EXODUS 21
20 “When a man strikes his slave, male or female, with a rod and the slave dies under his hand, he shall be avenged. 21 But if the slave survives a day or two, he is not to be avenged, for the slave is his money.22 “When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman’s husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. 23 But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.26 “When a man strikes the eye of his slave, male or female, and destroys it, he shall let the slave go free because of his eye. 27 If he knocks out the tooth of his slave, male or female, he shall let the slave go free because of his tooth. – Exodus 21:20-27
EXODUS 21 LAWS ON VIOLENCE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Every human life is precious to God who created all things
He made every person in his own image and likeness
Therefore, it is an offense against God when we harm anyone
He gave laws for us to remember that violence destroys his creation.
Though these verses are laws for slaves and masters to follow, we can clearly see the importance of following them as well in our lives. The dictionary definition of “violence” is defined as any behavior involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something. I think that this is not a full definition because we are not just made up of physical matter, but God designed us with a mind, a soul, a spirit which are not all physical. So, if I’d like to add to that definition which could include hurting or damaging one’s soul, mind or spirit.
Notice how God especially mentions pregnant women. Remember, that it is the woman with child who bears another life inside her womb. They need to be given more care and protection because they are two persons in one body. To hurt someone is an act of violence to one individual, but to strike a pregnant woman is committed against two persons. Sadly, in our world today, there is not much honor and regard given to women in certain cultures. The world has disregarded the vessel whom God used to bring “life.”
REFLECTION
- How do you think our laws protect women especially pregnant ones?
