Exodus 22:1–15 “Living Together”

Exodus 22:1–15 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• They’ll know we are Christians by our love
• MATT REDMAN – The Heart Of Worship
• Pat Barrett – Build My Life (ft. Cory Asbury)
• GOODBYE YESTERDAY | Elevation Rhythm & Gracie Binion

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Putting Others First | A Sunday School lesson about humility – Lesson for Kids
• Love One Another (Yancy/Body Worship) – Kidspring Worship – Song for Kids
• Hey, Hey, Hey | True North VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Whole Lotta Change | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

If the previous legal provisions (Exodus 21:12–36) are enforcement details related to the sixth commandment, “You shall not murder,” then Exodus 22:1–15 is the application of the eighth commandment, “You shall not steal.”

If someone steals an ox or a sheep and then slaughters or sells it, they must repay five oxen for the ox and four sheep for the sheep (v. 1). If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck and dies, it is not considered murder (v. 2). However, if it happens after sunrise, it is considered murder (v. 3). In all cases, the stolen goods must be repaid. If the thief has nothing to repay with, they must be sold into servitude to pay for what they stole. If the stolen livestock is found alive in their possession, they must pay back double (v. 4).

If someone’s livestock grazes in another person’s field and damages their crops, they must repay them with the best of their own produce (v. 5). If someone starts a fire and it spreads to another person’s field, they must pay restitution (v. 6). If someone entrusted with another’s belongings has them stolen, and the thief is caught, the thief must pay double. If the thief is not found, the entrusted person must swear before God that they are not guilty of wrongdoing (vv. 7–8). If a dispute arises over property ownership, it must be brought before God, and the one found guilty must repay double to the other party (v. 9).

If someone entrusted with a neighbor’s livestock or possessions has them die, become injured, or disappear, they must swear before God that they are innocent. If the owner accepts the oath, no restitution is required (vv. 10–11). However, if the items were clearly stolen, the entrusted person must make restitution. If an animal was torn by a wild beast, showing the remains is enough, and no payment is required (vv. 12–13).

If someone borrows livestock from a neighbor and it dies or is injured while the owner is not present, the borrower must compensate the owner. But if the owner was present, no payment was needed. If it were a rented animal, the rental fee covers the loss (vv. 14–15).

Meditation:

Human beings are social creatures. We cannot live without being in a relationship with others. This truth stems from the very nature of the God who created us. The Creator God is not a singular entity, but a Triune God. The God we believe in exists and acts as a community. The statement that God created humans in His image implies that we were made to live in unity with one another. The communal God created human beings to be communal beings.

To live together in harmony, we must respect one another in three key areas: First, we must respect each other’s lives; second, each other’s property; and third, each other’s honor. The sixth commandment calls us to respect life. The seventh and eighth commandments call us to respect the ownership of others. And the ninth commandment teaches us to honor the dignity and reputation of others.

Today’s passage outlines regulations concerning various situations that involve the violation of another person’s property rights. Although humans were created to live together in community, sin has broken this communal nature, and a mindset of individual survival has become the new norm. As a result, we continually strive to increase our market share. If we are not careful with this desire, we may end up trying to enlarge our share by taking from others. This is what turns the world into a kind of living hell.

Just like in the case of murder, the most critical factor in judgment is intent. When someone deliberately violates another person’s property rights, the law requires restitution that is burdensome meant to deter such willful acts. This is to prevent people from carelessly coveting what belongs to others. Even in cases where loss is caused by accident or negligence, the law still requires compensation to be paid. This teaches us to fulfill our responsibilities as good neighbors. Only in doing so can we prevent a broken world from breaking even further.

Prayer:

Lord, please teach us the “secret of being content.”
Help us to be satisfied with the income earned through our honest labor,
And to be mindful of our neighbors who are in need.
In this age where individual survival has become the dominant value,
Make us strangers to that mindset so that we may embrace more neighbors with Your love.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God created us to live together in love, respect, and community. He wants us to care for each other’s lives, belongings, and reputations. Even when mistakes happen, God teaches us to take responsibility and live as good neighbors, so the world doesn’t become more broken.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What should you do if you accidentally break something that belongs to a friend?
  • Why is it important to respect other people’s things (like toys, books, or snacks)?
  • How can we be good neighbors at school or church?
    
• For Youth
  • In a world that encourages competition and getting more for us, what does it mean to live with contentment and responsibility?
  • Why do you think God wants us to take care of others’ property, even when damage is accidental?
  • How can you practice being a good and trustworthy neighbor this week—in your family, school, or online?