What is the meaning of Exodus 22:5? If a man grazes his livestock in a field or vineyard - The Lord begins with a common, everyday scene: a herdsman leading animals to pasture. By mentioning both “field” and “vineyard,” the text covers grain, produce, and all types of cultivated land (compare Deuteronomy 22:10 and Proverbs 27:23). - Scripture treats land as a trust from God; owners are to steward it wisely (Genesis 2:15; Psalm 24:1). This opening clause reminds us that even routine chores are lived before the Lord. and allows them to stray - “Allows” signals negligence, not an unavoidable accident. Like the owner of a goring ox who fails to pen it up (Exodus 21:29), this person knows the risk but does nothing. - God’s law respects personal responsibility; carelessness is never excused (Proverbs 28:18). - By highlighting the owner’s choice, the verse reveals sin is often passive—simply failing to do what is right (James 4:17). so that they graze in someone else’s field - The wandering herd tramples boundaries, violating a neighbor’s livelihood. Moving landmarks or encroaching on property was strictly forbidden (Deuteronomy 19:14; Isaiah 5:8). - Love of neighbor includes honoring his harvest; Jesus echoes this ethic in the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). - The scenario illustrates how private actions can quickly injure community life. he must make restitution - God’s justice is not satisfied by apology alone; tangible loss requires tangible repayment (Exodus 21:34; Leviticus 6:4–5). - Restitution restores what was damaged and deters future negligence (Proverbs 6:31). - Zacchaeus’ fourfold repayment in Luke 19:8 shows this principle carried into New Testament practice. from the best of his own field or vineyard - Payment comes from “the best,” not the leftovers. First-rate compensation guards against cheap repentance (Numbers 18:12; Exodus 34:26). - Giving the choicest produce mirrors God’s own generosity and teaches the offender that grace is costly (2 Samuel 24:24). - The standard is above mere equity; it leans toward mercy, foreshadowing the gospel call to go the extra mile (Matthew 5:41). summary Exodus 22:5 establishes that when our carelessness harms another’s livelihood, we owe full, even premium, restitution. The verse upholds property rights, condemns negligent sin, and models a justice that both repairs and transforms. In honoring this command, we display responsible stewardship, love for neighbor, and reverence for the Lord who owns every field and vineyard. |
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