Chapter Summary
Core Passages from Exodus 22
Exodus 22:1“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 establishes the principle of restitution, where the payment far exceeds the initial loss. This was meant to fully restore the victim and strongly discourage theft within the community.Exodus 22:21“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.
Exodus 22:25"If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him.
This law protects the poor from being exploited through high-interest loans. It demonstrates God's deep concern for economic justice and fairness for every person in the community.
Historical & Cultural Context
From Mountain Peaks to Daily Life
After the dramatic giving of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20, God provides Moses with more specific civil laws, often called the 'Book of the Covenant.' Exodus 22 is a core part of this section, translating the high principles of loving God and neighbor into practical, case-by-case rules for a functioning society. The focus shifts from grand pronouncements to the nitty-gritty of property disputes, personal responsibility, and social ethics.
Building a Just and Compassionate Nation
The laws in this chapter focus on building a healthy community from the ground up. They are not merely about punishment. They address common issues in an agricultural society - stolen livestock, damaged crops, and broken trusts. By establishing clear guidelines for making things right and caring for the vulnerable, God is laying the foundation for a nation that reflects His own character of justice, order, and compassion.
Laws for a Just Community
Exodus 22 lays out a series of 'case laws' that apply the broader principles of the Ten Commandments to everyday life in ancient Israel. These laws cover everything from property theft and damage to social responsibility and religious purity. The chapter functions like a legal code, designed to create a just, orderly, and compassionate society that reflects God's character.
Property, Restitution, and Responsibility (Exodus 22:1-15)
1 “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.
2 If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him,
3 But if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
4 If the stolen beast is found alive in his possession, whether it is an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.
5 "If a man causes a field or vineyard to be grazed over, or lets his beast loose and it feeds in another man's field, he shall make restitution from the best in his own field and in his own vineyard."
6 "If fire breaks out and catches in thorns so that the stacked grain or the standing grain or the field is consumed, he who started the fire shall make full restitution."
7 If a man gives to his neighbor money or goods to keep safe, and it is stolen from the man's house, then, if the thief is found, he shall pay double.
8 If the thief is not found, the owner of the house shall come near to God to show whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor's property.
9 For every breach of trust, whether it is for an ox, for a donkey, for a sheep, for a cloak, or for any kind of lost thing, of which one says, 'This is it,' the case of both parties shall come before God. The one whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.
10 If a man gives to his neighbor a donkey or an ox or a sheep or any beast to keep safe, and it dies or is injured or is driven away, without anyone seeing it,
11 then an oath before the Lord shall be between them, that he has not put his hand to his neighbor's property; and the owner shall accept the oath, and he shall not make restitution.
12 If it is torn by beasts, let him bring it as evidence. He shall not make restitution for what has been torn by wild animals; and if a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it is injured or dies, the owner not being with it, he shall make full restitution.
13 If it is torn by beasts, let him bring it as evidence. He shall not make restitution for what has been torn by wild animals; and if a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it is injured or dies, the owner not being with it, he shall make full restitution.
14 If a man borrows anything of his neighbor, and it is injured or dies, the owner not being with it, he shall make full restitution.
15 If the owner was with it, he shall not make restitution; if it was hired, it came for its hiring fee.
Commentary:
If you take or damage someone's property, you are responsible for making it right, often by paying back more than what was lost.
Social and Religious Purity (Exodus 22:16-20)
16 "If a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed and lies with her, he shall give the bride-price for her and make her his wife.
17 You shall not permit a sorceress to live.
18 “You shall not permit a sorceress to live.
19 “Whoever lies with an animal shall be put to death.
20 “Whoever sacrifices to any god, other than the Lord alone, shall be devoted to destruction.
Commentary:
God commands strict laws to protect the community's moral fabric and ensure exclusive worship of Him.
Protecting the Vulnerable (Exodus 22:21-27)
21 “You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.
22 You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.
23 If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry,
24 and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.
25 "If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him.
26 If you ever take your neighbor's cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down,
27 for that is his only covering, it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep? And if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.
Commentary:
God demands that his people show compassion and justice to the most vulnerable members of society, like foreigners, widows, and the poor.
Honoring God and Leaders (Exodus 22:28-31)
28 "You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people."
