The Book of the Covenant 21-22:15 Sermon by Rodney Tan Melaka Gospel Chapel Sunday 27/11/2016
COVENANT WITH YHWH EXODUS 19:1-35
The Book of the Covenant 21-22:15 Sermon by Rodney Tan Melaka Gospel Chapel Sunday 27/11/2016
Outline: • Introduction (21:1) • 1) Laws about servants (21:2-11) • 2) Laws about capital crimes (21:12-17) • 3) Laws about injuries (21:18-32) • 4) Laws about property damage (21:33-22:15) • Application
Exodus 21:1 (NIV) "These are the laws you are to set before them:
Introduction • “The Lord loves righteousness and justice” (Psalms 33:5) • Many injustices in the world today • But God will judge the world • For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.“ (Act 17:31) • His judgements will be just
The Book of the Covenant • Basic laws – protection of human life and property • The Israelites accepted “the book of the covenant” (24:3-8) • The people entered into a special relationship with Jehovah (YMWH) • They are obligated to obey Him.
Laws • Laws from ‘The Book of the Covenant’ are based on God’s character & the 10 Commandments • 10 Commandments unchanging moral principles • Laws = powerless to change human nature • Laws = protect life and property by regulating human behaviour
Time of the Judges • The time of the Judges = the most dangerous & disastrous periods in Jewish history • Why? • In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit. (Judges 17:6) • Enforcing good laws doesn’t guarantee a perfect society • But it promotes order and prevent lawlessness!
Israel’s Laws • Case / Casuitic law • “if…then” clause = cause and effect • Assumes ‘equality of all citizens’ • Punishment not based on class or wealth • Based on apodictic (command) laws e.g. 10 Commandments • Crimes were committed under various circumstances • Need to go beyond “Do not steal” • Take into account e.g. “time of day and the value of what was stolen”.
Hammurabi’s Code (c. 1750 BC)
Different degrees of punishments (from fines to execution) for slaves, citizens and nobility.
Laws about Servants Exodus 21:1-11
Exodus 21:2-4 (2) "If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything. (3) If he comes alone, he is to go free alone; but if he has a wife when he comes, she is to go with him. (4) If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free.
Exodus 21:5-6 (5) "But if the servant declares, 'I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,' (6) then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.
Menservants (Release and Detention) • Poverty – indentured servant • Treated humanely • Released after 6 years service • If servant wants to remain in service – allowed by judge • Menservant marked on earlobe • Never to be treated like a slave
Exodus 21:7-11 (7) "If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as male servants do. (8) 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. (9) If he selects her for his son, he must grant her the rights of a daughter. (10) If he marries another woman, he must not deprive the first one of her food, clothing and marital rights. (11) If he does not provide her with these three things, she is to
Maidservants (esp. bethrothed ones) • Female servant not automatically set free after 6 years • If father sold her as servant/concubine – father gets money & daughter gets a better home • Her husband-to-be doesn’t have to pay costly dowry • If she doesn’t please as a concubine, her birth family can redeem her & she’s free • If Master chose her for his son & son disliked her & married another, son’s father must treat her like a married daughter • If Master failed to do so, she’s free to return to her family & is freed.
Laws about Capital Crimes Exodus 21:12-17
Exodus 21:12-14 (12) "Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death. (13) However, if it is not done intentionally, but God lets it happen, they are to flee to a place I will designate. (14) But if anyone schemes and kills someone deliberately, that person is to be taken from my altar and put to death.
Made in the Image of God • "Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind. (Gen 9:6) • To kill a fellow human being is to attack the image of God. • Therefore, God looks very seriously on murders committed.
Slaughter of Men (intentional/unintentional) • Application of 6th Commandment • "'Anyone who kills a person is to be put to death as a murderer only on the testimony of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness. (Num 35:30) • "'Do not accept a ransom for the life of a murderer, who deserves to die. They are to be put to death. (Num 35:31) • The Law differentiates: premediated murder vs. accidental manslaughter
Accidental Killing • Flee to God’s altar for safety (1 Kings 2:29) • Until the elders/judges had time to study the case • When Israel had their own land, 6 cities of refuge was set up (Num 35; Deut 19; Josh 20) Why? • No police force then • Family of victim wants justice • In anger, they might seek revenge rather than justice • Law protects the accused until proven guilty • Stoning is usual form of execution : community participates in the elimination of evil
Premeditated murder (intentional) • Deserves capital punishment (Gen 9:6) • The State has the right to execute murderers • For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (Rom 13:4) • Punishing murderers is very important to God • Murderers defiled the land (Num 35:31; Num 35:33-34) • God denies murderers refuge at His altar
Exodus 21:15-17 (15) "Anyone who attacks their father or mother is to be put to death. (16) "Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper's possession. (17) "Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.
