Exodus 21:23 meaning
In the intricate legal framework of Ancient Israel, specific guidelines were established to address various social issues, including personal injuries and their consequences. A pivotal aspect centers on the principle of proportionality in justice, ensuring that punishment corresponds directly to the offense. In this context, the law aimed to establish a balance, preventing undue retaliation or excessive punishment for offenses. This principle, known as lex talionis or "eye for eye," was a significant step toward reducing personal vengeance and ensuring that legal retribution was measured and just.
The provision outlines that if harm occurs to a woman and her child during a conflict, and if mischief follows, the offender must face severe consequences. The emphasis is on the sanctity of life, where the law recognizes a woman's pregnant state as worthy of protection. Thus, if a fatal outcome arises from a miscarriage, the responsible party is to be held accountable with the utmost severity. This is vividly expressed in Exodus 21:23, which reinforces God's view on the value of life and the importance of justice within the community. The law underscores the direct relationship between the offense and its reparation, illustrating the compassionate yet firm approach to justice established by divine decree.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Exodus 21:18-27 meaning. Here are the judgements for four instances of violence done to a person where the victim does not die. The four instances are: violence between free people, violence done to servants, violence done to a pregnant woman which causes the loss of her baby, and bodily injury to a servant.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Exodus 10:21-29 meaning. Verses 21 – 29 describe the ninth plague. As with the third and sixth plagues, it was unannounced. There was no bartering between Moses and Pharaoh, so there was no warning given. It involved a darkness that has never been seen in a country where the sun almost shines every day. As in previous plagues, Israel was not affected by this plague.
- Exodus 21:18-27 meaning. Here are the judgements for four instances of violence done to a person where the victim does not die. The four instances are: violence between free people, violence done to servants, violence done to a pregnant woman which causes the loss of her baby, and bodily injury to a servant.
- Exodus 23:20-23 meaning. The last section of the Book of the Covenant serves as its conclusion. Though it contains further emphasis on obedience, it concentrates on what the LORD promised to do on Israel's behalf. This is typical of Suzerainty treaties at the time. Specifically, the LORD promised an "angel" to guide them to the Promised Land and to defeat their enemies along the way if they would obey God's voice.
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