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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 22:1–6.
Here are the laws,
I.Concerning theft, which are these:
- 1. If a man steal any cattle (in which the wealth of those times chiefly consisted), and they be found in his custody, he must restore double, Exo 22:4. Thus he must both satisfy for the wrong and suffer for the crime. But it was afterwards provided that if the thief were touched in conscience, and voluntarily confessed it, before it was discovered or enquired into by any other, then he should only make restitution of what he had stolen, and add to it a fifth part, Lev 6:4, Lev 6:5. 2. If he had killed or sold the sheep or ox he had stolen, and thereby persisted in his crime, he must restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep (Exo 22:1), more for an ox than for a sheep because the owner, besides all the other profit, lost the daily labour of his ox. This law teaches us that fraud and injustice, so far from enriching men, will impoverish them: if we unjustly get and keep that which is another's, it will not only waste itself, but it will consume that which is our own. 3. If he was not able to make restitution, he must be sold for a slave, Exo 22:3. The court of judgment was to do it, and it is probable that the person robbed had the money. Thus with us, in some cases, felons are transported into plantations where alone Englishmen know what slavery is. 4. If a thief broke a house in the night, and was killed in the doing of it, his blood was upon his own head, and should not be required at the hand of him that shed it, Exo 22:2. As he that does an unlawful act bears the blame of the mischief that follows to others, so likewise of that which follows to himself. A man's house is his castle, and God's law, as well as man's, sets a guard upon it; he that assaults it does so at his peril. Yet, if it was in the day-time that the thief was killed, he that killed him must be accountable for it (Exo 22:3), unless it was in the necessary defence of his own life. Note, We ought to be tender of the lives even of bad men; the magistrate must afford us redress, and we must not avenge ourselves.
II.Concerning trespass, Exo 22:5.
He that wilfully put his cattle into his neighbour's field must make restitution of the best of his own. Our law makes a much greater difference between this and other thefts than the law of Moses did. The Jews hence observed it as a general rule that restitution must always be made of the best, and that no man should keep any cattle that were likely to trespass upon his neighbours or do them any damage. We should be more careful not to do wrong than not to suffer wrong, because to suffer wrong is only an affliction, but to do wrong is a sin, and sin is always worse than affliction.
III.Concerning damage done by fire, Exo 22:6.
He that designed only the burning of thorns might become accessory to the burning of corn, and should not be held guiltless. Men of hot and eager spirits should take heed, lest, while they pretend only to pluck up the tares, they root out the wheat also. If the fire did mischief, he that kindled it must answer for it, though it could not be proved that he designed the mischief. Men must suffer for their carelessness, as well as for their malice. We must take heed of beginning strife; for, though it seem but little, we know not how great a matter it may kindle, the blame of which we must bear, if, with the madman, we cast fire-brands, arrows, and death, and pretend we mean no harm. It will make us very careful of ourselves, if we consider that we are accountable, not only for the hurt we do, but for the hurt we occasion through inadvertency.
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Summary
Exodus 22:6 establishes a crucial civil statute within the Mosaic covenant, addressing liability for property damage caused by accidental or negligent fire in an agrarian setting. This law mandates that if a fire, originating from one's actions, spreads and destroys agricultural assets—whether harvested grain, standing crops, or an entire field—the individual responsible for kindling the fire is strictly obligated to provide full restitution. The verse powerfully underscores the divine principles of personal accountability, the protection of private property, and the imperative of restoring what was lost, thereby fostering justice, economic stability, and social harmony within the Israelite community.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 22:6 is an integral part of the "Book of the Covenant," a comprehensive legal code found in Exodus 20:22-23:33. This section immediately follows the foundational Ten Commandments, providing detailed casuistic laws that apply God's moral principles to the practicalities of daily life in ancient Israel. Specifically, this verse is situated within a series of statutes concerning property damage and liability, directly succeeding the law regarding damage caused by grazing animals (Exodus 22:5). The progression from laws on personal injury and theft to those addressing accidental property damage highlights the meticulous nature of God's law, which seeks to govern all aspects of human interaction and economic activity. These laws collectively aim to establish a just society where individuals are held accountable for their actions, and victims are afforded a means of recovery, reflecting the covenant God's commitment to order and righteousness.