Exodus 21:31

Exodus 21:31 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 21-23), which outlines specific laws given by God to Moses immediately following the Ten Commandments. This particular verse addresses the legal consequences when a dangerous ox, known to its owner as prone to goring, harms a child.

Context

This verse directly follows Exodus 21:29-30. In Exodus 21:28, if an ox accidentally gored someone to death, the ox was to be stoned, but the owner was acquitted. However, verse 29 introduces a critical distinction: if the ox had a known history of goring and the owner failed to restrain it, then the owner was held culpable, potentially facing the death penalty or a ransom payment. Verse 31 clarifies that this severe judgment applies equally whether the victim is an adult man, a son, or a daughter, emphasizing the universal value of human life under God's law.

Key Themes

• Equal Justice for All: The law makes no distinction between an adult, a son, or a daughter. The value of life, regardless of age or social standing, is equally protected under God's law. This highlights God's impartial justice and concern for all members of society.
• Owner's Accountability: The owner of the dangerous ox is held directly responsible for failing to manage a known threat. This principle underscores the importance of diligence and foresight in preventing harm to others, reflecting a broader biblical emphasis on personal responsibility.
• Sanctity of Life: The severity of the penalty (death or ransom) for causing death, even indirectly through negligence, demonstrates the high regard for human life in Israelite law. This concept is foundational to biblical ethics and the value God places on human beings.
• Redemption and Ransom: The option of a ransom payment, mentioned in Exodus 21:30 and extended here, introduces a mechanism for atonement or redemption, where a price is paid to avert a greater penalty. This foreshadows deeper biblical concepts of redemption.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "judgment" is mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט), which refers not just to a legal decision, but also to justice, ordinance, or customary law. Its use here reinforces that these are divine statutes intended to establish a just and orderly society, reflecting God's righteous character and commitment to fairness.

Practical Application

The principles embedded in Exodus 21:31 remain highly relevant today for guiding ethical conduct and societal norms. They call us to:

• Exercise Responsibility: We are accountable for the potential dangers associated with our property, our actions, and even our words. This applies to everything from controlling a pet to maintaining a safe environment and ensuring our conduct does not negligently harm others.
• Protect the Vulnerable: The law's specific mention of sons and daughters underscores the particular responsibility to safeguard children and those who are less able to defend themselves. Society has a moral and legal obligation to protect its most vulnerable members.
• Uphold Justice: This verse reminds us that true justice requires equal application of the law, valuing every human life irrespective of status, age, or background. It challenges us to ensure our legal and social systems reflect God's impartial standards.