Good stewards not only use what they own well but they respect what others own as well. In verses 1-5, Moses instructed the people on the law for theft. If a stolen animal is sold or killed, it is to be paid back five or fourfold times. If the thief is killed by the owner during the crime, he is not guilty. If he is killed afterwards, the defender is guilty of murder. There is a difference between self-defense and vengeance. If the thief cannot afford to make restitution for what he stole, he will be sold. If the animal is alive, he must pay back double.

This is the law for unintentional losses caused by man or animal. If an animal strays into someone’s field and grazes his crop, the owner must compensate him with his livestock or crop. If a person starts a fire and it spreads to someone’s field, the person must pay for his losses. If anyone is given care of silver or goods and it is stolen, the thief must pay back double. If the thief is not caught, the owner of the house must prove to the court it was stolen and who is the thief.

The owner and claimant of illegal possession of stolen property or claim of stolen property must bring the dispute to court. The judge’s verdict will be final. The innocent will be compensated doubly. If a person taking care of someone else’s animal dies, injures, or is stolen he declares his innocence by taking an oath. If accepted, the owner cannot seek restitution. If the animal is stolen, he must pay restitution. If it is killed by a wild animal, he must prove it and no restitution is needed. If anyone borrows an animal and injures it or it dies and the owner is not present, restitution is required. If the owner is present, there is no need for restitution. If the animal is hired, the money paid for the hire should cover the loss.

In verses 16-31, the law on social behaviors and obligations. If a man seduces a virgin pledged to someone, he must pay the bride price and marries her. But if the father forbids it, he must pay the bride price for a virgin. The death penalty will be for the sorceress, someone who has sex with animals, and idolaters. God will judge those who mistreat or oppress aliens or take advantage of widows and orphans. Do not charge interest or take pledges for loans. Do not blaspheme against God or curse your ruler. Do not withhold grain offerings, firstborn sons, or animals but return them to God. Do not eat any unclean animal, dead or alive.

The laws revealed God is just and holy. No one should take advantage of others. If we agree to take up responsibility, we are responsible for it. These social behaviors and obligations are for God’s people to live godly lives as His people in society. They are to protect us from each other and to reflect His godly nature and character as His holy people.

My Prayer: “Lord, I will live and behave as a holy person!”