Summary

Exodus 21 contains various laws given by God to the Israelites, focusing on the treatment of servants, personal injury, and property rights. These laws are part of the covenant code that establishes justice and order within the community.

Key Points

• Laws regarding Hebrew servants, including the duration of service and conditions for freedom (Exodus 21:1-6).

• Regulations for female servants, ensuring their rights and protection (Exodus 21:7-11).

• Laws concerning personal injury, such as penalties for striking or killing another person (Exodus 21:12-14).

• Rules for dealing with cases of assault, including injuries to parents and kidnapping (Exodus 21:15-17).

• Penalties for causing bodily harm, including compensation for injuries and the principle of "an eye for an eye" (Exodus 21:18-25).

• Laws regarding the treatment of servants, including punishment for striking a servant and causing death or injury (Exodus 21:26-27).

• Regulations for the protection of pregnant women and the consequences of causing a miscarriage (Exodus 21:22-23).

• Laws concerning the responsibility of animal owners, including penalties for injuries caused by oxen (Exodus 21:28-32).

• Rules for restitution in cases of property damage, such as when an animal falls into a pit or when one animal injures another (Exodus 21:33-36).