Mishpatim מִּשְׁפָּטִים - Laws
Torah Portion: Exodus: 21:1-24:18
Exodus 21:20–22:3
21:20 “If a man strikes his servant or his maid with a rod, and he dies under his hand, the man shall surely be punished. 21 Notwithstanding, if his servant gets up after a day or two, he shall not be punished, for the servant is his property.
22 “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. 2 If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him. 3 If the sun has risen on him, he is guilty of bloodshed. He shall make restitution. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
Today’s Meditation:
Today’s reading teaches us about justice. If someone does you harm, there must be compensation. The punishment should match the crime. And apparently, if you can’t find a way to initiate equal justice, then here is the remedy—a life for a life. In our time, it’s called capital punishment. We are responsible to live under the law in our land, as were the Israelites. The instructions and Laws are clearly given. For every crime there is a consequence.
Today’s Challenge:
How do you feel about equal justice? Do you think everyone who does something intentionally wrong should be punished? Is it a fault among our family and friends that we are not penalized for wrongdoings? For instance, if your young child hits you, do you say, “Oh, don’t hit daddy. That’s not nice.” Or do you spank him for hitting you? This section of Scripture really makes you think about equity in punishment. The end goal is to become a better person. To learn how to treat others. Make changes where necessary, but do so equitably.
