How does Exodus 21:31 connect with the commandment "You shall not murder"? Setting the Scene • In Exodus 20:13, God declares, “You shall not murder.” • One chapter later, He applies that command to a very specific circumstance: an ox known to gore. • Exodus 21:31: “If it gores a son or a daughter, this judgment shall be applied to him.” Why an Ox? • Israel was an agrarian society; livestock were part of daily life. • A powerful animal could become a lethal weapon if an owner ignored repeated warnings. • God addresses real dangers to show that “You shall not murder” reaches beyond intentional homicide to negligent homicide. The Direct Connection 1. Murder is the unlawful taking of life (Genesis 9:5-6). 2. Negligence that foreseeably causes death is treated by God as morally and civilly culpable (Exodus 21:29-30). 3. Verse 31 extends the same penalty—capital accountability—to cases where children are the victims: “a son or a daughter.” 4. The sixth commandment therefore obligates us not only to refrain from violence but also to take active, reasonable steps to protect life (Deuteronomy 22:8; Proverbs 24:11-12). Layers of Responsibility Highlighted • Personal responsibility—owners must control hazards under their authority. • Parental value—God specifically safeguards children, the most vulnerable. • Community justice—courts enforce penalties to uphold the sanctity of life (Numbers 35:30-33). Echoes in Later Scripture • Jesus deepens the commandment to matters of the heart (Matthew 5:21-22). • Paul affirms governmental authority to punish evildoers, tying civil law to the preservation of life (Romans 13:3-4). • John roots love for others in refusing to harbor hate that can lead to violence (1 John 3:15). Implications for Us Today • Evaluate potential hazards—vehicles, workplaces, online influence—and act before harm occurs. • Advocate for the defenseless, mirroring God’s concern for “sons and daughters.” • Support just laws that deter negligence and protect life at every stage. Key Takeaways • “You shall not murder” is broader than premeditated killing; it covers preventable negligence. • Exodus 21:31 shows God expects proactive stewardship whenever human life could be endangered. • Safeguarding life is an act of obedience and worship, reflecting the Creator’s value on every person made in His image. |
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