Exodus 21 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Exodus 21

The Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible, is believed to have been written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. God established laws and regulations for the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness towards the Promised Land in this chapter.

This chapter covers a wide range of topics, from the treatment of slaves to the consequences of various crimes and injuries. It serves as a crucial foundation for the Israelites, guiding them on how to live in a just and righteous manner as they prepare to enter the land that God has promised them. The events and teachings in this chapter will have a profound impact on the Israelites’ journey and their relationship with the Almighty. The laws and regulations set forth by God are designed to promote justice, protect the vulnerable, and foster a society that reflects the holiness and righteousness of the divine as we explore this chapter. These principles will be echoed throughout the rest of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, as the Israelites continue their journey towards the Promised Land.

Exodus 21:1-6

The Lord provides Moses with laws concerning Hebrew slaves in Exodus 21:1-6. The passage begins by explaining the guidelines for Hebrew slaves in ancient Israel. If a Hebrew slave comes into servitude, they shall serve for six years, and in the seventh year, they shall go free. This concept was meant to prevent long-term exploitation and provide for a period of rest and freedom for those in servitude. The significance of the number seven, which represents completion and rest in the Bible, is evident in this law.

Furthermore, if the servant comes in alone, he shall leave alone; if he is married, then his wife shall leave with him. This provision ensures that the family unit is not broken apart, emphasizing the importance of familial relationships and unity in God’s eyes. This law reflects God’s concern for the well-being and unity of families, a theme that is echoed throughout the Bible.

If the master provided the servant with a wife and they have children, the wife and children belong to the master, but once the servant’s time of service is complete, he has the choice to remain with his family and serve his master for life. This demonstrates the value of commitment and loyalty in relationships, as the servant willingly chooses to stay with his family instead of seeking his freedom. It also highlights the responsibility of the master to consider the well-being of the servant and his family.

The servant’s declaration of loyalty to his master by choosing to stay permanently symbolizes a deeper spiritual truth. Christ and believers exemplify the concept of voluntary servitude and loyalty in the New Testament. Just as the servant willingly chooses to remain with his master, believers are called to willingly serve and follow Christ out of love and devotion. This voluntary allegiance reflects the idea of servanthood and commitment that is central to Christian teachings. Exodus 21:1-6 provides valuable insights into the treatment of slaves in ancient Israel, emphasizing the importance of fairness, family unity, and voluntary commitment. These laws teach us about God’s concern for justice, compassion, and loyalty within human relationships. The principles outlined in this passage continue to be relevant today, reminding us of the timeless values that God desires for His people.

Exodus 21:7-11

Sure, Exodus 21:7-11 outlines laws concerning female servants. Let’s break down the sections:

1. “If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as male servants do. A law that may appear troubling to us in modern times is seen in this section. The verse talks about a father selling his daughter as a servant. It’s important to understand the historical and cultural context of this practice. Ancient societies unfortunately commonly sold children, including daughters. In this system, families typically sell their daughters into servitude to pay off a debt or to secure a better life for them in a society with limited opportunities for women. However, the text seems to limit the term of service for male servants but not for female servants, implying that the daughter’s servitude could potentially be prolonged, perhaps even for life.

2. “If she does not please the master who has selected her for himself, he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners because he has broken faith with her.”

This part of the passage offers some protection for the female servant. If the master who selected her for himself is dissatisfied with her for any reason, he cannot treat her as mere property to be sold to foreigners. He must allow for her redemption. This is a significant point, as it recognizes the humanity and dignity of the female servant, preventing her from being cast off without any regard for her well-being.

1. “If he selects her for his son, he must grant her the rights of a daughter.”

This section is quite poignant. If the master chooses the female servant for his son, she is to be granted the rights of a daughter. This provision ensures that she is treated with care and respect, almost as a member of the family. This law helps to mitigate some of the potential abuses that could occur in the master-servant relationship.

