Having outlined the 10 core values of Jewish society - values about respect of God, respect of self, and respect of neighbours' life and possession, Moses now enters a discussion of what these values look like in society when they are lived out.
Today's passage illustrates how life is respected in community life, and how the punishment of taking of life is death.
Of course, we don't live in a world of oxen and slaves. But we do have cars, and people we may be responsible for at home and at work. How would these examples "translate" in our culture?
Notice the fine distinctions between the value of human life and animal life, and the careful distinction between intentional and accidental death.
First, Moses notes the difference between killing someone, and accidentally hurting someone - like injuring a slave while they are being disciplined. There is restitution required, but the offender is not subject to death.
Second, owners of animals are responsible to make restitution when their animals kill someone. Howver, the owner of an animal that causes death is not himself subject to death, unless he knowingly keeps a dangerous animal.
Third, a person who causes the death of another's animal is not subject to death, but is responsible to make restitution.
Finally, the owner of an animal accidentally causes the death of another's animal, the responsibility is shared and they both get a piece of the dead animal, as well as half the proceeds from the sale of the surviving one. Except when there is clear negligence, then the neglient owner gets nothing.
Write
Think about your faith story: how have you been impacted by the loss of life and possession - as one who caused a loss and one who suffered a loss? How was restitution made? Was it "fair"?
In your life presently, whose actions do you share the responsibility of? In what ways and to whom you may owe restitution?
Who do you know owes you resitution?
Pray
What
is God saying to you today? What's Good News to you?
Talk to God about your experience with restitution. Thank God for his greace and mercy in forgiving you of an unrepayable debt, when he has such a high demand of repayment.
Pray about the people whose action you are responsible for. And pray for the people you owe restitution, and ask God for wisdom for appropriate repayment.
Pray for your friend who owes you restitution Pray for the wisdom and and grace to know how to repair the relationship - either by asserting the repayment or forgiving it.
Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy in the way he forgives your debt, and the way he helps you to forgive the debts of others.