Exodus 22
Leviticus 22 deals with the holiness of priests and the acceptability of offerings brought to God. Verses 1–16 explain who may eat the holy offerings and under what conditions. Verses 17–33 set standards for animals brought as offerings, emphasizing that what is offered to God must be whole and without blemish.
1verse“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.
2verseIf the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him.
3verseIf 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.
4verseIf the stolen property is found in his hand alive, whether it is ox, donkey, or sheep, he shall pay double.
5verse“If a man causes a field or vineyard to be eaten by letting his animal loose, and it grazes in another man’s field, he shall make restitution from the best of his own field, and from the best of his own vineyard.
6verse“If fire breaks out, and catches in thorns so that the shocks of grain, or the standing grain, or the field are consumed; he who kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.
7verse“If a man delivers to his neighbor money or stuff to keep, and it is stolen out of the man’s house, if the thief is found, he shall pay double.
8verseIf the thief isn’t found, then the master of the house shall come near to God, to find out whether or not he has put his hand on his neighbor’s goods.
9verseFor every matter of trespass, whether it is for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any kind of lost thing, about which one says, ‘This is mine,’ the cause of both parties shall come before God. He whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.
10verse“If a man delivers to his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep, and it dies or is injured, or driven away, no man seeing it;
11versethe oath of the LORD shall be between them both, he has not put his hand on his neighbor’s goods; and its owner shall accept it, and he shall not make restitution.
12verseBut if it is stolen from him, the one who stole shall make restitution to its owner.
13verseIf it is torn in pieces, let him bring it for evidence. He shall not make good that which was torn.
14verse“If a man borrows anything of his neighbor’s, and it is injured, or dies, its owner not being with it, he shall surely make restitution.
15verseIf its owner is with it, he shall not make it good. If it is a leased thing, it came for its lease.
16verse“If a man entices a virgin who isn’t pledged to be married, and lies with her, he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife.
17verseIf her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.
18verse“You shall not allow a sorceress to live.
19verse“Whoever has sex with an animal shall surely be put to death.
20verse“He who sacrifices to any god, except to the LORD only, shall be utterly destroyed.
21verse“You shall not wrong an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.
22verse“You shall not take advantage of any widow or fatherless child.
23verseIf you take advantage of them at all, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry;
24verseand my wrath will grow hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
25verse“If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be to him as a creditor. You shall not charge him interest.
26verseIf you take your neighbor’s garment as collateral, you shall restore it to him before the sun goes down,
27versefor that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What would he sleep in? It will happen, when he cries to me, that I will hear, for I am gracious.
28verse“You shall not blaspheme God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
29verse“You shall not delay to offer from your harvest and from the outflow of your presses. “You shall give the firstborn of your sons to me.
30verseYou shall do likewise with your cattle and with your sheep. It shall be with its mother seven days, then on the eighth day you shall give it to me.
31verse“You shall be holy men to me, therefore you shall not eat any meat that is torn by animals in the field. You shall cast it to the dogs.
Regulations for Priests and Holy Offerings
The first half of the chapter repeatedly stresses that priests must not profane the holy things of Israel. A priest who is ritually unclean must not eat holy food until he is cleansed. The chapter also clarifies which members of a priestly household may eat the holy portions and which people may not.
The Meaning of Wholeness in the Offering
The latter half commands that animals brought for burnt offerings, vow offerings, and freewill offerings must be without defect. God is not honored by careless or defective offerings. The point is not mere external perfection, but reverence: what is brought to God should reflect sincerity, honor, and covenant faithfulness.
Meditation Points
- Holiness: The chapter prompts us to remember that those who belong to God must approach Him with reverence.
- Attitude in offering: Worship and devotion should not be leftovers; they should express our best and our truthfulness before God.
Apply It to Yourself
- Reflect on the attitude with which I bring worship, time, possessions, and service to God.
- Check whether my worship and daily life are marked by holiness, honesty, and wholehearted devotion.
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