1. “If he marries another woman, he must not deprive the first one of her food, clothing, and marital rights. A clear directive regarding the treatment of the female servant in the context of polygamy is present in this final part of the passage. The master is not allowed to neglect the first woman he took as a servant if he takes another wife. This underscores the importance of caring for those who are dependent on others and serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with power and privilege. We see a mix of cultural practices of the time and laws aimed at protecting the vulnerable in examining these verses. While these laws may seem harsh or outdated to us today, they provide a window into the social structures of the ancient Israelites and the gradual progression towards more equitable treatment of women and servants in the Bible. The Bible is a dynamic text that reflects the evolving understanding of justice, compassion, and the dignity of all individuals, which can be seen in various stories and teachings throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

Exodus 21:12-17

Exodus 21:12-17 presents several important sections that highlight regulations related to personal injuries and crimes in the ancient Israelite society.

Firstly, Exodus 21:12 states, “Anyone who strikes a person and kills him shall surely be put to death.” This verse establishes the severity of the punishment for someone who intentionally takes the life of another individual. The principle here is one of justice and the sanctity of human life. This commandment reflects the broader biblical teachings on the value of human life and the accountability individuals have for their actions. Jesus in the New Testament expounds on the significance of not only refraining from killing but also from harboring anger and hatred in one’s heart (Matthew 5:21-22), emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of violence.

Moving on to Exodus 21:13, it states, “But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee.” This verse introduces the concept of cities of refuge in cases of unintentional manslaughter. These cities in ancient Israel provided protection for individuals who accidentally caused the death of another person. This provision illustrates a balance between justice and mercy in the legal system outlined in the Mosaic Law. The cities of refuge serve as a powerful reminder of God’s compassion and grace towards those who commit unintended harm, offering them a chance to seek safety and avoid retribution. The establishment of cities of refuge speaks to the themes of forgiveness and redemption that are central to Christian teachings as well (Ephesians 1:7).

Continuing to Exodus 21:16, which states, “Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death.” This verse explicitly condemns the abhorrent practice of human trafficking and slavery. The Bible consistently denounces the dehumanization and exploitation of individuals, affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person as created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This commandment underscores the importance of respecting the freedom and autonomy of others, reinforcing the principles of justice and compassion that are essential for a harmonious society. The apostle Paul in the New Testament addresses the issue of slavery, advocating for love and equality among all believers, regardless of social status (Philemon 1:16).

To conclude, Exodus 21:12-17 provides valuable insights into the ethical principles that guided the Israelites’ legal and moral framework. These verses emphasize the values of justice, mercy, and human dignity, highlighting the timeless relevance of biblical teachings in addressing societal issues and guiding human behavior towards righteousness and compassion.

Exodus 21:18-21

A discussion about the consequences and penalties for causing harm to another person is found in Exodus 21:18-21. The passage states, “If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.” This verse highlights the concept of retributive justice, where the punishment fits the crime committed.

When examining these verses closely, it’s crucial to understand the context in which these laws were given. The principle of “an eye for an eye” in ancient Israelite society was meant to ensure that justice was served fairly and proportionately. It was designed to prevent excessive retaliation for a wrongdoing and to establish a sense of accountability for one’s actions.

The mention of causing harm to a pregnant woman in this passage underscores the importance of protecting the vulnerable members of society. The laws provided in Exodus were meant to safeguard the rights and well-being of women and children who were particularly vulnerable to harm and exploitation in biblical times. This serves as a reminder of the value that God places on every individual, regardless of their social status or position. God views acts of violence and harm towards others with seriousness, reflecting in the idea of “life for life, eye for eye.” It emphasizes the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and to seek reconciliation and restitution when harm is done. This principle is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as Leviticus 24:19-20, which also emphasizes the importance of equal justice in response to wrongdoing. Exodus 21:18-21 highlights the principles of justice, accountability, and protection of the vulnerable that are integral to the moral fabric of society. It teaches us the importance of treating others with fairness and respect, and the need to seek restitution and reconciliation in the face of harm and wrongdoing. These timeless messages remain relevant today, reminding us of our responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness in our interactions with others.

Exodus 21:22-25

Men strive and harm a pregnant woman in Exodus 21:22-25, causing her to deliver prematurely. Identify important sections in the verse and delve into the meaning of each part. “If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her…” – This section addresses a scenario where there is a struggle or fight involving men, which results in a pregnant woman being injured in such a way that she goes into premature labor and delivers her child prematurely. The mention of the term “hurt a woman with child” emphasizes the vulnerability of the pregnant woman and her unborn child in this situation. It highlights the seriousness of the consequences that can arise from physical conflict or harm, especially when it affects those who are particularly defenseless.

