82_A God of justice

Ex 22:1-4 “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. 2 If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, 3 but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. 4 If the stolen beast is found alive in his possession, whether it is an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.

A young man once broke into a small bakery late at night. He found only a few dollars in the till, since the shop was struggling. As he turned to escape, he knocked over a set of shelves, tripped and fell. The noise was heard by the owner, who called the police. The thief was caught. In court, the bakery owner refused to press for a jail sentence, but asked that the young man work in the shop for six months as restitution. This is the heart of God’s principles in dealing with theft and swindling, in Exodus 22:1-4.

The foundational commandment, “You shall not steal,” is expanded upon in these verses. Firstly, the law acknowledges that human life is more valuable than property. A thief breaking in at night may be met with force, even lethal force, because the darkness obscures his intentions, and the homeowner has no other recourse. However, if the theft happens in daylight, the thief’s life is to be spared. This principle stands in sharp contrast to a world where people are often treated as expendable in the pursuit of wealth. Corporates prioritize profit over safety, and financial gain over health or life itself. God’s justice emphasizes the opposite priorities, reminding us that people cannot be sacrificed on the altar of greed.

Secondly, theft is a crime against property but also a violation of trust and a burden on the community that has to provide justice. It threatens society and harms the victim. God commands that stolen goods be repaid multiple times over, depending on the nature of the theft. This principle of restitution goes beyond punishment—it is meant to restore justice and deter wrongdoing. This highlights God’s concern for character rather than just outward actions. The punishment must set things right and not just acknowledge sin. This standard of justice reflects God’s own righteousness, where sin carries consequences, but grace provides abundant restoration.

Another key principle is the responsibility of stewardship. People are held accountable for anything that they borrow or are entrusted with. Carelessness and negligence are punishable. God is a faithful caretaker who neither neglects nor wastes what has been place in his care. Psalm 121:4 declares that the Lord neither slumbers nor sleeps; He is always watching over His people. In contrast, when King Ahab allowed his enemy, Ben-hadad, to go free, God rebuked him for his negligence, for it would harm his people in the future. Faithfulness in keeping a trust is a mark of godliness. We are called to be faithful stewards of others’ goods, whether it is money, relationships, or workplace responsibilities.

God also recognizes that not all loss is due to negligence. If the circumstances that cause the loss of something entrusted to us are beyond our control, there is no punishment. Again, this reflects God’s fairness. He is neither rigid nor heartless, but considers the intent behind actions. In contrast, the Pharisees, who claimed to keep the law, manipulated it for their own ends, without regard for mercy. The Lord condemned them for their ruthlessness, masked by false piety (Matthew 23:14). God’s justice is rooted in truth, but it is also full of grace.

In cases of disputed ownership, an oath before the Lord settled the truth. This reinforces the omniscience of God. Lying before God is a serious offense, for which Ananias and Sapphira died. God sees beyond outward appearances and declarations. He knows the heart. This reminds us that honesty and integrity are essential, not just before men but before God Himself.

Exodus 22 continues with instructions on relationships, morality, and social justice. In a world that views marriage as an outdated constraint, it upholds the holiness of relationships. The seduction of a woman was compensated for by marrying her, ensuring her good name and social security. Where it was not permitted by her family, the man was obligated to provide for her. Momentary pleasure could never override commitment and responsibility. True love does not obey fleeting emotions but honors others above oneself.

Offenses such as sorcery, bestiality, and idolatry all had severe consequences. These sins disrupt the boundaries God has established—between man and the spiritual world, between humans and animals, and between God and His creation. The Israelites later went into exile because of their idolatry. Societies that practiced sorcery, allying themselves with occult powers, are destroyed by wickedness. Disregarding God’s commands leaves us open to destruction. Let us be careful not to cross the boundaries God has set for our protection. Let us honor the image of God, rather than allowing other things to take God’s rightful place in our hearts.

The passage highlights God’s concern for the vulnerable. God’s people are never to oppress the foreigners, the widows, or the orphans among them. Psalm 68:5 declares, “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling.” God hears the cries of the afflicted. When they cry out to God their defender, He will avenge the injustice done to them. The Pharisees claimed to know the law, yet they exploited the poor without a twinge of conscience. As God’s people, let us deal faithfully and graciously with those who cannot speak for themselves.

God’s people were instructed to honor him with their firstfruits. By this, they demonstrated that they received everything from God, and were his vassals and tenants, rather than belonging to themselves. He also commanded them to honor those in authority. Likewise, we are called to live as holy people, set apart for His purposes. and respecting the authorities He has established. Paul, even when wrongly accused, acknowledged the need to honor rulers, quoting this very law. The fear of God is demonstrated in our respect for Him and his appointed authorities. The Israelites were forbidden to eat blood, for it symbolized the giving up of a life on the altar, an atonement for sin. The blood of Christ, shed for us, has released us from our sin and made us his own through his grace.

The law of God reveals One who is not only just but merciful. He calls us to live with integrity, to honor commitments, to protect the vulnerable, and to serve him with reverence and godly fear. Justice is not just about punishment—it is about restoration of righteousness. It is about living so as to reveal the heart of God. Let us live in such a way that our lives testify to His righteousness and love. God bless.