Daily Bread

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Personal Property Protection

Date: Jun. 2, 2021

Passage

Exodus 22:1-15

22:1 “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.

5 “If a man causes a field or vineyard to be grazed over, or lets his beast loose and it feeds in another man’s field, he shall make restitution from the best in his own field and in his own vineyard.

6 “If fire breaks out and catches in thorns so that the stacked grain or the standing grain or the field is consumed, he who started the fire shall make full restitution.

7 “If a man gives to his neighbor money or goods to keep safe, and it is stolen from the man’s house, then, if the thief is found, he shall pay double. 8 If the thief is not found, the owner of the house shall come near to God to show whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor’s property. 9 For every breach of trust, whether it is for an ox, for a donkey, for a sheep, for a cloak, or for any kind of lost thing, of which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come before God. The one whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.

10 “If a man gives to his neighbor a donkey or an ox or a sheep or any beast to keep safe, and it dies or is injured or is driven away, without anyone seeing it, 11 an oath by the LORD shall be between them both to see whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor’s property. The owner shall accept the oath, and he shall not make restitution. 12 But if it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner. 13 If it is torn by beasts, let him bring it as evidence. He shall not make restitution for what has been torn.

14 “If a man borrows anything of his neighbor, and it is injured or dies, the owner not being with it, he shall make full restitution. 15 If the owner was with it, he shall not make restitution; if it was hired, it came for its hiring fee.

Key Verse: Exodus 22:3b

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.

1. Thieves must make restitution (1-6)

God's command is: You shall not steal (20:14). As owners are held responsible for their possessions, the law also grants the right to own and protect personal property. In all cases of theft, appropriate restitution (usually to pay back double) is to be made, even if the thief must be sold to cover the debt. By setting the restitution clearly, thieves are protected from unjust penalties or revenge. Instead of stealing, we should work and share with those in need (Eph 4:28).

2. God, through judges, determines guilt (7-15)

In cases where guilt is not obvious, both parties are to appear before judges who represent God himself. Those declared guilty must pay back the victim double. If no clear decision is found, an oath before the LORD is to settle the matter. Fear of the LORD keeps society honest and just. Without this, justice is undermined and impossible.

Prayer: Father, we could never repay our debt, but you have brought reconciliation through Jesus' blood. Help me to be thankful, respect other people's property, and live in the fear of the LORD today.

One Word: Make restitution

We Are Your Sheep, Lord

Psalm 79:1-13

Key Verse: 79:13

But we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise.

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