Provision is made for accidental manslaughter - protection of the altar is removed from the deliberate murderer. (Exodus 21:17 ). These verses were quoted by the Lord Jesus:

Matthew 15:4 "For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and your mother,'..."

Mark 7:10 "... 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'"

The Lord is charging the Pharisees and Scribes with making the law of no effect by their tradition. They had invented means by which they could avoid the law of duty to their parents while pretending by a quibble to keep it. (Matthew 15:5-6 ). By quoting verse 17 to them. It is apparent that the Lord knew they were guilty of the very thing which it forbids. There is then, an attitude of heart, in neglect of parents, which in God's sight is equivalent to cursing. Perhaps some searching of heart and repentance need to take place. The severity of punishment, physical death under the law, points to the serious way God regards this sin - certainly unrepentant, unregenerate, face eternal death. (Revelation 21:8 ).

Exodus 21:28 "If an ox gores a man or a woman to death, then the ox shall surely be stoned ..."

Paul uses the ox to argue the rights of spiritual workers to receive material things of those to whom they minister. (Deuteronomy 25:4 ).

1 Corinthians 9:9 "For it is written in the law of Moses, 'You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain."

Is it oxen God is concerned about? (Cf 1 Timothy 5:18 ). Others derive a living from their occupation, so Paul and Barnabas had the right of support. The ox in Exodus 21:28 is no worker - it is a dangerous beast. Could this speak to us of professing Christian workers who gore people to death by false doctrine, superstitious worship, or by inconsistent practice of the Word, or by beating the Lord's people to extract the utmost out of them for their own selfish purposes? As such, an ox that gored to death was stoned to death, so there is judgment awaiting false workers. Notice:-

Exodus 21:28 "... but the owner of the ox shall be acquitted."

The Lord Jesus is not responsible for the wickedness and hypocrisy of those who profess to be His servants and are not.

Matthew 7:23 "And then I will declare to them. I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness."

Exodus 22:1-6 deals with theft of animals, breaking in, stealing, grazing, setting on fire.

Exodus 22:7-15 deals with dishonesty. Responsibility for what is entrusted is taught in Matthew 25:14-30.

Exodus 22:16-17 deals with immorality, the highest standards are required by the new covenant as well. A clear word is given in:

Ephesians 5:3,5 "But fornication ... let it not be even named among you, as is fitting for saints." "No fornicator ... has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God."

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you agree that the sanctity of life is stressed by the laws against murder, kidnapping and violence?
   • Do you think the violence of sinful men is curbed by strict justice?
   • Do you accept that the rights of an injured person are to be put before that of someone who owns a dangerous beast (Exodus 21:28 )?
   • Are there prophesying spiritual workers who injure or even gore people to death?
   • Can you hold the Lord responsible for wicked, false servants, who profess to be His but are not (Matthew 7:22-23 )?

2. As you read what God says about your personal property and your rights to protect (Exodus 22:1- 15 ) do you see God's kindness, and righteous judgment?
   • Do you appreciate the Lord's concern for you to live in a good, protected environment?
   • By standing for righteous judgment are you contributing to the welfare of the community in which you live?

3. A high moral standard is expected by God. How applicable do you believe verses in Exodus 22:16-17 are in today's promiscuous society?
   • Do you believe that the gospel requires believers to present a high moral standard of family life to the unsaved?