Ely
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Posts: 34
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Post by Ely on Aug 14, 2007 11:44:35 GMT -8
Hey folks, Another awkward question concering : 12 He that smiteth a man, so that he dieth, shall surely be put to death...18 And if men contend, and one smite the other with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keep his bed; 19 if he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed. 20 And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall surely be punished. 21 Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money. Exodus 21:12, 19-21The accusation made is that the values the life of a slave as less than the life of a free-man (due to the lack of death penalty if the slave continues alive for at least a day). Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated
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Ely
New Member
Posts: 34
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Post by Ely on Aug 14, 2007 14:27:01 GMT -8
OKay, having just compared Exodus 21 in context with Leviticus 25:39-55 and Deuteronomy 15:12-18, it is clear that placesmuch value on the life of a "slave." With this broader context in mind, I would have to agree with what many commentators say concerning Exodus 21:20-21. The idea seems to be that if the master had deliberately sought to kill his servant and had succeeded (immediate he died straight away), then the master should be punished accordingly - with death ( 21:12). However, if his intention was not to kill, and the death was accidental (as evidenced by the prolonged death), the loss of the slave would in itself be a punishment as the slave was already bought for money. This perhaps seems a little bit contrived. But I am inclined to agree with this having compared the other passages. These passages make clear that masters were to treat their slaves with respect. Abba says of these slaves "they are My servants whom I brought out of the land of Mizraim...you shall not rule over them with severity but you shall fear Elohaynu" ( Leviticus 25:42-43, cf. 46, 53).
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