Exodus 22's escalating restitution ratios—five oxen for one stolen ox versus four sheep for one sheep—reflect the greater economic value and reproductive capacity of cattle in ancient agrarian society.
Exodus 22
Laws Concerning Theft and Restitution
1“If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
2If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him.
3If the sun has risen on him, he is guilty of bloodshed. He shall make restitution. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
4If the stolen property is found in his hand alive, whether it is ox, donkey, or sheep, he shall pay double.
5“If a man causes a field or vineyard to be eaten by letting his animal loose, and it grazes in another man’s field, he shall make restitution from the best of his own field, and from the best of his own vineyard.
6“If fire breaks out, and catches in thorns so that the shocks of grain, or the standing grain, or the field are consumed; he who kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.
7“If a man delivers to his neighbor money or stuff to keep, and it is stolen out of the man’s house, if the thief is found, he shall pay double.
8If the thief isn’t found, then the master of the house shall come near to God, to find out whether or not he has put his hand on his neighbor’s goods.
9For every matter of trespass, whether it is for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any kind of lost thing, about which one says, ‘This is mine,’ the cause of both parties shall come before God. He whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.
10“If a man delivers to his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep, and it dies or is injured, or driven away, no man seeing it;
11the oath of the LORD shall be between them both, he has not put his hand on his neighbor’s goods; and its owner shall accept it, and he shall not make restitution.
12But if it is stolen from him, the one who stole shall make restitution to its owner.
13If it is torn in pieces, let him bring it for evidence. He shall not make good that which was torn.
14“If a man borrows anything of his neighbor’s, and it is injured, or dies, its owner not being with it, he shall surely make restitution.
15If its owner is with it, he shall not make it good. If it is a leased thing, it came for its lease.
Social and Religious Laws
16“If a man entices a virgin who isn’t pledged to be married, and lies with her, he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife.
17If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.
18“You shall not allow a sorceress to live.
19“Whoever has sex with an animal shall surely be put to death.
20“He who sacrifices to any god, except to the LORD only, shall be utterly destroyed.
21“You shall not wrong an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.
22“You shall not take advantage of any widow or fatherless child.
23If you take advantage of them at all, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry;
24and my wrath will grow hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
25“If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be to him as a creditor. You shall not charge him interest.
26If you take your neighbor’s garment as collateral, you shall restore it to him before the sun goes down,
27for that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What would he sleep in? It will happen, when he cries to me, that I will hear, for I am gracious.
28“You shall not blaspheme God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
29“You shall not delay to offer from your harvest and from the outflow of your presses. “You shall give the firstborn of your sons to me.
30You shall do likewise with your cattle and with your sheep. It shall be with its mother seven days, then on the eighth day you shall give it to me.
31“You shall be holy men to me, therefore you shall not eat any meat that is torn by animals in the field. You shall cast it to the dogs.
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Theme
Exodus 22 presents detailed civil and criminal laws governing property rights, restitution, and social justice in ancient Israel. The chapter begins with specific regulations about theft, damage to property, and safekeeping of goods, emphasizing proportional restitution rather than harsh punishment. It concludes with moral and religious laws protecting the vulnerable, prohibiting occult practices, and establishing principles of justice that reflect God's character and Israel's covenant relationship.
Context
Following the Ten Commandments and initial civil laws in chapters 20-21, this chapter continues the Book of the Covenant with more specific regulations for Israel's emerging society.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-4 Laws About Theft Establishes restitution requirements for stolen livestock and property, with penalties varying by circumstances.
- 5-6 Property Damage Laws Addresses liability for damage caused by animals or fire to another person's crops or fields.
- 7-15 Safekeeping and Borrowing Regulates responsibilities when property is entrusted to others or borrowed, including oath-taking procedures.
- 16-17 Sexual Misconduct Requires marriage or compensation when a man seduces an unmarried virgin.
- 18-20 Capital Offenses Prescribes death penalty for sorcery, bestiality, and worship of other gods.
- 21-31 Protection of the Vulnerable Commands justice and compassion toward foreigners, widows, orphans, and the poor, reflecting God's character.
Laws Concerning Theft and Restitution
22:1–22:15 law instruction solemn
Legal codes establishing restitution requirements for theft and property damage. These laws emphasize proportional justice and restoration rather than mere punishment.
theme_rarity
Exodus 22's escalating restitution ratios—five oxen for one stolen ox versus four sheep for one sheep—reflect the greater economic value and reproductive capacity of cattle in ancient agrarian society.
Social and Religious Laws
22:16–22:31 law instruction solemn
Social and religious laws covering sexual morality, occult practices, treatment of vulnerable people, and ritual obligations. These laws emphasize holiness and care for the marginalized.
theme_rarity
Exodus 22:16-31 uniquely interweaves justice for society's vulnerable with ritual offerings to God, creating one of only two biblical passages where legal protection and sacrificial worship explicitly converge.
Insights
Exodus 22:16-31 uniquely interweaves justice for society's vulnerable with ritual offerings to God, creating one of only two biblical passages where legal protection and sacrificial worship explicitly converge.
Historical Context
Places and events in this chapter
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