Exodus 22

Today we are reading Exodus 22. In this chapter we read about laws regarding restitution. ““If a man gives to his neighbor a donkey or an ox or a sheep or any beast to keep safe, and it dies or is injured or is driven away, without anyone seeing it, an oath by the Lord shall be between them both to see whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor’s property. The owner shall accept the oath, and he shall not make restitution. But if it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner. If it is torn by beasts, let him bring it as evidence. He shall not make restitution for what has been torn. “If a man borrows anything of his neighbor, and it is injured or dies, the owner not being with it, he shall make full restitution. If the owner was with it, he shall not make restitution; if it was hired, it came for its hiring fee.” Exodus‬ ‭22‬:‭10‬-‭15‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Restitution is a strange word. Somehow, compensation makes up for the loss. Have you ever been made to pay restitution? Have you ever felt someone owed you restitution? These are laws to establish order and restrain people from doing something harmful to their neighbor. Think about your life…is there someone you ought to make restitution toward? The value of a relationship is much greater than the possessions you might argue over. May God help you to be generous and merciful. Pastor Tim

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