Exodus 22 Summary: A Concise Overview in 5 Minutes

Exodus 22 Summary - A Quick Overview

WHEN:

• God delivered the Israelites from slavery in approximately 1491 B.C.

• The events of Exodus 22 took place 3 months after the Hebrews left Egypt (19:1).

CHARACTERS:

• God– The Lord descended on Mount Sinai in chapter 19. In Exodus 22, God spoke with Moses on the mountain and gave him His law for the nation of Israel.   

• Moses – A Hebrew who grew up in the house of Pharaoh. He fled Egypt in Exodus 2 and went to live in Midian. God called him back to Egypt to deliver the Israelites from slavery.

WHERE:

• This conversation between God and Moses happened on Mount Sinai.

OUTLINE:

• LAWS AND PUNISHMENTS FOR THEFT AND ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE (22:1-15):

  • This chapter is a continuation of God’s conversation with Moses on Mount Sinai. God was communicating His laws for the Israelite nation.

  • If a man stole an animal and was caught, he was to pay anywhere between 2-5 times the value of the item stolen.

  • If a man’s animals grazed in another man’s field, the owner of the animals was to repay what was eaten with the best of his own field or vineyard.

  • A man who suspected his neighbor of stealing from him could bring him before God and God would reveal if any crime had been committed.

  • If a man was entrusted to care for his neighbor’s animal but it was killed by wild beasts, no restitution was required.

  • If a man borrowed an animal and it died or was injured without the owner being present, the borrower was required to pay for the animal. If the owner was present, no payment needed to be made.

  • If a rented animal died or was injured, the renter was not required to pay.

• LAWS RELATED TO SOCIAL JUSTICE AND WORSHIP (22:16-31):

  • If a man slept with a virgin, he was to marry her. If her father refused to give her to him, he was still required to pay the bride price.

  • Sorcery, sexual relationships with animals, and idol worship was punishable by death.

  • The Israelites were not to oppress foreigners who lived among them.

  • Mistreating widows and orphans was strongly forbidden.

  • A Hebrew was not to charge interest to another Hebrew when loaning money.

  • If a man borrowed his neighbor’s cloak, it was to be returned by sundown.

  • Offerings to God were to be made promptly and the firstborn of animals and men were to be dedicated to the Lord.

  • The Israelites were to be consecrated to the Lord.

APPLICATION:

• God has always cared for the less fortunate and the poor.

• Verse 22 includes one of many commands in the Old Testament that required the Israelites to treat widows and orphans well.

• These commands are repeated in the New Testament, with James calling care for orphans and widows “pure and undefiled” religion.

• What is your relationship with the less fortunate? Does your faith lead you into the service of these kinds of people? If not, why not?

• How can you be more involved in helping the people who need it most?