Vs. 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.” As Moses continues with these specific laws (Book of the Covenant), we come to the protection of property (vs. 1-15). There is this overarching idea of restitution (returning something lost or stolen) for the penalty of stealing. It’s interesting to note that restitution was sought out above just throwing someone in prison or slavery (vs. 3). We are reminded that there are consequences for our actions. In the latter half our chapter, we see the topic of social responsibilities (vs. 16-31). The LORD means serious business when cultish practices are done by His people (vs. 18-20). There is a social obligation not take advantage of the foreigner, widow, fatherless, and poor. (vs. 21-27). And in the last section, we are reminded to respect and put God first in our lives (vs. 28-31).
Regarding application…Set Apart. Vs. 31, “You are to be my holy people. So do not eat the meat of an animal torn by wild beasts; throw it to the dogs.” These laws were created to set God’s people apart from the laws of this world. We are to be holy not just in word and knowledge, but also in deeds. It wasn’t enough to just know God’s word and worship; the Israelites were to show it in their daily life. I find it refreshing that there is so much detail and circumstances that the LORD cares about. The righteous need not fret about these laws for they had already set apart their lives to be holy. Question: Are you setting apart your life? For 1 ½ years, I set apart a portion of money each week to put into a savings account. That money was set apart because it was going towards the engagement ring I bought to present my proposal to my then girlfriend (now wife). It was not a burden at all and I did it because I loved her. Likewise, let us set apart our lives because the law is not burdensome, but we obey out of love!
