1. Protection of property (1-15)

Those coming out of a slave society have little respect for the property of others. These laws teach that a person must be responsible for damage that he causes to another's property. Here, the word 'restitution' is repeated. Punishment is meted out, not as vengeance, but to teach responsibility. The 6th commandment, 'You shall not steal,' is the basis of these laws.

2. Social responsibility (16-31)

Power corrupts people. There was a tendency in the former slave society for the strong to take advantage of the weak, for this is what they had learned from slave life. These laws protected the lives, property and honor of weak people. Verses 21, 29b and 31a remind God's people of who they were and of whose they are. Concern for others rests on God's mercy and compassion.

Application: Lord, give me your compassionate heart and your wisdom so that I can be a responsible citizen and person.
One Word: Once a slave; now, God's holy people