Lived Realities
Read This Week: Exodus 21
“If people quarrel and one person hits another with a stone or with their fist and the victim does not die but is confined to bed, the one who struck the blow will not be held liable if the other can get up and walk around outside with a staff; however, the guilty party must pay the injured person for any loss of time and see that the victim is completely healed.” – Exodus 21:18-19 NIV
Exodus 21 is one of the Bible’s most intriguing and often misunderstood chapters. It sits immediately after the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 and introduces a broader legal code given to the Israelites. At first glance, it might seem like a dry list of ancient laws that are no longer relevant. However, a deeper look reveals insights into God’s character and the timeless principles of justice and mercy.
The laws in this section were part of the Covenant Code, intended to guide a fledgling nation as it emerged from slavery in Egypt on its journey to freedom. The Israelites were transitioning from being a people under the oppressive rule of Pharaoh to a free, self-governing community. In addition to the Ten Commandments, these laws were revolutionary for their time, providing a foundation for justice, protection, and dignity. They were given within a specific historical and cultural context of ancient Near Eastern societies with harsh practices and brutal justice systems. The laws of the Covenant Code sought to mitigate this by introducing boundaries and guidelines that emphasized the value of human life and the importance of equitable treatment.
One of the most famous principles in this chapter is the eye for an eye law (v. 23-25). This is known as lex talionis or the law of retribution. At first, it may sound harsh, but it intended to limit vengeance and ensure proportional justice. Instead of escalating violence, this law demanded a punishment fitting the crime. It asserted that justice should be fair, neither too lenient nor excessively harsh. This principle brought a sense of balance in a culture where revenge often spiraled out of control. It set a precedent that punishments should be equitable, serving as a deterrent against crime and curbing the sinful desire for disproportionate retaliation. Fairness and proportionality in justice are ideals that modern legal systems still strive for. It challenges us to consider how we respond to wrongdoing – do we seek restoration or vengeance?
Exodus 21 contains various laws about injury and death, emphasizing the sacredness of human life. Whether the laws pertain to accidental harm, violence, or negligence (like a dangerous animal not being controlled), the spotlight is on accountability and the inherent value of every individual. If a person causes harm to another, there must be restitution (verses 18-19). If an animal causes a death due to the owner’s negligence, the owner is held responsible (verses 28-29). The laws make it clear that life is precious and must be protected, whether it’s the life of a servant, a neighbor, or even an unborn child (verse 22). This principle was revolutionary in a time when human life was often cheap and dispensable. This focus on life’s value challenges us today in our attitudes towards violence, justice, and the sanctity of life. It invites us to advocate for policies and practices that uphold human dignity, whether in criminal justice, healthcare, or society as a whole.
This section might seem like a list of legality, but it also contains threads of mercy woven throughout. For instance, the stipulation that a Hebrew servant goes free after six years reflects a compassionate concern for freedom and restoration. Moreover, the protections for women servants show an early effort to prevent exploitation. These laws were not just about punishment; they were about creating a community that reflects the character of God, a God who is righteous, just, merciful, and compassionate. Mercy and justice are often seen as opposing forces, but the Bible shows us they can go hand in hand. It encourages us to examine our hearts and see if we are as quick to offer grace as we are to demand justice.
Whether it’s victims of human trafficking, the impoverished, or the marginalized, the spirit of Exodus 21 calls us to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves. In our desire for justice, we must guard against the temptation to seek punishment only. True justice seeks restoration and reconciliation. In all aspects of life – faith, law, healthcare, social policy – human life should be held in the highest regard. This biblical principle should inform our decisions and actions. While we must stand for what is right, we must also remember that mercy triumphs over judgment, as evidenced in the cross of Jesus. Offering grace and forgiveness is a reflection of the will of God and His plan of salvation.
Exodus 21 reminds us that the same God who gave these commands is the God who calls us today to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8). In a world often divided between calls for justice and pleas for mercy, we see a balanced vision in this chapter. It’s a vision of a Holy Spirit guidance in a community where fairness, dignity, and compassion are not merely ideals but lived realities.
Exodus Chapter 21 Verse 1
Now these are the ordinances you [Moses] shall set before the [Israelites].
~Gods Call To Order~
God Is Saying To Me:
I have created you in my image and want you to understand how much I love you. You should be respected and respect and love should be given to others. In order to do so, we must maintain peace and humility. As a group or society. I desire for you to have a desire for justice, respect for human dignity, and be a responsible member of society. Regardless of your social standing, every individual is worthy of respect and fair treatment.
What This Means To Me:
1. God loved the Israelites so much that he devised ordinances or rules to guide and lead them in social interactions and Justice for the Israelite society.
2. God created laws that deal with issues of servitude, personal injury, respect for parents, protection of life and property, and fair compensation for injury or loss asserting that justice and accountability are an integral part to maintaining social order.
