If a man strikes and blinds the eye of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the eye. If a man strikes and blinds the eye of his manservant or maidservant,Servants belonged to the household economy in Israel, yet they remained persons made in God’s image and subject to His protection. An Israelite master could not treat a servant as disposable property. Permanent injury exposed the injustice of abusive power and required a judicial remedy. The provision stands in marked contrast to surrounding cultures, where penalties for harming slaves often protected the owner’s financial interest rather than the injured person. Luk 12:45-46 But suppose that servant says in his heart,… he must let the servant go free Freedom was required as compensation for the loss, removing the injured servant from the authority of the one who caused the harm. The law restrained cruelty, upheld proportional justice, and gave practical protection to the vulnerable. The same principle is extended to the loss of a tooth in the following verse, showing that bodily injury could not be ignored or excused within Israel’s covenant life. Deu 15:12-15 If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold… as compensation for the eye. The loss of an eye brought lasting impairment and could greatly limit a servant’s work and independence. Release from servitude acknowledged the seriousness of that loss and provided a new legal standing. God’s concern for the weak, the oppressed, and those easily abused runs throughout the Law and finds its fullest expression in Christ, who brings true liberty to those enslaved by sin. Lev 24:20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth.… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Exodus, who received the Law from God on Mount Sinai. 2. Israelites The people to whom the laws were given, forming the covenant community of God. 3. Servants Individuals in servitude, often due to debt or poverty, within the Israelite community. 4. Mount Sinai The place where Moses received the Law from God, including the laws in Exodus 21. 5. God The divine lawgiver who establishes justice and compassion through His commandments. Teaching Points Justice and CompassionThe law in Exodus 21:26 reflects God's justice and compassion, ensuring that even servants are treated with dignity and fairness. It underscores the value of every human life and the importance of protecting the vulnerable. Proportional Retribution The principle of proportional retribution is evident here, where the punishment or compensation must fit the offense. This teaches us about fairness and the need for balanced justice in our dealings with others. Value of Human Life The requirement to free a servant for the loss of an eye highlights the intrinsic value of human life and well-being over material possessions or economic gain. Freedom and Restoration The law provides a means of restoration and freedom for the injured servant, pointing to God's desire for liberation and healing in our lives. Ethical Treatment of Others This passage calls us to consider how we treat those who are under our authority or care, urging us to act with integrity and kindness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the law in Exodus 21:26 reflect God's character and His concern for justice and compassion?2. In what ways does the principle of proportional retribution apply to our modern justice systems, and how can we ensure fairness in our own lives? 3. How does the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:38-42 expand upon the Old Testament understanding of justice, and what implications does this have for our personal relationships? 4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate the value of human life in our daily interactions and decisions? 5. How can we apply the principles of freedom and restoration found in this passage to situations where we have authority or influence over others? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 24:19-20This passage discusses the principle of "an eye for an eye," which underlines the justice system in Israel, emphasizing proportional retribution. Deuteronomy 15:12-15 This passage provides additional context on the treatment and release of servants, highlighting the importance of compassion and justice. Matthew 5:38-42 Jesus references the "eye for an eye" principle, teaching about mercy and forgiveness, which expands on the Old Testament understanding of justice.
People MosesPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Account, Blow, Bondman, Bondwoman, Causing, Compensate, Damage, Destroy, Destroyed, Destroys, Destruction, Eye, Eye's, Female, Free, Freeman, Gives, Handmaid, Hits, Maid, Maid's, Maidservant, Male, Manservant, Man-servant, Marred, Perish, Sake, Servant, Servant's, Slave, Smite, Smiteth, Strike, Strikes, Woman-servantDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 21:23-27 5264 compensation Library The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are … Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Kinsman Redeemer Non-Resistance A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of the House of God; with Counsels and Directions to the Inhabitants Thereof. Appeal to the Christian Women of the South The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed by a Minority of Men from the Very Foundation of Christianity. Of the Book "What The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic Teaching. The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes - Examination of their Distinctive Doctrines. The Sixth Commandment That Deep Things Ought not to be Preached at all to Weak Souls. In Death and after Death Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia. The Section Chap. I. -iii. The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) Exodus Links Exodus 21:26 NIVExodus 21:26 NLT Exodus 21:26 ESV Exodus 21:26 NASB Exodus 21:26 KJV Exodus 21:26 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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