life for life ...

Exodus 21:12-36
We would still see issues of sexism and conflicting values in these measures (e.g. you can’t kill a slave, but if is able to get up a day or two after beating him/her it’s OK [verses 20-21]). As barbaric as this all is to us (it seems especially merciless to children), there is actually here movement toward equality before the law, and limitation of retaliation. The effect would be to keep tribal-type vengeance from spinning out of control, as it is inclined to do still, in 'modern' states and 'civilized' relationships.

If a rich person was responsible for someone’s death, he could not just pay off the crime – he faced the same penalty as anyone else. There is also the frequently cited factor of the limitation of retaliation, in the exactness of what is prescribed. This also was of benefit to the less entitled, since someone more powerful was not permitted to keep on exacting a penalty, or more than one could defend his family against.

Once again we have to read this as part of the larger scope of things, even though that would not have made life in these times any less harsh. But that may be the key to getting our heads even a little around such a passage: We’re talking about harsh times, daily threat; survival of individuals and of a new nation. You probably had to be there to experience the wisdom of divine direction for the time, along with the even harsher realities without direction.

Prayer:
You showed favor to your land, O LORD;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins.
Selah
You set aside all your wrath
and turned from your fierce anger.
Restore us again, O God our Savior,
and put away your displeasure toward us.
Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger through all generations?
Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your unfailing love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation.
Psalm 85:1-7 (NIV)