3. God desires for us to utilize these laws and instructions to mold our interactions within society today, doing our part and helping to maintain a peaceful environment and world knowing and accepting our responsibility as a humble christian.
Exodus 21:1 “Now these are the ordinances (laws) which you shall set (you must explain theses laws) before the Israelites:
We are called and chosen to share the truth, just like God chose Moses to explain what to do and what not to do. We are to share and teach others that don’t know.
God’s Heart is for justice and He cares about people.
God’s justice is not about revenge but about restoration and reconciliation and getting along with others.
When we talk about justice, especially from a biblical perspective it’s more than just following laws or rules.
It’s about God’s heart and wanting to be like Jesus.
Following rules are good. I know I like to know what the rules are so I can do my best to follow them. It can be difficult sometimes but we need to make a stand for what’s right because if we don’t when someone is ready to make a change in their life who are they going to go to for the truth?
We need to learn to go to God and be guided by his Holy Spirit to seek the truth by reading the Bible and asking Father God what to do and say and what not to do.
When we study these laws, it helps to remember where the Israelites were on their journey and what God was doing in their hearts step-by-step.
He knows today where our heart is, and he’s right here ready to help us, lead us and guide us in the right direction.
Father God, can you please help us to desire to not only learn ourselves about what is right and what not to do and how to live our life the way you want us to, but to have the wisdom to know when to speak the truth, and when not to, and to have the love in our heart to teach what you want us to teach others. Please let our lives, be a reflection of your justice, mercy and grace, and your love in our hearts to show the right way to live for you.❤️
Thank you Father God for Jesus He is our Savior and He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill It .
and that’s in Matthew 5:17
Jesus shows us a deeper meaning of the law
Love God with your whole heart and love your neighbor.
When people are making bad choices it doesn’t mean we join in or say it’s ok to live that way.
We pray for them and plant seeds that come from God hoping they will remember those words when they’re ready to make a change!
Would you say you were raised in the ways of the world or in the ways of the Lord?
If you were raised in the ways of the Lord, you have a tremendous advantage over those of us who grew up immersed in the ways of the world.
I know I learned many worldly things and developed bad habits—some of which I am still working to overcome even today.
Knowing the truth and walking in righteousness makes life so much clearer and more purposeful. With God, we experience opportunities and blessings that would otherwise be out of reach.
We are never alone. God walks with us, guiding and helping us along the way. He teaches us through life’s challenges, filling us with His peace and love. He has good plans for us—not just for the here and now, but for eternity. Our destiny is secure in Jesus.
1. God desires us to learn the ways of His kingdom.
2. He shows us how to relate to Him and to others with love and grace.
3. When we follow His ways and live righteously, we experience His blessings.
This week in exodus chapter 21 I got a song
Worship
Let’s come together to worship our Lord let’s come together to worship our Lord lifting our hands, praising and honoring our Lord walking, hand-in-hand, being faithful, wanting to serve our king, lets shine bright for others having a loving heart standing up for whats right forgiving others showing his grace and mercy Let’s be faithful growing in the Lord, we are blessed in our spiritual journey with our Lord. Let’s come together to worship our Lord worship our Lord amen
God truly loves when we honor him and bless others with his love and his forgiveness and when we do forgive, we get his peace
This is what I got from God in Exodus 21. I mandate My people to protect the rights of the poor, the weak, and the misfortunate. Showing justice and compassion has always been so important. It should always be your focus. I want you to be a slave to righteousness and a bond-servant for Me. You are either a slave to sin, or a slave to righteousness. You can not follow the ways of the world. You are to offer your body as a “living sacrifice” for Me. Jesus came to set free those who are oppressed. By studying the Law, your sins become known to you. If you do not study the law, you may not fully appreciate the mercy and grace that you have received. There are a lot of penalties for breaking commandments, including death. In today’s world, the only crime that I require that people are punished by death is first degree murder. Once convicted, the punishment should fit the crime. Restitution for the victim is also very important. I will not accept your offerings unless you first restore your victims Once you restore your victims, then you may seek My forgiveness. I also require due process for criminal defendants. Christ is your refuge. I do not want “anyone to perish.” Are you seeking refuge in Christ in your times of trouble and tribulation? Are you looking to help people find their refuge in Christ?
What this said to me is my focus as a believer, is to protect the rights of the poor, the weak, and the misfortunate. I should always show compassion, to anyone I come in contact with. I don’t want to be a slave to sin. I need to stay in God’s word and He will reveal my sin’s to me. I need to make amends to those I have hurt. I need to remember Jesus is my refuge and I need to continue to help others to find their refuge in Him.
PODCAST
This Week in the Life: Exodus 21
For the best experience, we suggest you listen to the first song, the message, and then the second song.
1. Sunday Worship – First Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241117-Worship1.wav
2. Sunday Message: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241117-Message.wav
3. Sunday Worship – Second Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241117-Worship2.wav
Join the Party Line Live – Schedule: https://reachchurch.org/connect