EXODUS 21
12 “Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death. 13 But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee. 14 But if a man willfully attacks another to kill him by cunning, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.15 “Whoever strikes his father or his mother shall be put to death.16 “Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death.17 “Whoever curseshis father or his mother shall be put to death.18 “When men quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or with his fist and the man does not die but takes to his bed, 19 then if the man rises again and walks outdoors with his staff, he who struck him shall be clear; only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall have him thoroughly healed. – Exodus 21:12-19
EXODUS 21 LAWS TO PROTECT HUMAN LIFE & TO HONOR PARENTS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
The Lord created life and every human is precious to him
Because God owns every human being, we have no right to kill
God stipulated laws so that the preservation of life will be honored
When humans exercise violence to harm someone, it is against life
When someone intentionally strike his parents, they ought to be punished
God brought about life through parents, so God wants them honored
Though these laws were originally made for slaves and masters, we can easily see how our civil and criminal laws were extracted from them. God was setting boundaries here regarding the importance of keeping peace, honor and love and most especially to preserve “life” whom he created himself. If you look closely at civil and criminal laws made by governments in varying cultures, we will have a sense that these laws were based on God’s laws. The justice system ensures every human life to be preserved. What’s interesting in this account is the importance of honoring parents. In Exodus 20:12, God commanded us to honor our parents that our lives may be long. This only shows how the roles of parents are so precious to God. They are the ones who bring about human life in this world, which reminds parents of the special role they play in this world. They are responsible for every child they have brought about to life.
REFLECTION
- Why do you think the fifth commandment is the only one with a promise?
