serves to deter theft and promote a sense of justice.
- Property Damage (Verses 5-6):
These verses address situations where one person’s livestock damages another’s property. The responsible party must compensate the victim, reinforcing the idea that individuals are accountable for their animals and their actions.
- Liability for Lost Property (Verses 7-9):
In cases where property is entrusted to someone and is lost or stolen, the person in possession is required to take an oath to prove their innocence. This law emphasizes the need for honesty and integrity in transactions.
- Social Justice (Verses 10-15):
The chapter includes laws concerning the treatment of hired workers, animals, and the vulnerable. It emphasizes fair wages and the humane treatment of animals, reflecting a broader social responsibility.
- Witchcraft and Idolatry (Verses 18-20):
The text prohibits practices such as witchcraft and idolatry, underscoring the importance of fidelity to God and the rejection of pagan practices. The penalties for these offenses are severe, indicating the seriousness of maintaining spiritual purity.
- Treatment of the Vulnerable (Verses 21-27):
The laws command the Israelites to treat strangers, widows, and orphans with kindness. This reflects a commitment to social justice and the protection of the vulnerable in society.
- Respect for God (Verses 28-31):
The chapter concludes with instructions regarding reverence for God, including the prohibition of blasphemy and the requirement to offer sacrifices. This reinforces the idea that ethical behavior is intrinsically linked to one’s relationship with God.
Conclusion
Exodus 22 presents a comprehensive framework for ethical living and social justice within the Israelite community. The laws outlined in this chapter not only address specific legal issues but also reflect broader principles of accountability, compassion, and reverence for God. These teachings continue to resonate in discussions about justice and morality in contemporary society.