Treatment of Parents • Specific cases explained • Violation of the 5th Commandment • Disrespecting / abusing parents physically and/or verbally / murder (related to v18-21?) • Children in need of discipline • Children who don’t respect their parents usually have no respect for authority • Want only their own selfish way • In the end times – people will be “Disobedient to parents” (2 Tim 3:2) • Need to protect the family unit
Rights of Children • If someone has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him, his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town. They shall say to the elders, "This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard." Then all the men of his town are to stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid. (Deut 21:18-21) • Parents don’t have absolute rights of life and death over their child • Judges rarely administer the death sentence in such cases • Child is held accountable to the parents & the society
Kidnapping (to be sold as slave) • Wrong to steal property (Ex 20:15) • Violation of Commandment No. 8 • Greater crime to steal people to sell them as slaves. • Deserves the death penalty
Laws about Injuries Exodus 21:18-32
Exodus 21:18-19 18 "If people quarrel and one person hits another with a stone or with their fist and the victim does not die but is confined to bed, (19) the one who struck the blow will not be held liable if the other can get up and walk around outside with a staff; however, the guilty party must pay the injured person for any loss of time and see that the victim is completely healed.
Liability for Personal Injury • People aren’t suppose to argue to the point of blows • A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Pro 15:1) • Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. (Pro 25:15) • But it happens & people get hurt • If victim dies, aggressor pays with his life • If victim convalesces & can eventually walk about, aggressor is freed • But aggressor has to reimburse the victim for time lost from work and medical expenses
Exodus 21:20-21 (20) "Anyone who beats their male or female slave with a rod must be punished if the slave dies as a direct result, (21) but they are not to be punished if the slave recovers after a day or two, since the slave is their property.
Slaves • God wants slaves to be treated as humans made in the image of God • They have rights • If slave dies while being disciplined, the master is punished • Punishment is determined by the judge • Depends on whether there is intent to kill • If slave recovers, master wasn’t punished. • Why? • Master had already lost his income when slave was recuperating
Exodus 21:22-25 (22) "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. (23) But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, (24) eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, (25) burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.
Pregnant Woman Injured • Scholars disagree on v22 : “gives birth prematurely” or “miscarriage” • “No injuries” (v22) = premature birth • The court still has to fine the guilty person for his/her aggressive behaviour • Could have caused the death of the child and/or mother • The pregnant woman was not likely involved in the quarrel. • If child/mother was maimed or killed – judge will follow “lex talionis” (v23-25) • “The punishment must fit the crime”
Exodus 21:26-27 (26) "An owner who hits a male or female slave in the eye and destroys it must let the slave go free to compensate for the eye. (27) And an owner who knocks out the tooth of a male or female slave must let the slave go free to compensate for the tooth.
Slave Injured • Barbaric? • Legal system was developing • Punishment based on severity of the crime – not more, not less • Exception : only time this rule is not enforced – master hurt the slave & slave’s compensation is his/her freedom • Lesson: Owner must take good care of their slaves
Matthew 5:38-44
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who
Jesus & Retaliation • Jesus prohibited His disciples from retaliating against those who hurt them (Matt 5:38-44; 1 Peter 2:19-21) • Personal revenge vs. personal forgiveness • Jesus was not criticizing Moses or interfering with the legal system • He came to fulfil the law and not destroy it (Matt 5:17-20) • As Christians, we have the privilege of waiving our legal rights to the glory of God & not demand compensation (1 Cor 6:1-8) • However, a judge must see that justice is done & law is respected.
Exodus 21:28-32 (28) "If a bull gores a man or woman to death, the bull is to be stoned to death, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the bull will not be held responsible. (29) If, however, the bull has had the habit of goring and the owner has been warned but has not kept it penned up and it kills a man or woman, the bull is to be stoned and its owner also is to be put to death. (30) However, if payment is demanded, the owner may redeem his life by the payment of whatever is
Exodus 21:31-32 (31) This law also applies if the bull gores a son or daughter. (32) If the bull gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of the slave, and the bull is to be stoned to death.
