Exodus 21:1 “These are the laws you are to set before them….” (NIV)
For reasons I can’t explain, I really struggle with Exodus 21. Maybe it is the rankling that comes from someone telling me, essentially, that I can’t do something. Maybe it is the free use of terms like “slaves,” though commentary assures me that the concept of a slave then was quite different than my own connotations of the word. It is only when I think of this chapter in the context of my career that I can begin to make peace with it.
Exodus 21:1 “These are the regulations you must present to Israel….” (NLT)
I am a teacher. One of the first things we do each semester in the classroom is to establish rules and expectations. Once everyone knows what’s expected and what’s allowed, we can get about the business of learning. I think that is what is happening in Exodus 21. God is establishing rules and expectations so that, once they know what’s allowed and expected, they can then get about His business.
Exodus 21:1 “These are the rules that you shall set before them….” (ESV)
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this opportunity to dig deeper into Your word. Some chapters baffle me, some chapters frustrate me, some chapters sadden me, but with each new chapter, I feel like I see a bit more of You and I am deeply thankful. Draw me closer. Amen.
Exodus 21:1 “These are the ordinances that you are to set before them….” (BSB)
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.