What consequences does Exodus 21:15 outline for striking parents, and why? The Scriptural Text “Whoever strikes his father or mother must surely be put to death.” (Exodus 21:15) Immediate Consequence Stated • Physical assault on either parent carried the death penalty under the Mosaic Law. • The wording “must surely be put to death” indicates certainty; no lesser penalty is offered. Why Such a Severe Penalty? • Upholding the Fifth Commandment – Exodus 20:12 calls Israel to “Honor your father and your mother.” Striking a parent is the polar opposite of honor. • Protecting God-Ordained Authority – Parents bear delegated authority from God (Ephesians 6:1–3). Assaulting them is viewed as rebellion against God Himself. • Preserving Social Stability – The family is the foundation of covenant community life; violence within it threatens the entire society (Proverbs 30:17). • Deterring Contempt for Life – Genesis 9:6 ties shedding blood to forfeiting life; striking parents shows brazen contempt for God’s image-bearers who gave life. • Reflecting Divine Holiness – Israel was called to mirror God’s character (Leviticus 19:2). Tolerating open violence against parents would desecrate communal holiness. Broader Biblical Context • Deuteronomy 27:16 — “Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.” • Proverbs 20:20 — “Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.” • Matthew 15:4 — Jesus reaffirms, “For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘He who curses father or mother must be put to death.’” • 1 Timothy 1:9 — Paul lists “those who kill their fathers or mothers” among lawless offenders. Theological and Practical Takeaways • God’s moral order esteems parental authority; violence against it is intolerable. • While modern civil laws no longer impose the death penalty for this act, the moral gravity remains. • Believers today honor the heart of this command by cultivating respect, care, and protection for parents (Colossians 3:20). • The passage ultimately points to humanity’s need for grace: Christ bore the penalty for our law-breaking, enabling hearts that truly honor God and parents (Galatians 3:13). |
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