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, where the cultivation of grains like wheat and barley (referred to as "corn" in older translations, not maize) formed the bedrock of its economy, sustenance, and wealth. Fields, standing crops, and harvested stacks of grain represented a family's livelihood, food security, and future prosperity. The semi-arid climate of the Near East, characterized by dry seasons and abundant dry vegetation (like "thorns" and stubble), made accidental fires a pervasive and significant threat. Farmers often cleared fields by burning off debris, a practice that, if not carefully managed, could easily lead to runaway fires. A single uncontrolled fire could swiftly devastate a year's harvest or an entire field, leading to severe economic hardship, destitution, or even famine for a family. Laws like Exodus 22:6 were therefore not abstract legal theory but vital practical legislation, designed to mitigate such risks, enforce accountability for negligence, and provide a legal framework for victims to recover their losses, thereby preserving social cohesion and economic stability in a highly vulnerable agricultural setting.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of Divine Justice and Equity, demonstrating God's meticulous concern for fair dealings among His people and the protection of the vulnerable. The emphasis on restitution over mere punishment reflects God's desire for Restoration and Wholeness within the community, aiming to make the injured party whole again. Furthermore, the law highlights the theme of Personal Responsibility and Accountability, asserting that individuals are answerable for the foreseeable consequences of their actions, even if unintended. This principle is foundational to the covenant relationship, where individuals are expected to live carefully and considerately, upholding the well-being and property of their neighbors. The detailed nature of these civil laws, including those found in Exodus 21 and Exodus 23, underscores God's comprehensive plan for an ordered and righteous society, distinct from the surrounding pagan nations.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Translated as "consumed" in the phrase "be consumed [therewith]." This primitive Hebrew root literally means "to eat" or "to devour." Its powerful use here vividly personifies the fire, depicting it as a ravenous entity that "eats up" or "gorges itself" on the crops and fields, leaving nothing behind. This imagery underscores the totality and devastating finality of the loss, highlighting the profound impact on the victim's livelihood and the urgency of the mandated restitution.
Rendered as "make restitution." This deeply significant verb is rooted in the concept of shalom (peace, completeness, wholeness). To "make restitution" (or shâlam) implies far more than mere financial compensation; it signifies restoring something to its original state of completeness, soundness, or integrity. In this context, it means making the injured party whole again, restoring what was lost, and thereby bringing about a state of "peace" or reconciliation between the parties involved by rectifying the wrong and re-establishing equity and balance.
Verse Breakdown
"If fire break out, and catch in thorns"
This opening clause establishes the scenario, indicating an accidental or negligent origin rather than intentional arson. The verb "break out" (יָצָא, yâtsâʼ) suggests the fire escaping control or spreading unexpectedly. The phrase "catch in thorns" (מָצָא קוֹצִים, mâtsâʼ qôwtsim) points to the common presence of dry, highly combustible material in fields, which made accidental ignition and rapid spread a high and constant risk in ancient agrarian societies. The emphasis is on the causation by the one who "kindled the fire," even if the subsequent spread was unintended.
"so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed [therewith]"
This specifies the precise scope and types of agricultural property damage covered by the law. "Stacks of corn" refers to harvested grain, already gathered and stored, representing accumulated wealth and a family's immediate food supply. "Standing corn" denotes crops still growing in the field, representing future sustenance and the promise of the next harvest. "The field" itself implies damage to the land's productivity, perhaps requiring significant effort and time to restore its fertility. The repeated use of "consumed" (אָכַל, ʼâkal) powerfully conveys the total destruction, leaving the victim with nothing of their valuable assets.
"he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution."
This clause delivers the legal verdict and the core command of the statute. The individual who initiated the fire, even if accidentally or through negligence, is held strictly liable for the resulting damage. The phrase "shall surely make restitution" (שַׁלֵּם יְשַׁלֵּם, shallēm yəshallēm) employs an infinitive absolute construction, which intensifies the verb, underscoring the absolute certainty, mandatory nature, and non-negotiable obligation of the restitution. The primary goal is not punitive punishment but the full restoration of the victim's loss, reflecting God's commitment to restorative justice and the well-being of all members of the covenant community.
