Topical Bible: Assault and Battery: Laws Concerning

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In the context of biblical law, the concepts of assault and battery are addressed within the broader framework of justice, personal responsibility, and community harmony. The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites, provides specific guidelines on how to handle cases of physical harm and violence, reflecting the importance of maintaining order and protecting individuals within the community.

Old Testament Laws

The Old Testament, particularly the Pentateuch, contains several passages that outline the consequences for acts of violence. Exodus 21:18-19 states, "If men quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or with his fist, and he does not die but is confined to bed, then the one who struck him shall go unpunished; he must pay for the lost time and see that the victim is completely healed." This passage highlights the principle of restitution, where the offender is responsible for compensating the victim for their loss and ensuring their recovery.

Further, Exodus 21:23-25 introduces the lex talionis, or the law of retaliation: "But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe." This principle was intended to limit retribution and ensure that the punishment was proportionate to the offense, preventing excessive vengeance.

Protection of Vulnerable Individuals

The Mosaic Law also emphasizes the protection of vulnerable individuals, such as slaves and pregnant women. Exodus 21:26-27 states, "If a man strikes the eye of his male or female servant and destroys it, he must let the servant go free in compensation for the eye. And if he knocks out the tooth of his male or female servant, he must let the servant go free in compensation for the tooth." This provision underscores the value of human life and dignity, even for those in servitude.

In the case of pregnant women, Exodus 21:22 provides guidance: "If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband demands and as the court allows." This law reflects the concern for both the mother and the unborn child, recognizing the potential harm caused by violent actions.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not provide specific legal codes like the Old Testament, it reinforces the principles of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, particularly in Matthew 5:38-39 , challenge the traditional understanding of retaliation: "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." This teaching emphasizes the importance of responding to violence with grace and restraint, promoting peace over retribution.

The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of personal conduct in Romans 12:17-19 : "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" This passage encourages believers to trust in God's justice rather than seeking personal revenge.

Conclusion

The biblical approach to assault and battery underscores the importance of justice, restitution, and the protection of individuals within the community. While the Old Testament provides specific legal guidelines, the New Testament calls believers to a higher standard of love and forgiveness, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in addressing human conflict.

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Exodus 21:15,18,22-27
And he that smites his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.
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Deuteronomy 17:8-12
If there arise a matter too hard for you in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within your gates: then shall you arise, and get you up into the place which the LORD your God shall choose;
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Matthew 5:38,39
You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
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Latitudinarian Churchmanship.
... the Jansenists, he led the assault upon the ... cried out that still stricter laws were
needed ... the Independents with the Presbyterians, concerning the expedience ...
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