Exodus 21:1-32
Dear RTB’ers,
Today and continuing for the next two weeks we read the rest of Exodus. The book of Romans provides a good transition to Exodus. Remember Paul’s mentions of “the Law” in Romans, especially in chapters 7 and 8. Now we will be reading part of that Law – some of it in Exodus, a huge chunk in Leviticus, and a second reading of the Law in Deuteronomy. Much of our reading of the Law will be a listing of a bunch of laws and consequences for misbehavior. Some of these laws will make sense, even for today. Some will seem fit for the culture back then. And for some, you’ll just have to scratch your head and wonder. Frankly, much of the work of the scribes and Pharisees in Jesus’ time was to explain the Law and the official interpretation of aspects of any given law, since cultures had changed a lot in the 2000+ years since the Law was given.
Only one item to point out today. (The rest you can do your own analysis.) Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death. But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee. (vv. 12-13) You will probably remember reading about “cities of refuge” when Joshua and his assistants were dividing up the Promised Land. It’ll be 500 or more years before that gets done, but it does get done.
Enjoy our return to Exodus!
Blessings!
Fred