Prepare: The Christian fulfills the Law not by being literally under them, but by walking in the Holy Spirit.
Read: Exodus 21:1-36
Having stated His basic law, God them told Moses how to apply it to specific situations so that everybody would receive equal justice, which is the principle in verses 22-25. No person was to take the law into his or her own hands. When it comes to personal retaliation, we must obey Matthew 5:38-48. The law distinguishes between the main 'Ten Commandments' and the 'judgements'. This chapter is the commencement of particular decisions or judgements about particular cases. It is this distinction that was in Paul's mind when he said the law is abolished 'with its ordinances' (Ephesians 2:15).
God's law shows that He is concerned about everything: men, women, children, the unborn, property and even animals. This is His creation, and He has the right to tell us how to manage it. The Law did not change people's hearts, but it did help to control their conduct and give order to the nation. Laws and government have been instituted by God, and we should respect them (Rom.13).
Some penalties given here may seem harsh to us; but keep in mind that the nation was in its "childhood" (Gal. 4:1-7), and children learn best through rewards and punishments. Forty years later, when the new generation was on the scene, Moses emphasized love when he repeated the Law (Deut.6:4)
Respond: Thank God, we do not have to depend on keeping the law for our salvation. It is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that we are saved.
Read: Exodus 21:1-36
Having stated His basic law, God them told Moses how to apply it to specific situations so that everybody would receive equal justice, which is the principle in verses 22-25. No person was to take the law into his or her own hands. When it comes to personal retaliation, we must obey Matthew 5:38-48. The law distinguishes between the main 'Ten Commandments' and the 'judgements'. This chapter is the commencement of particular decisions or judgements about particular cases. It is this distinction that was in Paul's mind when he said the law is abolished 'with its ordinances' (Ephesians 2:15).
God's law shows that He is concerned about everything: men, women, children, the unborn, property and even animals. This is His creation, and He has the right to tell us how to manage it. The Law did not change people's hearts, but it did help to control their conduct and give order to the nation. Laws and government have been instituted by God, and we should respect them (Rom.13).
Some penalties given here may seem harsh to us; but keep in mind that the nation was in its "childhood" (Gal. 4:1-7), and children learn best through rewards and punishments. Forty years later, when the new generation was on the scene, Moses emphasized love when he repeated the Law (Deut.6:4)
Respond: Thank God, we do not have to depend on keeping the law for our salvation. It is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that we are saved.
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