Exodus 22:5 “If anyone grazes their livestock in a field or vineyard and lets them stray and they graze in someone else’s field, the offender must make restitution from the best of their own field or vineyard.
Commentary says about these verses of restorative justice that it is not just about being held accountable for what we willfully do but also for what we fail to do and the harm and damage that our carelessness can cause. I totally get that idea and see the merit there.
Exodus 22:6 “If a fire breaks out and spreads into thornbushes so that it burns shocks of grain or standing grain or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make restitution.
Then commentary goes on to say, to illustrate this idea of not being careless about another’s property, that a Christian who backs into someone’s car will not only leave a note but also will have insurance to be able to cover the damage. This example as a “proper concern for the property of others” seems absurd given all that is going on in the world.
Exodus 22:7 “If anyone gives a neighbor silver or goods for safekeeping and they are stolen from the neighbor’s house, the thief, if caught, must pay back double.
Precious Savior, Today’s study has left me feeling angry and unsettled. You never intended for our goodness to be reduced to a simple checklist of rules and insurance coverage. Help me to live a life that shines Your light and points others to You. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Exodus 22:8 But if the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges, and they must determine whether the owner of the house has laid hands on the other person’s property.
Have a blessed day.