Literary Devices
Exodus 22:6 primarily employs Casuistic Law, a common legal form in the ancient Near East, characterized by its "If...then..." structure ("If fire break out... he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution"). This structure presents a specific case and its corresponding legal judgment, making the law clear, practical, and directly applicable to particular situations encountered in daily life. The verse also utilizes vivid Imagery, particularly with the verb "consumed" (אָכַל, ʼâkal), which literally means "to eat" or "to devour." This powerful anthropomorphic imagery personifies the fire, depicting it as a hungry, destructive entity that ravenously consumes valuable crops and fields, thereby emphasizing the devastating nature of the loss and the comprehensive destruction it inflicts. Furthermore, the intensified verb "shall surely make restitution" (שַׁלֵּם יְשַׁלֵּם) serves as a form of Emphasis or Intensification, underscoring the absolute and non-negotiable nature of the responsibility to restore what was lost. The listing of "stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field" employs a form of Merism or Synecdoche, where specific, key components are named to represent the totality of agricultural property, highlighting the comprehensive protection afforded to a farmer's entire livelihood and economic foundation.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 22:6 profoundly reveals God's character as a righteous sovereign who establishes order, justice, and compassion within His covenant community. This law underscores the divine principle of personal responsibility, asserting that individuals are accountable for the foreseeable consequences of their actions, even when unintended. It champions the concept of restitution, prioritizing the restoration of the victim and the repair of harm over mere punitive measures, reflecting God's desire for wholeness (shalom) and reconciliation within the community. This commitment to equitable dealings, the safeguarding of private property, and the protection of livelihoods demonstrates God's meticulous care for the vulnerable and His establishment of a society built on fairness, diligence, and mutual respect. The law teaches that negligence has real consequences, and justice demands that those who cause loss are obligated to make the injured party whole, thereby maintaining social cohesion and reflecting the divine order.
Reflection and Application
While the specific scenario of accidental field fires may seem distant in many contemporary contexts, the timeless principles embedded in Exodus 22:6 remain profoundly relevant for modern life. This ancient statute calls us to cultivate a deep sense of personal accountability, reminding us that we are responsible not only for our intentional actions but also for the unintended, yet foreseeable, consequences of our negligence or carelessness. It challenges us to foster diligence, foresight, and a proactive posture in all areas of life—from managing our material possessions and resources to our interactions with others and our professional conduct—to prevent harm. Furthermore, the emphasis on "restitution" encourages us, when harm is caused, to actively seek to make amends, restore what was lost, and repair broken relationships. This principle extends beyond mere financial compensation to include genuine apologies, acts of service, or sincere efforts to mend the damage, whether physical, emotional, relational, or reputational. It calls us to live as responsible and considerate members of our communities, valuing the well-being and property of our neighbors as our own, reflecting the biblical call to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is this law about punishment or compensation?
This law is primarily about compensation and restitution, not punishment. While there is a clear consequence for the negligent party, the core command is "he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution." The primary goal is to make the victim whole again by restoring what was lost, ensuring that the economic burden falls on the one whose action caused the damage, rather than on the innocent victim. This reflects a key principle of Old Testament law: restoring justice and equity, and repairing the harm done to the community's fabric.
Does "corn" in this verse refer to maize (what we typically call corn today)?
No, in the King James Version and other older translations of the Bible, "corn" is a general term referring to grain, such as wheat or barley. Maize, which originated in the Americas, was unknown in the ancient Near East during biblical times. Therefore, when Exodus 22:6 speaks of "stacks of corn, or the standing corn," it refers to the staple grains that were cultivated by the Israelites as their primary agricultural produce.
What if the fire was started intentionally? Would the same law apply?
No, Exodus 22:6 specifically addresses a fire that "break[s] out" due to negligence or accident. If a fire were started intentionally with malicious intent to destroy property (arson), it would fall under different, more severe laws, likely treated as a form of malicious destruction or theft, which would carry harsher penalties. The Mosaic Law distinguished clearly between accidental harm and deliberate wrongdoing, with intentional acts often incurring more severe consequences, potentially even capital punishment in cases of extreme malice or harm to life (e.g., Exodus 21:12 for murder, or principles found in Deuteronomy 19:16-21 concerning malicious intent and its consequences).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 22:6, with its emphasis on responsibility and restitution for damage caused by negligence, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Mosaic Law addresses material loss and the restoration of earthly property, Christ's mission is to make restitution for the greatest loss of all: humanity's separation from God due to sin. Our sin, whether born of spiritual negligence or willful disobedience, has caused immense damage to creation, our relationships with one another, and most profoundly, our relationship with the Creator. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, became the ultimate "restitution" for our transgressions, taking upon Himself the full consequence of our spiritual debt and making a perfect payment on our behalf (2 Corinthians 5:21). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He fully restores what was lost, reconciling us to God and making us spiritually whole (Romans 5:10). Furthermore, Christ's teachings consistently elevate the principle of loving one's neighbor (Matthew 22:39) and actively seeking reconciliation and making amends (Matthew 5:23-24), demonstrating that true spiritual health involves not only receiving God's restoration but also participating in the restoration of others. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody these principles of responsibility, diligent care, and making things right, reflecting the restorative justice of our Savior in a world still marred by the "fires" of sin and human negligence (Ephesians 4:32).