Laws

Torah Portion Exodus 21:1-24:18

Laws. These are the everyday, governing ordinances, that you, oh ancient Israel, were to structure yourself into and around. The people had not yet fully entered into agreement with “The Name” and yet the nation itself needed laws.

These laws include how one was to deal with indentured servitude. A man man may return to his former life after 6 years or stay with his master forever if he chooses. The female indentured servant may be redeemed through marriage by either the owner or his son and she must then be treated as family.

The laws say a a murdered is to be killed. The one who kidnaps must be killed. The one who hates his father and mother must also be put to death. The laws dealw ith personal injury as well. Restitution must be rendered for one who harms another but they live. The unborn are included. However, if one destroys the life of the unborn, his life is to be extinguished.

The laws here include the famous “eye for an eye” and delineate what happens when oxen gore or when a pit, freshly dug, is is fallen into. The laws address the common issues one might experience in an agrarian system.

The laws continue to explain that animals may not eat all of the crops in a field, that they must remain with their owner, and that theft of animals will result in heavy fines and repayment would be difficult.

The laws account for accident loss of animals and to borrowing of goods. If one has the items of another and they die while the items are in the borrowers possession, these items must be returned to the family.

The courts must experience only the testimony of honest men who accurately portray what they saw. Justice must be served and lies must not determine what is justice. All must do good to their enemies by not taking revenge on the animals they own. No innocents may be killed and no bribes can be taken. All strangers are to be treated with care because Israel is a stranger in the land.

A virgin must be taken as the wife of the one who takes her virginity. No spiritual advisers may live in the land. No man should ever have sex with an animals. No sacrifices may be offered to another god. The widow and orphan must be cared for. All offerings must be given in due time and the poor must be cared for and seen as more than what they owe.

The Law determined that the land may be farmed for 6 years. The 7th year must be a time that the land can replensh itself. It will be a year when all that grows goes to the poor in the land as nothing can be gathered for sale. All Israelites may only work 6 days. The 7th day is for them to rest and remember their God and pour that time into their families.

The nation is to celebrate 3 feasts. Passover, First Fruits, and The Day of Atonement. All men were to appear before the Lord at His temple and sacrifices were to be offered according to the Law.

The law, would bring the people into the land of Canaan and maintina them. The Law would cause Israel’s enemy to flee and become weak. The keeping of the Law would bring the people great abundance.

Moses and the elders were to bring the reply of the people to the mountain of God where Moses himself would explain to the Lord Israel’s response to these Laws. The nation had formed and the people were to be a people set apart. Set part by the Laws!