Exodus 21:1

KJV

¶ Now these [are] the judgments which thou shalt set before them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now these are the judgments {H4941} which thou shalt set {H7760} before {H6440} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

"These are the rulings you are to present to them:

Berean Standard Bible

“These are the ordinances that you are to set before them:

American Standard Version

Now these are the ordinances which thou shalt set before them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 21:1 serves as a pivotal gateway, immediately succeeding the foundational Ten Commandments, introducing a detailed collection of civil and social statutes known as the "Book of the Covenant." This verse signals God's deliberate transition from broad moral imperatives to specific, practical judgments, establishing the legal framework for Israel's daily life as His covenanted people. It underscores God's intention to forge a distinct, just, and righteous society, providing divine ordinances that would govern their interactions and distinguish them among the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 21:1 marks a profound shift in the divine revelation given at Mount Sinai. Following the thunderous pronouncements of the Decalogue in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"), which laid down the absolute moral and theological foundations of the covenant, this verse introduces the practical application of those principles. It initiates the "Book of the Covenant" ([Exodus 21:1-23:33](/exodus/21-1-23-33 "Exodus 21-23 - The Book of the Covenant")), a comprehensive collection of casuistic laws (case laws, often in an "if-then" format) that address specific societal issues. These include laws concerning servants, personal injury, property rights, justice for the vulnerable, and ethical conduct, demonstrating that God's covenant with Israel was not merely spiritual but encompassed every facet of their communal and individual existence, demanding a holistic expression of their relationship with Yahweh.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The giving of these laws occurs at the foot of Mount Sinai, a transformative moment where the recently liberated Israelite slaves are formally constituted as a nation under God's direct rule. Having endured centuries of oppression in Egypt, they were a nascent society in desperate need of a divine blueprint for governance, justice, and social order. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, the issuance of law codes by kings (such as the Code of Hammurabi or the Laws of Ur-Nammu) was a common practice, reflecting the monarch's authority and desire for societal stability. However, the Israelite law code, introduced in [Exodus 21](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21 - Laws Concerning Servants and Injuries"), stands unique due to its explicit divine origin, its pervasive emphasis on the sanctity of human life, justice for the marginalized, and its underlying theological premise that these laws reflect the holy character of Yahweh. Unlike other codes that often reinforced class distinctions, these divine "judgments" consistently elevate the value of human life and protect the vulnerable, establishing a society radically distinct from its pagan neighbors.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, by introducing the "judgments," immediately brings to the forefront several key themes that permeate the Pentateuch and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Law-Giving**, asserting God's absolute authority over His people and His right to establish their societal norms. Closely related is **Justice and Righteousness**, as these laws are designed to ensure equitable treatment and uphold moral standards within the community, reflecting God's own character (as seen in [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God is Just and Upright")). The concept of **Covenant Relationship** is also central; these laws are the practical outworking of the covenant established in [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Sinai"), providing the means by which Israel could live as God's holy nation. Finally, the theme of **Distinctiveness and Holiness** emerges, as adherence to these unique divine statutes was intended to set Israel apart from the surrounding nations, demonstrating their unique relationship with the one true God, as later articulated in [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From the root `שָׁפַט` (shaphat, "to judge"), this noun (H4941) refers to a verdict pronounced judicially, a sentence, or a formal decree. In this context, _mishpâṭ_ signifies divine laws, ordinances, or statutes that are binding and designed to establish justice and order. Unlike the broad moral principles of the Ten Commandments, these "judgments" are specific, often casuistic, applications of God's righteousness, providing concrete guidelines for societal conduct. They embody the principles of justice, equity, and fairness, reflecting God's character and His desire for a just society.
* **Set (Hebrew, _sûwm'_):** This primitive root (H7760) means "to put," "to place," or "to appoint." In the context of "thou shalt set before them," it conveys a direct divine command to Moses to formally present, establish, and make known these laws. It highlights Moses' crucial role as the divinely appointed mediator, responsible for the transmission and implementation of God's will to the Israelite community. The act of "setting" implies a deliberate and authoritative act of institution.
* **Before (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** This plural noun (H6440), often used as a singular, literally means "the face." When used with a prepositional prefix, as here in _lifnehem_ ("before them"), it functions as a preposition meaning "in the presence of," "in front of," or "to the face of." This emphasizes the public and accessible nature of these laws. They are not to be hidden or esoteric but openly proclaimed and made available to the entire community, ensuring transparency and accountability in their application and obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Now these [are] the judgments":** This opening clause, marked by a paragraph break in the KJV, signals a significant transition. "These" refers to the specific, detailed legal statutes that immediately follow, differentiating them from the preceding general moral principles of the Decalogue. The term "judgments" (mishpatim) emphasizes their divine origin and their nature as authoritative decrees, reflecting God's perfect justice and His intention to provide a comprehensive legal framework for His people. They are presented as binding ordinances, not suggestions.
* **"which thou shalt set before them":** This phrase directly addresses Moses, highlighting his indispensable role as the divinely commissioned intermediary. He is commanded to formally present, establish, and make these laws known to the entire Israelite community. This underscores the pedagogical and public nature of God's law; it is intended to be understood, taught, and diligently applied by all. Moses' responsibility in this act of transmission is paramount for the establishment of a righteous society based on God's revealed will.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 21:1 functions primarily as a **Transitional Statement**, effectively bridging the foundational Decalogue with the subsequent detailed legal code. It employs **Direct Address** ("thou shalt set") to Moses, underscoring his unique **Mediatorial Role** as the one commissioned by God to deliver these divine ordinances to the people. The very nature of the "judgments" (mishpatim) introduced embodies **Legal Formulation**, signaling the commencement of a comprehensive legal framework. Furthermore, the phrase "set before them" implies **Public Proclamation**, emphasizing the transparency and accessibility of God's law, contrasting with hidden or esoteric codes. The entire verse is imbued with **Divine Authority**, as these laws are presented not as human constructs but as direct pronouncements from God, reflecting His character and will for His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 21:1 introduces the profound theological truth that God's holiness and righteousness are not abstract concepts but are to be tangibly expressed in the social, civil, and legal structures of His people. It reveals a God who is deeply concerned with the practical outworking of justice, equity, and the well-being of all members of society, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized. These "judgments" are the practical outworking of the covenant established at Sinai, demonstrating how Israel was to live as a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures. They underscore the holistic nature of biblical faith, where spiritual devotion and right relationship with God are inextricably linked to ethical conduct and social responsibility, demonstrating that true worship encompasses every dimension of life.

