Overview

Exodus 21 follows the Ten Commandments and begins a series of laws known as the Covenant Code, which addresses various social, civil, and moral regulations for the Israelite community. These laws focus on justice and the treatment of others within society, reflecting God’s concern for righteousness and fairness. The chapter deals with laws concerning Hebrew servants, personal injury, property rights, and the consequences for different forms of violence and negligence.

This chapter serves as a practical outworking of the principles found in the Ten Commandments, particularly the commands regarding relationships with others. It emphasizes justice, personal responsibility, and the value of human life, underscoring God’s concern for the well-being and protection of all people, especially the vulnerable.

Historical and Literary Context

Exodus 21 is part of the broader legal material that follows the giving of the Ten Commandments. These laws are given to Moses at Mount Sinai and are intended to guide Israel in their covenant relationship with God. While some of the laws are specific to the ancient Near Eastern context, the underlying principles of justice, fairness, and respect for human dignity are timeless.

Literarily, Exodus 21 continues the shift from narrative to legal instruction, providing detailed regulations that flesh out the broader moral principles established in the Ten Commandments. These laws were meant to ensure justice and order within the Israelite community, reflecting God’s holy character and His desire for His people to live in righteousness.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

Justice and Fair Treatment for All

One of the central themes of Exodus 21 is justice, particularly in how individuals are treated within society. The laws regarding Hebrew servants, personal injury, and property rights all emphasize the importance of fairness and the proper treatment of others.

“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” (Exodus 21:2).

This theme underscores God’s concern for justice and fairness, particularly in the treatment of those who are vulnerable, such as servants and slaves. These laws provide protections and ensure that individuals are not mistreated or exploited.

The Sanctity of Life

Exodus 21 places a high value on the sanctity of human life, as seen in the laws regarding personal injury and the consequences for violence.

“Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death” (Exodus 21:12).

This command, along with other laws regarding injury, reflects the principle of “life for life” and highlights the importance of protecting human life. The chapter provides guidelines for appropriate punishment and restitution in cases of harm, ensuring that justice is upheld.

Personal Responsibility and Accountability

The laws in Exodus 21 also emphasize personal responsibility and accountability, particularly in cases of negligence. Whether it’s the treatment of servants, the consequences of violence, or property damage caused by negligence, individuals are held accountable for their actions.

“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. 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” (Exodus 21:28-29).

These laws emphasize that individuals must take responsibility for their actions and the consequences of those actions. In cases of negligence, justice demands appropriate restitution or punishment.

Protection for the Vulnerable

Many of the laws in Exodus 21 provide specific protections for vulnerable individuals, including servants, women, and children. These laws reflect God’s concern for the well-being of those who are often overlooked or oppressed in society.

“If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as male servants do. 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” (Exodus 21:7-8).

This theme of protecting the vulnerable is consistent with God’s character throughout Scripture, as He often calls His people to care for the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner. These laws ensure that those who are vulnerable in society are not taken advantage of.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Exodus 21:1-6

“These are the laws you are to set before them:
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. 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. 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. But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ 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.”

This section outlines laws regarding Hebrew servants, emphasizing the principle of release after six years of service. The laws also account for family relationships and provide a means for a servant to choose to remain with his master out of love and loyalty. The piercing of the ear symbolizes a permanent commitment to servanthood.

Exodus 21:7-11

“If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as male servants do. 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. If he selects her for his son, he must grant her the rights of a daughter. If he marries another woman, he must not deprive the first one of her food, clothing and marital rights. If he does not provide her with these three things, she is to go free, without any payment of money.”

This passage addresses the treatment of female servants, ensuring that they are not mistreated or exploited. The law protects the rights of women in servitude, particularly in cases of marriage or remarriage.

Exodus 21:12-14

“Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death. However, if it is not done intentionally, but God lets it happen, they are to flee to a place I will designate. But if anyone schemes and kills someone deliberately, that person is to be taken from my altar and put to death.”

These verses establish the difference between intentional and accidental killing, reflecting the principle of justice in cases of murder. Intentional murder is punishable by death, while accidental killing requires the provision of a place of refuge, foreshadowing the later establishment of cities of refuge.

Exodus 21:15-17

“Anyone who attacks their father or mother is to be put to death.
Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.
Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.”

These laws emphasize the importance of family relationships and the sanctity of life. Physical attacks on parents or kidnapping are serious offenses that warrant the death penalty, reflecting the gravity of these crimes in maintaining societal order and justice.

Exodus 21:18-19

“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, 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.”

This passage addresses personal injury resulting from quarrels, ensuring that the injured party is compensated for lost time and medical expenses. The law balances justice with mercy, ensuring restitution without unnecessary punishment.

Exodus 21:20-21

“Anyone who beats their male or female slave with a rod must be punished if the slave dies as a direct result, but they are not to be punished if the slave recovers after a day or two, since the slave is their property.”

These laws set boundaries on the treatment of slaves, ensuring that masters are held accountable if their actions result in death. While the status of slavery is acknowledged in this ancient context, the law seeks to mitigate abuse and provide some level of protection for slaves.

Exodus 21:22-25

“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 passage deals with the consequences of injury to a pregnant woman, establishing the principle of proportional justice—“eye for eye, tooth for tooth.” This principle ensures that punishment matches the severity of the offense, preventing excessive retribution.

Exodus 21:26-27

“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. 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.”

These laws provide additional protections for slaves, ensuring that serious injury results in the release of the slave. This reflects the value of human dignity and the concern for justice in cases of mistreatment.

Exodus 21:28-32

“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. 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. However, if payment is demanded, the owner may redeem his life by the payment of whatever is demanded. This law also applies if the bull gores a son or daughter. 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.”

