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Peter Barnes | Exodus 22:1-15
SERMON NOTES
CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
Exodus 22:1-15
– based on the eighth commandment: ‘You shall not steal’ (Ex.20:15).
1. Human life is far more valuable than property.
– 22:2-3a. It is extraordinary in that there is some protection for the thief. When two women were hanged for forgery, William Wilberforce (1759-1833) exclaimed: ‘Alas. How Bloody are our Laws.’
2. The basic penalty for stealing is restitution plus compensation.
– 22:1, 4. There are no fines to be paid to the state, and no gaol sentence, but restitution plus compensation to the person who was robbed.
– Charles Colson actually says that when this is done, it is not unheard of for the victim and the burglar to become friends! About the year A.D. 600 King Ethelbert of Kent brought in restitution in his civil law.
3. Applications in various circumstances.
(a) It is slavery for six years if the thief cannot repay – 22:3b.
(b) It is full restitution for willful damage – 22:5-6.
(c) Provision is made for accidental loss – 22:7-9, 10-11, 13 (Amos 3:12 is looking back to Ex.22:13). John Currid understands the references to God in verses 8 and 9 to mean the judges as in 21:6. The only exception concerns if there is thieving – 22:12. We are to look after other people’s property without being responsible for their losses – 22:14-15.
4. Applications for today.
– for civil law, and for true repentance – Luke 19:2-9.