* [Deuteronomy 4:5-8](/deuteronomy/4-5-8 "Deuteronomy 4:5-8 - Israel's Wisdom and Understanding in God's Laws")
* [Leviticus 19:15](/leviticus/19-15 "Leviticus 19:15 - Do Not Pervert Justice or Show Partiality")
* [Psalm 89:14](/psalms/89-14 "Psalm 89:14 - Righteousness and Justice Are the Foundation of Your Throne")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 21:1, though introducing ancient civil laws, offers timeless and enduring principles for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that our faith in God is not merely a private spiritual experience or a set of abstract beliefs, but has profound and tangible implications for how we live in community, interact with others, and contribute to the societies in which we reside. God's unwavering concern for justice, fairness, and the protection of the vulnerable, so vividly evident in these "judgments," should ignite within us a passion to advocate for righteousness and equity in our own contexts. We are called to embody God's character in our daily lives, striving to uphold ethical standards, promote social justice, and extend compassion to those who are marginalized or oppressed. This verse challenges us to consider deeply how our theological convictions translate into practical actions that genuinely reflect God's love and justice in a fallen world, recognizing that authentic spirituality impacts every sphere of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's transition from the broad moral principles of the Ten Commandments to these specific "judgments" inform our understanding of the relationship between overarching biblical ethics and their practical application in daily life?**
* **In what concrete ways can we, as New Testament believers, apply the underlying principles of justice, equity, and compassionate care for the vulnerable found in these ancient laws to the complex challenges of our modern societies?**
* **What does Moses' crucial role in "setting these judgments before them" teach us about the responsibility of spiritual leaders and every believer in faithfully communicating, embodying, and living out God's truth within their communities?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Book of the Covenant" and why is it important?**

Answer: The "Book of the Covenant" refers to the specific collection of laws found in [Exodus 21:1 through Exodus 23:33](/exodus/21-1-23-33 "Exodus 21-23 - The Book of the Covenant"). It is immensely important because it provides the detailed civil and social statutes that God gave to Israel immediately after the foundational Ten Commandments. These laws were designed to govern the daily life of the Israelite nation, detailing how they were to live as God's covenant people in practical terms. They cover a wide array of areas, including laws concerning servants, personal injury, property rights, social justice, and religious observance, thereby demonstrating God's desire for a just, orderly, and distinct society that profoundly reflected His own holy and righteous character.

**Are the "judgments" introduced in Exodus 21:1 still binding on Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific civil and ceremonial laws given to ancient Israel under the Old Covenant are not directly binding on New Testament believers in the same way they were for the Israelites, the underlying moral and theological principles embedded within them remain profoundly relevant and enduring. Jesus Himself affirmed the enduring moral principles of the Law, stating that He came not to abolish but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Christians are called to live by the Spirit, fulfilling the "righteous requirement of the law" through love for God and neighbor ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law") and [Galatians 5:14](/galatians/5-14 "Galatians 5:14 - The Whole Law Fulfilled in Love")). Therefore, while the specific legal codes are not directly applied, the wisdom, justice, compassion, and ethical standards embedded within these ancient judgments continue to inform our understanding of God's character and our ethical responsibilities in the present age.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 21:1, introducing God's detailed "judgments" for Israel, finds its ultimate fulfillment, reinterpretation, and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant laws were given to a specific nation to reveal God's righteousness and humanity's pervasive sin, Christ is the perfect Law-keeper and the living Word, who perfectly upholds divine justice and mercy. He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), perfectly embodying the righteousness that the Law demanded but which humanity could not achieve. The "judgments" of the Old Covenant, with their emphasis on justice, restitution, and the protection of the vulnerable, powerfully foreshadow the perfect justice and redemptive work of Christ, who offers true reconciliation and restoration for all who believe. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ bore the judgment for our sins, thereby establishing a new covenant grounded in grace, truth, and a superior mediator ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant Based on Better Promises")). Furthermore, Jesus "sets before" His followers not merely an external code, but the indwelling Holy Spirit, who writes God's law on our hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")), enabling us to live out the righteousness demanded by God from within, in a way that the Old Covenant could not empower. Thus, the principles of justice and righteousness introduced in Exodus 21:1 are not abolished but are perfectly realized, empowered, and transformed in the person and redemptive work of Christ, who transforms us from within to live lives pleasing to God and reflecting His divine character.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 4:14

And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.

Deuteronomy 6:20

[And] when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [mean] the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?

Exodus 24:3

And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.

Exodus 24:4

And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Ezekiel 20:25

Wherefore I gave them also statutes [that were] not good, and judgments whereby they should not live;

Leviticus 18:26

Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit [any] of these abominations; [neither] any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:

Deuteronomy 5:1

¶ And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.