These verses address cases of injury or death caused by animals, particularly when negligence is involved. The laws establish accountability for the actions of animals and provide guidelines for restitution in cases of injury or death.

Exodus 21:33-36

“If anyone uncovers a pit or digs one and fails to cover it and an ox or a donkey falls into it, the one who opened the pit must pay the owner for the loss and take the dead animal in exchange. 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. 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 take the dead animal in exchange.”

The chapter concludes with laws regarding property and negligence, ensuring that individuals are held responsible for any damage caused by their property or actions. These laws emphasize fairness and restitution in cases of loss or injury.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Exodus 21 demonstrates God’s concern for justice, fairness, and the protection of human life. The laws emphasize personal responsibility and the importance of treating others with dignity and respect. This chapter reflects God’s character as a just and righteous judge, who cares for both the oppressed and the vulnerable.

In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the principles of justice and love found in the Law but elevates them to a higher standard. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges His followers to go beyond the letter of the law, calling them to love their enemies, forgive others, and pursue justice with mercy (Matthew 5:38-48). Jesus’ life and teachings embody the heart of the Law, fulfilling its demands through His sacrificial love and grace.

The principle of “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” is transformed in Christ, who teaches that mercy and forgiveness are the true marks of His kingdom. While justice is still essential, Jesus calls His followers to reflect God’s grace by extending love and forgiveness even to those who wrong them.

Sermon Outline and Flow

1. Introduction: God’s Concern for Justice and Fair Treatment
   • Set the context for Exodus 21, explaining the transition from the Ten Commandments to the detailed laws governing social relationships.
   • Introduce the themes of justice, personal responsibility, and the protection of human life.
2. Point 1: Justice and Fair Treatment for All
   • Explore the laws regarding Hebrew servants and personal injury, emphasizing God’s concern for justice and fairness in society.
   • Application: How can we ensure that justice and fairness are upheld in our relationships, communities, and workplaces today?
3. Point 2: The Sanctity of Life and Personal Responsibility
   • Highlight the laws regarding personal injury, negligence, and the consequences for violence, emphasizing the value of human life and the need for accountability.
   • Application: How can we take responsibility for our actions and ensure that we treat others with dignity and respect, reflecting God’s concern for justice?
4. Point 3: Protection for the Vulnerable
   • Discuss the laws protecting servants, women, and children, reflecting God’s care for the vulnerable and marginalized in society.
   • Application: How can we advocate for and protect the vulnerable in our communities, following God’s call to care for those in need?
5. Point 4: Jesus’ Fulfillment of the Law
   • Explain how Jesus fulfills the principles of justice and love found in the Law, calling His followers to pursue justice with mercy and to extend love and forgiveness.
   • Application: How can we live out the principles of the Law in light of Christ’s teachings, showing mercy, grace, and love in our relationships?

Illustrations and Examples

• Share a personal story or historical example of how justice and fairness were upheld in a difficult situation, drawing parallels to the principles of restitution and personal responsibility outlined in the chapter.
• Use a metaphor of personal responsibility and accountability, such as the role of a leader or caretaker, to illustrate the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and ensuring the well-being of others.

Application for Today’s Christian

Exodus 21 challenges believers to uphold justice, fairness, and personal responsibility in their relationships and communities. The laws regarding servants, personal injury, and property reflect God’s desire for a just and orderly society where human life is valued and protected. These principles remain relevant for Christians today, who are called to treat others with dignity and respect, advocating for justice and protecting the vulnerable.

While the specific laws in Exodus 21 may not apply directly to modern society, the underlying principles of justice, mercy, and personal responsibility are timeless. Christians are called to live out these values in their families, workplaces, and communities, following the example of Jesus, who embodies the heart of the Law.

Connection to the Father in Exodus 21

God the Father’s justice, mercy, and concern for human life are central to Exodus 21. The laws reflect His desire for a just and righteous society, where individuals are held accountable for their actions and the vulnerable are protected. God’s character as a just judge is revealed in these laws, demonstrating His concern for both justice and compassion.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Exodus 21

Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Law, including the principles of justice and mercy found in Exodus 21. While the laws provide guidance for maintaining justice in society, Jesus goes further, calling His followers to live out the deeper meaning of the Law through love, forgiveness, and mercy. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus brings justice and reconciliation, offering grace to those who have sinned and empowering believers to pursue justice in their own lives.

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Exodus 21

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out the principles of justice, mercy, and personal responsibility found in Exodus 21. While the Law provides a standard for righteous living, the Spirit transforms believers’ hearts, enabling them to pursue justice with compassion and to treat others with dignity and respect. The Spirit also convicts believers of sin, guiding them in repentance and empowering them to live in accordance with God’s will.

Connection to God’s Love in Exodus 21

God’s love is evident in His concern for justice and the protection of human life. The laws in Exodus 21 reflect His care for the vulnerable and His desire for fairness and righteousness in society. This love is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who brings justice through His death and resurrection and calls His followers to live out the principles of love and justice in their own lives. Exodus 21 reminds believers that God’s laws are rooted in His love for His people and His desire for their well-being.

Reflection Questions

1. How do the laws in Exodus 21 reflect God’s concern for justice and fairness in society, and how can we apply these principles in our relationships today?
2. In what ways can we take responsibility for our actions and ensure that we treat others with dignity and respect, reflecting God’s concern for justice?
3. How can we advocate for and protect the vulnerable in our communities, following God’s call to care for those in need?
4. How does Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law challenge us to pursue justice with mercy and extend love and forgiveness to others?
5. How can we rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us to live out the principles of justice, mercy, and personal responsibility in our daily lives?