1. **”…and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him… The woman’s husband will decide the punishment for the one responsible for causing harm if no further harm comes to the woman or the child after the premature birth. This shows the emphasis on accountability for one’s actions and the concept of restitution or punishment for causing harm to others. It also recognizes the authority of the husband in matters concerning his family.

2. “…and he shall pay as the judges determine.” – The verse concludes by mentioning that the extent of the punishment or restitution will be decided by the judges. This highlights the importance of a fair and just legal system in resolving disputes and meting out appropriate consequences for wrongful actions. It underscores the idea of seeking justice through established authorities and processes rather than resorting to personal vendettas or vigilantism. These verses emphasize the sanctity of life in a broader context, particularly protecting the vulnerable, such as pregnant women and unborn children. It underscores the responsibility individuals have towards one another and the consequences of causing harm, even accidentally. The notion of restitution and legal oversight reflects the biblical principle of justice and the importance of accountability for one’s actions.

This passage can also be related to other biblical teachings, such as the commandment “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13), which underscores the value of every human life. It resonates with the overarching message of treating others with kindness, compassion, and respect, and the need to seek reconciliation and justice in cases of harm or wrongdoing.

Exodus 21:26-27

The verses in Exodus 21:26-27 state that if a man strikes the eye of his male or female slave and destroys it, he shall let him go free for the sake of his eye. And if he knocks out the tooth of his male or female slave, he shall let him go free for the sake of his tooth.”

These verses are part of the laws given by God to Moses for the Israelites to follow. They specifically address the treatment of slaves within Israelite society. The severity of the punishment prescribed in these verses for injuring a slave’s eye or tooth reflects the value of human life and the principle of justice that God expects His people to uphold, regardless of the social status of the individual involved.

This regulation emphasizes the humanity and dignity of even those considered property or possessions under the societal norms of that time. The law ensures consequences for harming another person, even if that person is a slave, by allowing the slave to go free as compensation for such injuries. This shows that God values justice and fairness for all individuals, regardless of their position in society.

Furthermore, these verses remind us of the importance of treating others with respect and compassion. They highlight the idea that all individuals are created in the image of God and should be treated as such. This concept is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in Galatians 3:28, which states: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Exodus 21:26-27 serves as a reminder of the timeless message of the Bible that calls for justice, mercy, and dignity for all individuals, regardless of their social status or background. It encourages us to treat others with kindness and respect, reflecting the love and righteousness of God in our actions towards one another.

Exodus 21:28-32

The verses in Exodus 21:28-32 specifically discuss the consequences of an ox goring a person or another ox. This section emphasizes the importance of responsibility and accountability, outlining the obligations and penalties in cases of harm caused by animals, especially oxen. It delves into the value of human life and the need for justice in situations of injury or death.

Starting with verse 28, when an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten. The owner of the ox, however, shall not be held responsible. This provision may seem harsh, but in ancient times, the loss of human life needed a severe consequence to deter negligence. There is a sense of justice served by holding the ox accountable and not its owner, without punishing the individual who may not have been directly responsible for the ox’s actions. This concept of justice and accountability resonates throughout the Bible, reflecting the importance of taking ownership of one’s actions while also acknowledging the need for consequences.

Moving on to verse 29, if the ox had a reputation for goring and its owner was warned but did not secure it, and it then kills a man or woman, the ox shall be stoned, and the owner also put to death. This verse introduces the notion of knowledge and negligence. The owner’s willful neglect to secure the ox, despite being warned about its dangerous behavior, leads to severe consequences. This highlights the biblical principle that knowledge brings responsibility. The parallel of this principle can be seen in the New Testament in James 4:17, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” This verse reinforces the idea that with knowledge comes accountability and the need to act in righteousness. A ransom is provided in verse 30 if a fine is imposed in place of the death penalty. This shows a layer of mercy, demonstrating that even in cases of severe consequences, there can be room for redemption and reconciliation. The act of paying a ransom as a substitute for the death penalty hints at the idea of redemption through payment, foreshadowing the ultimate redemption brought by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. This theme of redemption and mercy runs throughout the Bible, showcasing God’s grace and forgiveness in the face of sin and wrongdoing.