29 "You shall not delay to offer from the fullness of your harvest and from the outflow of your presses. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to me."
30 You shall do the same with your oxen and with your sheep: seven days it shall be with its mother; on the eighth day you shall give it to me.
31 "You shall be consecrated to me. Therefore you shall not eat any flesh that is torn by beasts in the field; you shall throw it to the dogs."
Commentary:
The community is to show respect for God and human leaders, and to honor God by dedicating their first and best back to Him.
God's Blueprint for a Just Society
Restorative Justice
The laws in Exodus 22 are less about punishment for its own sake and more about restoring what was broken. When property is stolen or damaged, the goal is to make the victim whole again, often with additional payment to compensate for their loss. This shows a justice system aimed at healing the community, not merely penalizing the offender.
Compassion for the Vulnerable
God repeatedly singles out the sojourner, the widow, the orphan, and the poor for special protection. He ties this command directly to Israel's own experience of being vulnerable in Egypt, teaching that memory should lead to mercy. This reveals that a society's righteousness is measured by how it treats its most powerless members.
Holiness in Everyday Life
The chapter mixes civil laws about property with religious laws about worship and purity. This demonstrates that for God, there is no separation between the sacred and the secular. Honoring God involves both offering sacrifices and dealing honestly with your neighbor, showing that all of life is to be lived in a way that is set apart for Him.
Living Out Justice and Compassion Today
The principle of restitution in Exodus 22:1-15 calls you to do more than merely apologize when you've wronged someone. It means actively working to make things right, whether you've damaged a relationship through words, broken a promise, or been negligent. It might involve a sincere apology, taking steps to rebuild trust, or going out of your way to help the person you've hurt, truly restoring what your actions took from them.
The vulnerable people in your community might be immigrants, refugees, single parents, the elderly, or those struggling with poverty. Following the spirit of Exodus 22:21-24 means using your voice and resources to advocate for them. It is more than merely feeling sympathy. You can support organizations that help them, speak out against unfair policies, and treat every person you meet with the dignity and compassion God commands.
While we may not be farmers, the principle of giving God our first and best, as seen in Exodus 22:29, still applies. This means prioritizing God in your finances through giving, but it also applies to your time, energy, and talents. It's about dedicating the 'first part' of your day to Him in prayer, using your best energy to serve others, and offering your unique skills for His purposes, trusting that He will provide for the rest.
God's Justice in Everyday Life
Exodus 22 reveals that God's covenant with His people encompasses the details of daily life, not merely grand ceremonies. He provides a blueprint for a society built on fairness, responsibility, and deep compassion for the vulnerable. The message is clear: true worship is inseparable from how we treat our neighbors, manage our resources, and care for the powerless.
What This Means for Us Today
The laws of Exodus 22 are an invitation to build communities that reflect God's own character. They call us to move beyond merely avoiding harm to actively pursuing restorative justice and compassionate care for others. This chapter challenges us to see our daily interactions as opportunities to live out our faith.
- In what area of my life do I need to practice restitution and make things right with someone?
- Who is a vulnerable person or group that God is calling me to advocate for this week?
- How can I better honor God with the 'firstfruits' of my time, talents, and resources?
Further Reading
Immediate Context
This chapter sets the stage with laws about servants and personal injury, establishing the legal framework that Exodus 22 builds upon.
The 'Book of the Covenant' continues with laws on judicial integrity, Sabbath rest, and annual festivals, completing this section of instruction.
Connections Across Scripture
This passage revisits and expands on the laws protecting the poor, widows, orphans, and sojourners, emphasizing the importance of compassion.
Jesus references the Old Testament law but calls his followers to a higher standard of radical generosity and non-retaliation.
This verse defines 'pure and undefiled religion' as looking after orphans and widows, echoing the heart of the laws in Exodus 22.
Discussion Questions
- Exodus 22 demands restitution that is often double, or even five times, the value of what was stolen. What does this teach us about the seriousness of sin against our neighbor and the true cost of making things right?
- God repeatedly reminds the Israelites to care for foreigners because they were once foreigners in Egypt. How can our own past experiences of hardship or need shape how we treat vulnerable people today?
- This chapter mixes laws about stolen oxen with laws about worshipping God. Why do you think God connects everyday ethics and property disputes so closely with our spiritual lives and worship?