Exodus 22:14 “If anyone borrows an animal from their neighbor and it is injured or dies while the owner is not present, they must make restitution.
It is hard for me, with my modern sensibilities, to read verses 16 and 17, knowing that women were seen as extensions of fathers, brothers, husbands and not as people in their own right. Commentary and further searching adds insult to injury as one tells the story of an expensive table to illustrate the meaning of verse 16 while the other says the verse is less “marry your victim” and more “you break it, you buy it.”
Exodus 22:15 But if the owner is with the animal, the borrower will not have to pay. If the animal was hired, the money paid for the hire covers the loss.
To me, even in the pre-Jesus Old Testament, it is still about fairness and kindness, taking care of those who are more vulnerable. It’s not about making the rich richer or the powerful more powerful. It’s not about the value of property or “you break it, you buy it.” To Jesus, people–ALL people–are important, valued, loved.
Exodus 22:16 “If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife.
Precious Savior, Even when Your word gives us rules and consequences to help navigate the ins and outs of daily life, we still manage to get it wrong, making life more about us and our own gains, instead of focusing on others, their inherent worth, and caring for each other. Forgive us. Help us to do better. Amen.
Exodus 22:17 If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride-price for virgins.
Have a blessed day.