Lastly, in verses 31-32, if the ox gores a slave, male or female, the owner shall give thirty shekels of silver to the master, and the ox shall be stoned. The value of thirty shekels of silver was significant in biblical times, often symbolizing a fair price, as seen in the betrayal of Jesus by Judas for thirty pieces of silver in Matthew 26:15. The specific mention of how to handle the situation when a slave is gored by an ox sheds light on the status and treatment of slaves in that era. While the value placed on a slave’s life may seem minimal, the fact that there were guidelines for compensation demonstrates a level of accountability even in cases involving slaves. This serves as a reminder that all individuals, regardless of social standing or circumstances, are valued and deserving of justice and fair treatment in the eyes of God. Exodus 21:28-32 provides crucial insights into the principles of justice, accountability, mercy, and the value of human life within the context of ancient Israelite society. The verses offer a glimpse into the intricate legal and ethical framework established by God to govern various aspects of daily life, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and fair treatment for all individuals. The timeless messages embedded in these verses continue to resonate, guiding believers to uphold justice, exercise wisdom, and show compassion towards others in obedience to God’s teachings.

Exodus 21:33-36

God presents a set of laws to Moses regarding situations when a pit is dug and an animal falls into it in Exodus 21:33-36. Let’s break down this verse into its important sections for a deeper understanding.

Starting with verse 33, it states, “If a man opens a pit, or if a man digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it, the owner of the pit shall make restoration. He shall give money to its owner, and the dead beast shall be his.” This law establishes a principle of responsibility and accountability. If someone is negligent in leaving a dangerous pit uncovered and an animal falls into it and dies, they are held accountable for the loss and must compensate the animal’s owner. This reflects God’s concern for fair and just treatment in society.

Moving on to verse 34, it continues, “If one man’s ox butts another’s, so that it dies, then they shall sell the live ox and share its price, and the dead beast also they shall share.” Here, the law addresses a situation where one person’s animal causes harm to another person’s animal. The owners are instructed to sell the live ox and divide the payment, as well as the dead animal. This underscores the importance of restitution and sharing the responsibility for the loss caused by their animals. This law aims to promote peaceful resolutions and mutual understanding among individuals in cases of conflict or harm caused unintentionally. The verse states in verse 35, “Or if it is known that the ox has been accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has not kept it in, he shall repay ox for ox, and the dead beast shall be his.”” This verse introduces the concept of foreseeability and negligence. If the owner of the ox knew that his animal had a history of violence or aggression and did not take precautions to prevent harm, then he is held responsible for the consequences. The principle of “an eye for an eye” is applied here, emphasizing the need for accountability and consequences for one’s actions or lack of action.

Lastly, in verse 36, it concludes with, “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.” This verse addresses theft and the severity of the consequences for such actions. The thief is required to provide compensation not just equal to the value of what was stolen and damaged, but significantly more. This law serves as a deterrent against stealing and reinforces the idea of restitution and justice. These laws from Exodus 21:33-36 highlight important principles of justice, accountability, and restitution within the community. They emphasize the value of fairness, honesty, and respect for others’ property. These ancient laws provide timeless lessons on ethical behavior and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions, whether they involve negligence, conflict resolution, or theft. The application of these principles fosters a harmonious and righteous society based on mutual respect and accountability, reflecting God’s desire for His people to live in harmony with one another.

After Exodus 21

The chapter concluded with the Lord’s instructions on how to handle various situations involving violence and injury. He laid out clear guidelines for dealing with assault, accidental harm, and even the consequences of negligence. I, as the reverend, know that these laws were given to the Israelites to establish order and justice within their community.

However, the true purpose of these statutes goes deeper. They reveal the heart of a God who cares about the wellbeing of His people. He desires for us to live in harmony, to value human life, and to take responsibility for our actions. These principles will guide the Israelites in their relationships and moral conduct even further in the next chapter. The Lord’s laws are not mere commands, but a reflection of His own righteous character.