Injured by an Animal • Owner is responsible that his animal did not injure people. • If animal caused death, both owner and animal can be put to death. • Animal then, cannot be eaten because it has been defiled by its unlawful act • But judge could fine the owner – pay a ransom & go free except: "'Do not accept a ransom for the life of a murderer, who deserves to die. They are to be put to death. (Num 35:31) • No difference between the death of a male or a female (v29, 31) • Difference when it comes to slaves • Owner of animal pays the master 30 pieces of silver to compensate for the loss
Laws about Property Damage Exodus 21:33-22:15
Exodus 21:33-36 (33) "If anyone uncovers a pit or digs one and fails to cover it and an ox or a donkey falls into it, (34) the one who opened the pit must pay the owner for the loss and take the dead animal in exchange. (35) "If anyone's bull injures someone else's bull and it dies, the two parties are to sell the live one and divide both the money and the dead animal equally. (36) However, if it was known that the bull had the habit of goring, yet the owner did not keep it penned up, the owner must pay, animal for animal, and
Animals Injured or Killed • If due to carelessness or negligence - a man causes animal to be injured or dies: Man pays owner for animal • Owner of pit could claim the carcass as his own • If an animal killed another, the 2 owners divide the carcass of dead animal & money received from the sale of the living animal. • Lesson: God’s concern for justice & His people need to be careful & not make it easy for animals to be injured & therefore to be killed.
Exodus 22:1-4 (1)"Whoever steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep. (2) "If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; (3) 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. (4) If the stolen animal is found alive in their possession--whether ox or donkey or
Stealing Animals • Law differentiates : stolen animals – killed or sold vs. -- still in thief’s possession • If guilty, thief repays : five-to-one for oxen four-to-one for sheep • In 2nd case: thief repays: two animals for one • If he could not pay – he will be sold as a slave & -- money given to the man whose animal he stole
• Law differentiates : night thief vs. daylight thief • Daylight: owner can identity thief & call for help from neighbours • To kill thief in daylight – unnecessary revenge • Night : owner might not be able to identify thief – whether armed or not – owner’s life may be in danger – longer to get help • If while attacking the thief, he dies – owner is not responsible for death
Exodus 22:5-6 (5) "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. (6) "If a fire breaks out and spreads into thorn bushes so that it burns shocks of grain or standing grain or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make restitution.
Crops • Boundaries of field marked by stones at the corners – not fences (Deut 19:14; 27:17: Prov 22:28; 23:10) • Do not move your neighbor's boundary stone set up by your predecessors in the inheritance you receive in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess. (Deut 19:14) • Grazing animals wouldn’t know one field from the other • Owner was supposed to act like a good neighbour & keep watch • If he didn’t & his animals ate in his neighbour’s field – make restitution • Had to give the best compensation – restitution is not cheap
Fire in the Fields (crops destroyed) • Dry season – dangers of fire in the field – destroy crops • Those who cause the fire – compensate the victims • “restore” & “restitution” = 6x (Exodus 22 : 1, 3-6, 12) • Hebrew = “shalam” : “to make whole / complete” • Related to “shalom” : peace / health • Words not enough • Action (restitution) is needed to compensate people who are hurt • Society can be made whole
Exodus 22:7-8 (7) "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. (8) But if the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges, and they must determine whether the owner of the house has laid hands on the other person's property.
Exodus 22:9-13 (9) In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any other lost property about which somebody 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. (10) "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,
Exodus 22:9-13 (11) the issue between them will be settled by the taking of an oath before the LORD that the neighbor did not lay hands on the other person's property. The owner is to accept this, and no restitution is required. (12) But if the animal was stolen from the neighbor, restitution must be made to the owner. (13) If it was torn to pieces by a wild animal, the neighbor shall bring in the remains as evidence and shall not be required to pay for the torn animal.
Exodus 22:14-15 (14)"If anyone borrows an animal from their neighbor and it is injured or dies while the owner is not present, they must make restitution. (15) But if the owner is with the animal, the borrower will not have to pay. If the animal was hired, the money paid for the hire covers the loss.
Other People’s Belongings • Honesty & integrity = holds a society together • Life becomes difficult if we can’t trust our neighbours • If asked to take care of neighbour’s money, material things or animals, we should faithfully do it. • If thief breaks in & steal your possessions but is caught – thief pays double • If thief isn’t caught, we must prove to the judge – we weren’t careless & we were not the culprit.
Restitution • Need to do 1 of 3 things: - present witnesses who can vouch for our diligence - show pieces of animals to prove they were killed by prey - taking oath of innocence before the Lord (serious thing) • The judges would discern whether or not we are telling the truth • If proven that our neighbour’s animals died, strayed or were stolen because of our carelessness – pay / make proper restitution • If I borrow your animal for farm work & animal is injured or dies while in my care, I must compensate you
• If you’re with me at the time, guiding your own animal, I’m not obliged to pay anything • If I hired the animal from you and paid fees, the fees cover the loss.
Application 1) The Law is powerless to change human nature – only God can change lives through the Holy Spirit 2) As believers, we can waive our legal rights and not demand for compensation – for the glory of God 3) As believers, we can make proper restitution through our actions for wrongs that we have committed.