In Exodus 21-23, we find many examples of casuistic or “case law.” Rather than go in depth on the dozens and dozens of individual laws written there, let’s look at a couple of specific categories. First, we find Exodus 21 addresses the fair treatment of slaves. What? As 21st century Americans the idea of “fair treatment of slaves” sounds like an oxymoron. How can a slave be treated fairly? That’s a great question. The truth is slavery is not an acceptable practice. It was practiced in Israelite society, and American slave owners used passages such as Exodus 21 to justify their ownership of slaves. We could wish if they were going to carry out the onerous practice, they would at least have followed the commands found in Exodus, because the Israelites were expected to treat the slaves fairly, and to give them specific rights. Some say the Bible is not a culturally-conditioned book, but Exodus 21 shows us it is. By the time of the New Testament, slaves were still used, but the Apostle Paul mandated slave owners treat their slaves fairly, and at least in one case as a “brother.” He pointed out that gaining one’s freedom was a good goal.
As Jesus’ followers, we need to admit the Bible’s positions on slavery, and then affirm the need to eliminate the practice. The truth is human trafficking, which is a modern form of slavery, is rampant in the world. Our first goal is always to share the gospel, and to offer people the opportunity to be freed from sin and death through Jesus’ salvation. A second goal must accompany that first goal, and it is to free people from all forms of slavery however they are lived out practically. Literal slavery whether for sexual purposes, or labor purposes, or any other purpose is sinful. As Jesus’ followers we are called to work to eliminate it. We must also work to free people from slavery to addictions of all types.
Some say Christians ought to avoid “social justice” issues. James, the brother of Jesus, told us if we see people who are hungry or without clothes, but offer them only a “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” but don’t do anything to help, that is wrong. As we read Exodus 21, we need to read it in light of all of the Bible’s teaching, as well as the history of Christian experience to our day. Sometimes we won’t be able to come to easy answers for what to do, but in every case we must seek Jesus’ will and then carry it out in the power of the Holy Spirit.
It’s interesting that throughout Exodus 21-23, we find God’s concern for fairness, justice, and living in appropriate relationships with one another. Some of the recommendations seem extreme to us, and they are by today’s standards. We must remember God was establishing a people who would be set apart from the pagan nations surrounding them. The laws He offered did that. He promised to bless and protect the Israelites, and that blessing was contingent on their obedience to Him. We will find throughout the Bible, God’s people have not been able to live up to the standards of the Law, which is why Jesus had to come. He fulfilled what we could not by living in perfection, thus making it possible for us to be in relationship with God and each other as God always intended. God’s action in Jesus was extreme. As we read the laws in Exodus we will do well to remember God’s ways for His people at any moment often will be counter or against the culture. When we see that, let’s ask, “Why is God doing that, or establishing this law at this moment?” That question helps us go through the hard task of discerning God’s purpose rather than dismissing it, because it doesn’t fit our culture’s biases.
As I wrote when we considered Mark 5 on day five, this is one my favorite chapters in the Bible. I wrote extensively about it then. If you want to review my comments, go back to the Day 5 reading!