Exodus 21: The Purpose of the Law

²² “If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. ²³ But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, ²⁴ eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, ²⁵ burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.” -Exodus 21:22-25

Let’s face it–the Old Testament Law seems foreign to us today. There is no way to explain it in a manner that satisfies our modern ears or eyes. The best we can do is seek to grasp it principles and how it impacts lives in its time.

In the same chapter, the law affirms the life of the unborn (vv. 22-25), yet gives guidelines for slavery, and tells the Israelites to take life for life and eye for eye. The death penalty is affirmed for murder as well as for cursing one’s parents.

On the positive side, it is important to note that Christians believe the Old Testament law has been fulfilled in Jesus. We are no longer bound by this law, but follow Christ. Yet the Old Testament’s laws are important for the very fact that it highlights areas important to God.

The God of the Old Testament cared greatly for the lives of the unborn, just treatment of all people, and respect for family and parents. These are qualities God still cares deeply about, even if the same laws don’t apply.

Today, do not forget God’s great love for you and for others. Speak up for those in need, care for those in weak positions, show love for your family. Such needs are universal and greatly needed in our modern lives.

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Dillon Burroughs is the author and coauthor of numerous books and is handwriting a copy of all 31,173 verses of the Bible at HolyWritProject.com. Find out more about Dillon at Facebook.com/readdB or readdB.com.