Exodus 21 - Printer Friendly

What does Exodus 21 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

The Lord began His delivery of the Mosaic covenant (Exodus 19:5–6; 20:1–2) with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3–17). Further details are given throughout the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These texts, plus Genesis, are often referred to as "the law of Moses" or the "Pentateuch" or simply "the Law." Chapter 21 covers a variety of issues, mostly related to homicide and injury.

Ancient cultures categorized employment with two basic roles: "masters" and "servants," or "slaves." Old Testament Hebrew uses the blanket word 'ebed to describe virtually any person other than a "master." This can confuse modern readers, for whom these words represent uncomfortable extremes. References to "slaves" and "slavery" in the Mosaic law should not be confused with the abusive, race-based, dehumanizing chattel slavery as practiced during the Atlantic Slave Trade. Careful reading of Israel's laws reveals civil rights and protections for all.

An Israelite might become a "slave" for many reasons. This was a means to pay off debt, to earn food and shelter, or punishment for a crime. Such servitude was to be temporary. What the master and servant owned separately before was theirs once the contract was finished. Those who preferred to remain in their position could voluntarily do so; these rules generally applied to male servants (Exodus 21:1–6).

Female Israelites could also become slaves or servants. Becoming a concubine or housekeeper was especially attractive for those in deep poverty. This passage specifies the rights of these women. Masters could not casually dismiss them or sell them to foreigners. Those being married to the master's son had the same rights as a daughter. A master who lost affection for such a woman was still obligated to care for her basic needs (Exodus 21:7–11).

Violence against parents could be a capital offense. Most forms of homicide were also punishable by the death penalty. Other parts of the Law expand on judging between accidental death and murder (Deuteronomy 19:4–6). God also prescribes execution for those who kidnap others to make them slaves (Exodus 21:12–17).

Those who injure others are subject to penalties under the Mosaic law. In most cases, this requires compensation for recovery time. Cases where the victim does not recover are covered under laws about murder. This also applies to slaves—a master who kills a servant is subject to the death penalty. Injured servants are not owed compensation by masters. The servant has lost no money, but the master already has, thanks to the lost work. Masters who maim a slave, such as knocking out teeth or blinding them, immediately forfeit their rights and the servant is set free (Exodus 21:18–21, 26–27).

God's laws for Israel clearly demonstrate His care for mothers and children. If men fight and cause an early birth, without harm, they owe restitution. If the child or mother dies, or is harmed, the guilty one is subject to the same. That can include death. Killing the unborn is a serious sin; in other cases, causing accidental death is not a capital crime. But causing the death of a pregnant mother or her child is (Exodus 21:22–25).

Animals which attack and kill people are to be killed. If the creature's owner is not at fault, they are not punished any further. But if the owner was negligent about a dangerous animal, they could be executed. Negligence is also punished when animals are harmed. Whoever is at fault generally must purchase the dead animal or replace it with one of their own (Exodus 21:28–36).

Exodus 21:1–11 covers the Mosaic covenant's general approach to servants. The passage uses a Hebrew word covering a wide range of positions, from contracted workers to involuntary slaves. The covenant establishes rights for servants and places limits on their terms of service. These rules can be challenging for modern readers; at the same time, the laws refute critics' unreasonable claims about the Bible's stance.

Exodus 21:12–17 provides penalties for those who violate the sixth commandment (Exodus 20:13). The law later distinguishes (Exodus 21:18–21) between murder and manslaughter. Murder is a serious sin, and under God's covenant with the nation of Israel, it was a serious crime. Most forms of intentional murder were subject to the death penalty. This passage also indicates that kidnapping people into slavery was punishable by death. So was heinous treatment of parents (Exodus 20:12).

Exodus 21:18–21 explains ancient Israel's legal consequences for injuring others. These emphasize restitution for time and work lost due to the injury. If someone fatally injures their slave or servant, the death penalty applies (Exodus 21:12). If the servant survives long enough to recover, the aggressor has already experienced the loss of that servant's work. They may be forced to free the injured person (Exodus 21:26–27). Very few could afford enough servants to absorb this lost work.

Exodus 21:22–25 establishes protection for pregnant women and unborn children. Aggression that causes a woman to deliver early, but she and the child are unharmed, is punished with restitution. If the child dies, or either mother or child is seriously harmed, the guilty party is subject to equal consequences, including death. This is one of Scripture's clearest indicators that God considers unborn children to be fully human; harming the unborn is assault and murder.

Exodus 21:26–27 sets strict penalties for physically abusing slaves (Exodus 21:20–21). Maiming a servant, such as by knocking out teeth or causing blindness, requires the wounded servant to be immediately released.

Exodus 21:28–36 provides legal protections regarding livestock. Manslaying animals are to be killed (Genesis 9:5–6). Israelites are also responsible for any harm done by their animals. In cases of extreme negligence, this can result in execution. Restitution is required if someone negligently harms another person's animal.

Chapter Summary:

The Ten Commandments form the basis of Israel's other laws. In this chapter, God provides guidelines and penalties for various issues. These include homicide, assault, and injury. Laws also control harm done to or by animals. Included in these are protections for pregnant women and unborn children. Servants are guarded from abuse. Kidnapping people into slavery is punishable by death.

Chapter Context:

Chapter 20 began recording the laws of God's covenant with Israel. This started with the Ten Commandments. In this chapter, the Lord provides rules on subjects such as penalties for violent crime and negligence regarding animals. Chapters 22 and 23 continue to provide details about Israel's legal code. Chapter 24 records a confirmation of the covenant. Chapter 25 begins describing the construction of the tabernacle.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

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